Minnesota Twins: The Twins are quietly championship contenders
The Best Bullpen of Unknown Names
Quick, name the three-headed monster in the Minnesota Twins bullpen. Chances are nobody outside of Minnesota is able to answer that question. The Twins’ bullpen had the best FIP of any 2019 bullpen by posting a FIP of 3.92 and narrowly edging out the Rays.
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Leading the charge was Taylor Rogers who converted 30 of his 36 save opportunities after being recalled in the middle of May. Rogers averaged over eleven strikeouts per nine innings pitched.
The other two underrated weapons in Minnesota’s bullpen are Trevor May and Tyler Duffey who combined for 33 holds in 2019 and like Taylor Rogers, both relievers averaged over eleven strikeouts last year.
Sergio Romo also came over from Miami at the trade deadline and helped solidify the Twins’ bullpen with his vast postseason experience. Romo was brought back on a one year deal to continue where he left off from in 2020.
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The Twins also brought in the underrated veteran Tyler Clippard during free agency to not only solidify their own bullpen but take away a weapon from the division-rival Indians.
In 2019, Clippard held the opposition to a .176 average and he was surprisingly effective against left-handed batters limiting them to an average of .123. Clippard will further improve a deep and talented Twins’ bullpen.
The New York Yankees and even the Houston Astros are viewed as the favorites to win the American League pennant but the Minnesota Twins should be right there in 2020 if they are able to build off of their breakout 2019 season. The additions of Josh Donaldson, Rich Hill, and Kenta Maeda should help push the Twins from being a very good team to a team with serious championship aspirations.
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In 2019 the Yankees swept the Minnesota Twins who were just happy to be back in the postseason but in 2020 the Yankees will not be able to bully their way past Minnesota if they meet up again. With good health and a few lucky breaks, the Twins could find themselves in their first World Series since 1991 if the ball rolls their way in 2020.