Twins' success impresses MLB executives, despite rebuilding originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Twins have been better than expected this season after having a fire sale at the trade deadline last season. The Twins are 13-16 and sit 2.0 games behind the Detroit Tigers for the lead in the American League Central.
The Twins’ success has been due to quality starting pitching (12th in starters' ERA, 3.97) and some of their young players taking a step forward offensively.
In a poll of Major League Baseball executives by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Twins tied with the Cincinnati Reds (three votes) as the most surprising team this season. One American League executive noted the Twins' farm system will help “supplement” the roster as the season progresses.
“Despite being in the middle of a rebuild, their younger players have been producing offensively, hitting for power,” an AL executive said. “They have frontline starters who have been impressive, with the potential to supplement the roster as the season progresses from their farm system.”
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Right-hander Taj Bradley has pitched like an All-Star this year — 3-1 with a 2.91 ERA and 37 strikeouts in six starts — and right-hander Joe Ryan has been consistent — 2-2 record with a 3.90 ERA and 33 strikeouts in six starts.
On offense, the Twins have seen production from outfielder Austin Martin (.327 batting average /.955 OPS), utility man Tristan Gray (.292/.840) and outfielder Trevor Larnach (.259/.815).
On the farm, the Twins have outfielders Walker Jenkins (No. 1 prospect), Emmanuel Rodriguez (No. 4) and Gabriel Gonzalez (No. 7) waiting to join if needed. Other prospects, like left-handers Connor Prielipp (1-0 with a 4.00 ERA) and Kendry Rojas, have contributed to the big league roster.
With the American League Central as bad as it is, the Twins could be buyers instead of sellers at the trade deadline if they keep up the production.
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