For the first time in over 20 years, the Minnesota Twins won a playoff series last year, solely because it'd be funnier if a matchup between a team that never wins playoff games and the Toronto Blue Jays would end their way. The 2023 Twins team had so many great pieces, solidified heroes and great performances, and was much more varied and versatile than the 2019 Bomba team. Granted, they didn't last long before falling in battle to those damned Astros, but the playoff win was something the Minnesota fans had been waiting for ages for, and I'm glad they finally got it.
That said it's interesting to see the Twins' improved approach in 2024, because to me a lot is different. Sonny Gray, Jorge Polanco, Michael Taylor, Kenta Maeda and Joey Gallo are all gone, there goes the team's home run leaders and ace from last year. This year, people like Alex Kirilloff, Willi Castro, Louie Varland, Chris Paddack and Matt Wallner are playing larger, crucial roles, while newcomers like Carlos Santana, Steven Okert and Manuel Margot look to factor in prominently. And while the big pieces like Pablo Lopez, Byron Buxton, Max Kepler, Joe Ryan and Carlos Correa are still intact, you're already seeing pieces like Jhoan Duran and, just recently, Royce Lewis land on the IL.
The Twins team I glimpsed in 2023 was the type that could come back from setbacks, and had enough depth options to withstand things like this. I'm not immediately seeing this depth, as the fourth and fifth starting options are now Chris Paddack and Louie Varland, which is a far cry from Ober and Maeda being positioned there last year. I look at teams like the Guardians and even, kinda, the Tigers, and there might arguably be more depth there than in Minnesota, which is wild.
That said, the Twins just brought up Austin Martin, another recent draft pick, sort of the Junior Caminero in this situation, although Royce Lewis isn't a creep. Martin was the other piece of the Jose Berrios trade [aside from Simeon Woods-Richardson, who, typeface constricting aside hasn't affected the majors much at all], he was heating up triple-A last year, made the roster to start the season, I feel like he'll be a cool corner infield pick for this stretch. Worse comes to worse, if he and Lewis are fighting for reps, deal him for a starter. Ya never know when you're gonna need a better choice for 4 and 5 [again, I'd love for Paddack to prove me wrong this year].
The other thing in the Twins' favor? I wasn't sure about their 2023 approach either. I was worried the lower-budget mentality and focus on newer kids in big positions would make them too forgettable. Then Pablo Lopez showed up and started owning everybody. Lopez is already looking for a trophy case year, his first start went super well and this is still prime material for the hurler. If it had been anybody else in the Marlins' rotation, the Arraez deal would have been a mistake, but Lopez has provided this team consistency and so many perks. Plus, they love Pablo Lopez. The fans love this guy. I'm here for it.
The Twins may look different, and may be working on different things, but I think they still have a chance for the division this year. It won't be easy, but these guys could pull away pretty quickly.
Coming Tomorrow- One of many Chicago Cubs looking for a big year.
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