Minnesota Twins 2018 Season Preview
By David Hill
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?