Byron Buxton and the Minnesota Twins: A Deep Dive into the 2024 Season
After two weeks at spring training, and now back home, the Minnesota Twins are gearing up for Opening Day, which is less than three weeks away. This season brings a mix of excitement and questions, particularly surrounding star center fielder Byron Buxton and the team’s evolving roster. Let’s dive into the mailbag and address what’s on everyone’s minds.
Young Players Ready to Contribute?
The Twins’ trade deadline fire sale last year yielded some promising young talent. Several players acquired are poised to make a significant impact this season. Taj Bradley, acquired for Griffin Jax, is almost certain to be in the Opening Day rotation. Mick Abel, from the Jhoan Duran trade, will either start or be on standby at Triple-A St. Paul. Alan Roden and Kendry Rojas, who arrived in the Louie Varland trade, are likely to see action. Roden could even win an Opening Day job, depending on how the Twins resolve their corner-outfield competition, which also includes James Outman. There’s even a possibility Hendry Mendez could force his way into the Twins’ second-half plans.
The Trevor Larnach Conundrum
The Twins’ decision to tender Trevor Larnach a contract continues to raise eyebrows. Despite his mediocre production and the logjam of left-handed corner bats, the Twins retained him via arbitration for $4.475 million. It appears the front office anticipated a trade market for Larnach, which hasn’t materialized. Perhaps they would have been better off clearing space for Roden and allocating the saved funds to bolster the bullpen. However, $4.475 million isn’t an exorbitant salary for a platoon corner outfielder/designated hitter. The issue lies in the shrinking payroll, the influx of younger lefty bats, and the failure to address clear roster weaknesses.
Jeremy Zoll’s Impact on Baseball Operations
Since Jeremy Zoll took over for Derek Falvey on January 30th, there haven’t been any major signings or trades. It’s too early to assess any significant changes in approach. Zoll was Falvey’s right-hand man for years and took on an even more prominent role after replacing Thad Levine as general manager last offseason. It’s unlikely Zoll’s overall strategy will deviate drastically from Falvey’s, but subtle differences will inevitably emerge. The fact that neither Levine nor Falvey was replaced with an outside hire suggests a continuity of approach. Any substantial shift will likely be driven by owner Tom Pohlad, but his words haven’t yet been matched by action.
ABS Challenges and Coaching
During spring training, players are encouraged to challenge Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) calls liberally to familiarize themselves with the system. The Twins, like many teams, are giving catchers more leeway to challenge than pitchers, with hitters falling somewhere in between. This is supported by minor-league data and the understanding that pitchers’ emotional bias can cloud their objectivity. The ABS system could actually increase the value of catchers, as those who master challenges could have a significant impact on games.
Brooks Lee’s Long-Term Potential
The outlook for Brooks Lee as a long-term shortstop is uncertain. The Twins’ recent first-round picks, Kaelen Culpepper and Marek Houston, are shortstops who currently project to be superior defenders. Lee may be better suited for second or third base. He needs to prove he can be a short-term shortstop, and more importantly, demonstrate that his hitting is major league caliber this season.
International Scouting Improvements
The Twins overhauled their international scouting department two years ago, hiring Roman Barinas and promoting Kevin Goldstein. These changes were prompted by underwhelming international results. However, it takes four to five years to see the impact of these changes. For example, Emmanuel Rodriguez, signed in 2019, is now a consensus top-100 prospect poised to debut this season.
Byron Buxton and Trade Speculation
Byron Buxton’s concerns about trade speculation have largely subsided, for now. However, the underlying situation remains unchanged. If the Twins continue to struggle and engage in another trade deadline fire sale, it’s understandable Buxton might seek a trade. Tearing down the team around a 32-year-old All-Star is a risky proposition.
Buxton’s Place in Twins History
With 29.8 career bWAR, Byron Buxton ranks ninth in Twins history among position players. Reaching the top six, passing Bob Allison, Chuck Knoblauch, and Kent Hrbek, is doable but unlikely given his age and injury history. Multiple healthy, All-Star-level seasons would be required.
Future Outfield Potential
The possibility of an outfield consisting of Byron Buxton, Rodriguez, and Walker Jenkins is exciting. This could become one of the top outfields in Twins history, both offensively and defensively.
Offseason Excitement and Fan Engagement
The Twins’ announcement of $2 pregame beer specials has been the most popular thing they’ve done since the 2023 playoffs. Other teams, like the St. Louis Cardinals, are also exploring ways to improve fan experience and value. Making fans feel they’re getting a fair deal is crucial, especially when the on-field product is lacking.
Source: The Athletic
