The season started really well. The Twins were the first place team through the first half of the season and into August. On Aug 19, they were 62-55, still just one game behind the Guardians. On Aug 22, Byron Buxton went on the IL and never returned. The Twins faded badly and finished in third with a 78-84 record. Through 92 games Buxton had 4.0 WAR and 28 home runs…that’s a 7 WAR, 49 homer pace. He has now missed about 50% of the games for the Twins over the past 4 years. Their other best player was Carlos Correa, who finished with 5.4 WAR, .834 OPS. In the offseason, owner Jim Pohlad announced he’d transition team control to his nephew, Joe Pohlad.
Obviously the most important free agency hole is the one left by Correa, who exercised his opt out clause after one year with the team. They need a catcher with Gary Sanchez also being a free agent (I’d say any team that has Sanchez as their starting catcher needs a new starting catcher anyway). Miguel Sano, Dylan Bundy and Chris Archer all became free agents due to not having team options picked up. The AL Central is not a strong division, so the Twins could be able to make some noise in 2023…if they can replace Correa’s production and have Byron Buxton stay healthy. Those are two pretty big ifs though.
It should not be overlooked that two former Twins greats—Jim Kaat and Tony Oliva—were inducted to the Hall of Fame this year.
Fan Interference 