Presenting a very deep MLB 2022 rookie All-Star team
By Bill Felber
First base
The injuries to key players — Byron Buxton, Jake Cave, Chris Archer, Sony Gray and others — provided opportunities for young players to step up up. Miranda was among those few in the Twin Cities who seized that opportunity.
His personal window opened when projected first baseman Miguel Sano began the season in an .083 slump, and then went on the injured list.
Debuting in early May, Miranda is batting .270 with 15 home runs and 64 RBI, all of that working out to a 120 OPS+. A second-round pick in 2016, Miranda lingered five seasons in the Twins’ system before finally getting his chance.
Now Miranda, who is only 24, seems to have seized full control of the position from Sano and all other potential challengers. Since his callup, Miranda has started all but 14 of Minnesota’s games, and hit safely in 70 of them.
He’s contributed 1.1 WAR to the Twins’ effort to stay within sight of the Guardians and White Sox. The one area where he needs to improve is on his defense. Through his first part of a season, Miranda’s defensive numbers are modestly negative.
Still, Miranda has a window going forward to become Minnesota’s regular first baseman. If he can ramp up his production slightly, he can be an important contributor to future pennant chases in the AL Central.