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MLB Win Totals 2021: Predicting AL Central Over Unders

By Travis Koch

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox is greeted by Tim Anderson #7 after he hit a two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics in the third inning of Game One of the American League wild card series at RingCentral Coliseum on September 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox is greeted by Tim Anderson #7 after he hit a two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics in the third inning of Game One of the American League wild card series at RingCentral Coliseum on September 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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MLB Win Totals 2021: Minnesota Twins

Over/Under 88.5 wins

Prediction: Over

More than anything, the Twins want to correct their wrongs from last year’s two-and-out postseason appearance. To do so, they’re going to have to win a ton of regular-season games. Can they conquer more than 88?

Minnesota’s offense was a shadow of its 2019 version. They had the same hitters, but a handful of them performed well below standards. The Twins ranked 20th in MLB with a .315 OBP and 18th with a .242 batting average. They ranked 6th and 2nd in those statistics, respectively, the year prior.

Common sense indicates their lineup will return to glory in 2021. The Twins re-signed top slugger Nelson Cruz, and number-two prospect Alex Kirilloff should graduate to MLB permanence with a spot in the outfield. If Josh Donaldson, Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco, and Mitch Garver can have anything near bounce-back seasons, Minnesota’s offense should be one to fear.

We can’t commit an entire section to the Twins without mentioning their defensive wizards up the middle. Shortstop Andrelton Simmons has fielded four Gold Gloves over his nine-year career, and if it weren’t for injuries, center fielder Byron Buxton would have multiple of his own by now. If you want a glimpse into their upcoming on-field impact, consider their combined 244 DRS across 15 big league seasons.

Simmons and Buxton will make the guys on the mound better, which is crucial because Twins pitchers are the key to their 2021 campaign. Their bullpen should be outstanding, but their starters must reach a higher gear.

Kenta Maeda will likely come back to Earth as he’s stretched out to 25+ starts, which means Jose Berrios needs to step up. He’s been good each year of his career, but he has greatness in him. It’s time for the mega-talented right-hander to post Cy Young-worthy numbers.

Expect an enormous season from Berrios. Expect the Twins to win 90+ games.

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