Minnesota Twins 2018 Season Preview
The Minnesota Twins were one of the biggest surprises in baseball last year, qualifying as one of the Wild Cards. Can they take that next step this year, and contend for the AL Central?
Expectations for the Minnesota Twins were muted heading into the 2017 campaign. They had come off of a disappointing 2016 performance, posting a 59-103 record as virtually everything went wrong. However, in 2017, the Twins took the step they were expected to take the previous year, ending the season with an 85-77 record, earning a Wild Card berth.
Heading into the 2018 campaign, expectations are high once again for the Twins. The path to the AL Central appears to be easier, given the losses suffered by the Indians, and their closing window of contention. Minnesota took steps towards making that move up the standings, strengthening their bullpen, signing Lance Lynn to a one year deal, and trading for Jake Odorizzi.
And yet, the Twins are not without question marks heading into the season. Ervin Santana will miss most of the first month of the season, leaving a hole in the rotation. Jorge Polanco will be serving an 80 game suspension for PED usage, leaving a hole at short for the first half. Even with those improvements made this offseason, there are still potential problems in Minnesota.
If the Minnesota Twins want to fulfill expectations, and can overcome those issues to start the season, 2018 could be a special year. But will they be able to catch the Indians?
Minnesota Twins additions and subtractions
Key additions: Lance Lynn, Fernando Rodney, Addison Reed, Michael Pineda, Zach Duke, Jake Odorizzi
Newcomer to watch: Lance Lynn. The Minnesota Twins needed another top of the rotation arm if they wanted to have a realistic chance to compete in 2018. They filled that gap by inking Lynn to a one year deal.
There are concerns with Lynn. He missed the entire 2016 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but came back strong last year. He led the National League with 33 starts, posting an 11-8 record with a 3.43 ERA and a 1.229 WHiP. Even then, advanced metrics say that Lynn was lucky, as he had a 4.82 FIP, the worst mark of his career.
Traditionally, pitchers perform closer to their career marks in their second season following Tommy John. Should that be the case with Lynn, he will be exactly what the Twins needed, another solid top of the rotation arm to pair with Ervin Santana and Jose Berrios. He should be able to hold down the top spot until Santana comes back, giving Minnesota the depth they need.
Notable losses: Matt Belisle, Chris Gimenez, Bartolo Colon
Biggest loss: Matt Belisle. Middle relievers do not get much attention, unless they implode on the mound. And yet, having that solid pitcher in the middle of the bullpen can make a big difference.
That was exactly the role that Matt Belisle filled for the Twins. He filled several roles, even closing after the trade of Brandon Kintzler when Minnesota went into sell mode. Over the course of the season, he posted a 4.03 ERA and a 1.160 WHiP, notching nine saves and 17 holds. In his 60.1 innings, Belisle struck out 54 batters, while issuing only 22 walks.
Yes, the Minnesota Twins have strengthened their bullpen, bringing in Addison Reed and Fernando Rodney. However, Rodney is anything but a given, capable of imploding at any time. Having an arm like Matt Belisle, a solid, albeit unspectacular middle reliever, would have helped any concerns over the current relief situation.
What to expect from the Minnesota Twins in 2018
After their impressive 2017 campaign, the Minnesota Twins have high hopes for the coming year. It is easy to understand why.
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There is no question that the pitching staff has improved. Adding Lance Lynn to the rotation not only helps bridge the gap until Ervin Santana returns, but it allows Jose Berrios time to continue his development. Jake Odorizzi was a nice acquisition, and will take the ball on Opening Day. Addison Reed and Fernando Rodney both have the Certified Proven Closer label, although Reed may be the better option. The days of needing to scour the scrap heap for the likes of Bartolo Colon appear to be over.
Minnesota is also expecting to make strides on offense as well. Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano appear set to take that next step to stardom. Brian Dozier is still a solid contributor in the middle of the lineup. Joe Mauer put together his best season since 2013, with a batting average over .300 and hitting 36 doubles.
The pieces appear to be in place for the Twins to go on a run. The pitching staff has improved, and the offense is solid. However, there is room for growth as well, as there are quite a few young players that are still developing. If Berrios, Buxton, and Sano can all continue to improve, the 2018 campaign could be special in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Twins have improved their roster over last year. At this point, the AL Central may well go through Target Field. Prediction: First place in AL Central.