NFL
Written By Steve Rogers
Well, it was an offseason full of changes. The Minnesota Twins released new uniforms for this 2023 season. The main logo is now a white very square capital M with a red four-point star above it. They have a patriotic-themed red white and blue uniform. They have a classic grey and pinstripe option. The Twins added a brand new look as well with an off-white cream-colored uniform with blue lettering that says Twin Cities. That might be the most popular jersey here in the Twin Cities this year!
As a lifelong believer that blue is the best color I can’t believe I’m going to say this but I might miss the scarlet uniforms from the last few years!?! The Twins made upgrades to the stadium as well. For starters, they doubled the size of the main scoreboard along with updated LED boards. The celebration display was also given updated LEDs new logos and a new look. The coolest new feature though is the giant spinning led baseball medallion with the new TC logo inside it mounted on top of the tower, giving the stadium almost like a beacon to let the Twin Cities know it’s Twins time.
The Carlos Correa Saga
At first, he appeared to be headed out west to sunny San Fransico. Right up until signing day when the Giants pulled out with concerns over his physical and medical history with his ankle. Then it appeared he was headed to New York. Until yet again, the Mets, this time backed out with medical concerns. So, the Minnesota Twins took another look at Correa and went ahead and resigned him to stay right here in the Twin Cities. Let us rejoice! How many teams have a World Series-winning star shortstop on their rosters? At 28, he’s still in the prime of his career.
The Big Trade for the Minnesota Twins
Luis Arraez burst onto the scene last year, continuing to build on an impressive breakout the year prior. He beat out Aaron Judge for the A.L. batting title and ended the season with a .316 batting average. Then the Twins traded him to the Florida Marlins for right-handed starting pitcher Pablo Lopez. Trading a top hitter for hopefully a top pitcher. Will that work out? The Twins have needed a true Ace to anchor the front of the pitching staff for a few years now. Have they found the answer?
Minnesota Twins 2023 Roster
Let’s start with the pitching staff. Returning from last year will be Sonny Gray, Joe Ryan, Tyler Mahle, and returning from Tommy John surgery, Kenta Maeda. Let’s hope Maeda can regain his 2020 self and keep his ERA under 3.0 he could be solid as the fifth starter. Add in Lopez and that is the starting five for the Minnesota Twins this year. Lopez has been named the Opening Day starter against the Kansas City Royals.
Out in the bullpen for the Twins this year. Mostly familiar names and faces here. Caleb Thielbar is back. Jorge Alcala will be used more this year. The Twins will be looking for more out of Griffin Jax it seems this year. Emilio Pagan is back for year two. Looking to carve out a role is Jovani Moran. The Twins will be using a dual closer concept. Young flame thrower Jhoan Duran will be one-half of the two-headed monster. The other will be Jorge Lopes.
The Position Players
At First Base will also be a pair, a pair of sluggers. Jose Miranda and once he returns from his wrist surgery, Alex Kirilloff. At Catcher, the Twins will have a dynamic duo as well with Christian Vazquez ad Ryan Jeffers. Then Second Base will be platooned by Jorge Polanco or Nick Gordon. Playing Third Base will be Jose Miranda (if not already at 1st) or Kyle Farmer. In the Outfield, you will have in left either Joey Gallo or Trevor Larnach. In Center Field will be the combo of Byron Buxton or Michael A. Taylor. Lastly, in Right Field, we have Max Kepler or Michael Taylor. With the MLB going all DH this year here are the Twin’s possible designated hitters: Buxton, Larnach, Kirilloff, Gordon, or Jose Miranda.
2023 Season Outlook
The Minnesota Twins traded the best left-handed hitter in the game for one of the top right-handed throwers in the game. It has strengthened and maybe solidified the starting rotation here. The question remains will it be enough on its own? Have the Twins lost the offensive spark plug? Do they have enough other offensive weapons to offset Arraez’s departure? Will the improved pitching mean the offense won’t have to score as many runs this year?
I think this is an interesting year for the Minnesota Twins in the A.L. Central the division is rather soft. It shouldn’t take much to take the crown in this division. The Twins have been flirting with getting into playoff contention for a few years now. The timing and construction of the roster as is, are compelling, to say the least.
With a major focus on health both getting and remaining healthy are the biggest worries for the Twins this year both on the mound and in the field. Last year the Twins were hit hard by the injury bug. They looked to add depth where possible to mitigate the fall-off from starters to backups. Like adding gold glove outfielder Michael Taylor. However, the Twins will start the year without starting second basemen Jorge Polanco dealing with knee issues. Nick Gordon will do fine in his absence. In a move to help keep Buxton in the lineup without overusing him, he will be starting the year as the DH and possibly at times during the season to give his legs rest from the outfield. Anything to keep Buxton in the lineup as consistently as possible is going to pay dividends. He is the cog that makes this team go.
Minnesota Twins Prediction
This Twins team has been working on turning the corner for three years now. They might have gotten a lot of things figured out this off-season. Now with the season set to begin Thursday, we can see just how much. The 162-game marathon begins with the biggest acquisition starting pitcher Pablo Lopez taking the mound for opening day in Kansas City to face the Royals.
I think this team has a chance to compete for the A.L. Central if not for sure a wild card spot. Last year the Minnesota Twins finished third in the division with a 78-84 record. They should be able to at least flip that to 84-78. If not flirt with 90-plus wins. Yes, this Twins team can make the playoffs but can they do anything once they get there? That remains to be seen. Be sure to stay right here with me and teamnbsmedia.com all season long and follow my Twins Talk Weekly Podcast for all the latest Twins news.
