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Minnesota Twins: Are they contenders or pretenders?

By Phil Akre |
Jun 17, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) celebrates with left fielder Eddie Rosario (20) after scoring runs in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) celebrates with left fielder Eddie Rosario (20) after scoring runs in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

After a terrible 2016 campaign, the Minnesota Twins have surprised this season. With a grip on the American League Central’s top spot for most of the season, can the Twins hold on and make it to the postseason?

The Minnesota Twins have contributed to an eventful, fun and surprising 2017 Major League Baseball season.

After finishing last season with 103 losses, the Twins have rebounded nicely this season. The team has had a grip on the American League Central for most of the season, due largely to the slow starts of the Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers.

Still, though, the Twins have played solid ball to this point.

The team has the MLB’s 14th best offense in terms of combined batting average (.255). They’ve been led by the likes of Miguel Sano, who’s 16 home runs and 48 RBI are among the league’s best.

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While he doesn’t hit for power, Eddie Rosario has put up solid numbers, as he has slashed .272/.310/.770.

Even veteran and face of the franchise Joe Mauer is doing well at age 34, with a .271 average, 14 doubles and 23 walks.

Somehow, Ervin Santana has revitalized his career at the age of 34, as the righty owns a 2.56 ERA with a 0.947 WHIP.

For all of the good that this team has had, there have been more negatives.

For starters, Byron Buxton still hasn’t figured things out at the major league level. His .204 average and 44 strikeouts through 129 at-bats are definitely reasons for concern. At this point, it’s fair to think he may turn out to be a bust.

More concerning as a whole, though, is the teams run differential. While run differential isn’t the most important stat for a team’s success, the Twins stand at -41, which is simply not sustainable if they are looking to win the division.

Another major problem for the Twins lies ahead of them: The improving Cleveland Indians. Winners of seven of their last 10, the Tribe appears determined to shake off their mediocre start to the season.

With a superior lineup and pitching staff, the Indians still look to be the eventual division winners in the Central.

Along with the run differential, the Twins starting rotation ERA of 4.79 isn’t good enough to bring them to the postseason. Sure, Santana has been an ace, but could he become trade bait?

The team’s bullpen, with a MLB-worst 5.29 combined ERA, doesn’t look ready for the postseason, either.

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While this Twins team certainly has some talented pieces, it’s tough to imagine them staying consistent enough to overtake the Indians as the division favorites.

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