MLB: Three Teams Underperforming Run Differentials
By Ehsan Kassim
3. Minnesota Twins
2016 Record: 32-56
Run Differential: -71
2016 PythagenPat: 37-51
+/-: -5
2016 BaseRuns: 39-49
+/-: -7
The Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are in the middle of an exciting battle for the number-one pick for the 2017 draft. All three teams are within a game of each other, as they battle to get the only upside of a terrible season, the top overall pick.
However, the Twins have not been as quite as terrible as the other two teams, especially when it comes to their run differential. The Twins’ run differential suggests they should be the sixth-worst team in baseball instead of the third-worst.
As the theme with teams on this list continues, the Twins have struggled in one-run games, with an 8-16 mark.
The Twins are ninth in the American League with their 105 home runs and their 95 wRC+ ranks 10th. The Twins are in clear rebuild mode and have given a lot of time to their younger players this season, and among them Miguel Sano has been impressive, posting a 119 wRC+ in 257 plate appearances.
On the pitching side, the Twins own a 4.97 ERA and a 4.47 FIP. Their starters own a 5.26 ERA and a 4.60 FIP in 482.2 innings of work, the fourth least among teams in the American League.
The Twins bullpen has contributed a much more appealing 4.51 ERA and a 4.25 FIP in 295.2 innings of work, the fifth most in the American League.
With the Twins likely selling at the deadline, Ervin Santana could be a name that entices contending teams. He owns a 4.06 ERA and a 4.09 FIP in 93 innings of work, likely headed for a season better than league average.
The 2016 season was never going to be the year the Twins were going to take the league by storm, but they have shown enough promise this year and are well positioned to add another top-of-the-draft pick.
Next: Number 2