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Minnesota Twins 2017 Season Preview

By Benjamin Chase

Mar 4, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano (22), shortstop Jorge Polanco (11) and second baseman Brian Dozier (2) share a laugh during a pitching change during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano (22), shortstop Jorge Polanco (11) and second baseman Brian Dozier (2) share a laugh during a pitching change during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Key Offseason Additions

Probably the largest offseason signing was catcher Jason Castro. While not a “sexy” signing, Castro is well-regarded defensively, and he should provide the Twins pitching with the leadership they sorely missed last season.

For roughly the cost of one season of Castro, the Twins signed two veteran relievers to help shore up what was a rough bullpen in 2016, primarily due to issues with depth. Matt Belisle and Craig Breslow may not be guys who strike fear in opposing offenses, but they will likely not hurt the Twins either.

Scanning the waiver wire this winter, the Twins feel that they found a gem in utility infielder Ehire Adrianza. Adrianza offers defensive flexibility, though he doesn’t offer a ton with the bat.

The Twins did some wheeling and dealing in December’s Rule 5 draft to bring in righty Justin Haley, who was in the Boston Red Sox organization in 2016. He was selected by the Angels in the Rule 5, who then traded him to the Padres, and the Padres turned around and traded him to the Twins for the Twins pick, Miguel Diaz.

Haley is a guy who has started his entire minor league career with a cross-fire delivery, throwing across his body with a fastball in the low-90s along with a change and curve. He’s a guy who would play well in a long man role, which made him an ideal Rule 5 guy.

Key Offseason Losses

When the Twins signed catcher Kurt Suzuki to a three-year deal in the 2013-2014 offseason, they thought they had a solid starter locked up while they developed a future backstop.

After a solid first year under contract, Suzuki fell off offensively and defensively and the Twins did not bring him back this offseason, and he signed as the backup catcher in Atlanta.

At 30 years old, Trevor Plouffe has been part of the Twins organization for 12 seasons after being the 20th overall selection in the 2004 draft out of high school. It was a rather bitter pill for Plouffe to take when he was told by the new Twins brass of their intent to waive him via a voice mail.

Plouffe has found his way to Oakland and is likely to hold down their third base position this season after averaging 23 home runs and 34 doubles per 162 games over the last five seasons.

At the trade deadline last season, the Twins acquired reliever Pat Light from the Boston Red Sox for lefty Fernando Abad. The new Twins regime was not as impressed by Light, trading him away this offseason to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named or cash.

Let’s take a look at the position players of note for 2017…

Next: Lineup/Bench

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