The Minnesota Twins had one of the league’s best rotations last year and that should be the case once again. The lineup is looking to return to form after a 78-win season. The Twins have postseason aspirations and can return to the top of the AL Central if all goes right.

2023 SEASON IN-REVIEW

Record: 78-84, 3rd in AL Central

Postseason: N/A

It was a disappointing season for the Twins after the addition of Carlos Correa. Minnesota entered the year with high hopes in the AL Central but could not make a run when it mattered at the end of the season. While the year did not end in the postseason, it saw production from players that will play a big role moving forward.

2024 SEASON PREVIEW

Key Losses: SP Sonny Gray, SP Kenta Maeda, SP Tyler Mahle, qB Joey Gallo

Key Additions: 1B Carlos Santana, RP Josh Staumont, RP Jay Jackson

The 2023 Twins were carried by an elite pitching staff. Minnesota hopes that this is the case once again. That, along with potential star power in the middle of the lineup, gives Minnesota hopes in returning to the top of the AL Central.

The Twins will feature a big-time staff once again, despite losing Sonny Gray. Pablo Lopez will takeover as the ace of a staff that is consistent across five guys. The final spot in the rotation is up for grabs between Louie Varland and Anthony DeSclafani. The latter has struggled with an elbow issue during Spring Training. If healthy, DeSclafani seems to be the favorite, which means Varland would return to a role where he was successful last season — the bullpen. Paddack is on his way back from Tommy John surgery as well.

The bullpen is also a strength for the Twins. There is plenty of depth across the board with Matt Canterino and Simeon Woods Richardson acting as relievers that could step in and make starts if needed. Jhoan Duran is the ace of the bullpen in the closer role.

The Twins are not lacking pop in the middle of the lineup. Now, it is all about stars returning to form. Both Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton put up underwhelming years for their standard. Both struggled with injuries that hindered progress, both at the plate and in the field. Buxton had offseason knee surgery and is reportedly at full strength.

Former No. 1 overall pick Royce Lewis shined last season and looks like a star moving forward. This gives the Twins another star in the lineup. If all goes right, Minnesota could be one of the most well-rounded teams in the league. Also, Brooks Lee has a chance to make the jump from Triple-A at some point this season. The 23-year-old has torn up the minors and could be ready for the big leagues by the summer.

The Twins had a down year in 2023 but should be considered the favorite in a competitive AL Central. If the lineup performs to its standard, this will be a postseason team.

Potential Starting Lineup

1. Edouard Julien, 2B
2. Carlos Correa, SS
3. Byron Buxton, OF
4. Royce Lewis, 3B
5. Max Kepler, OF
6. Carlos Santana, 1B
7. Matt Wallner, OF
8. Ryan Jeffers, C
9. Alex Kirilloff, DH

Potential Rotation

• Pablo Lopez
• Joe Ryan
• Bailey Ober
• Chris Paddack
• Louie Varland/ Anthony DeSclafani

Final Record Prediction: 88-74