Despite playing better baseball early on after the All Star break, the Minnesota Twins closed the month of August on a 13-game losing streak and as of Sept. 10 the Twins own the worst record in baseball.
Despite their woes Sports Illustrated says the emergence of two players gives the Twins hope for a turnaround beyond 2016.
With Brian Dozier putting up big numbers since the break, they see the Twins’ second baseman as a legitimate MVP candidate and credit the month of September in which former No. 1 prospect Byron Buxton turned things around.
It’s no secret that Brian Dozier has the attention of the entire league with his insane power surge this season. His team-friendly contract will pay him just $15 million combined over the next two years.
When the Twins recalled Buxton on Sept. 1, the 22-year-old put together his best offensive stretch of his young career. Buxton is hitting .433 with 5 home runs, 12 RBI and has scored 12 runs during that time.
Even with the two anchoring a solid offfense, it’s the Twins’ pitching that’s the biggest problem. Their team ERA (5.20) ranks last in majors and their OPS (.819) is the worst figure in the league over the last four years.
Sports Illustrated notes with the Twins having a solid group of young powerful hitters, the Twins could make a trade for a marque starting pitcher this winter and everyone but Buxton should be on the table.
Which means Max Kepler, Eddie Rosario and Miguel Sano could be used as trade bait.
If you’re wondering who the Twins could target, SI.com says Tampa Bay Rays starters Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi as realistic options for the Twins to target.
Don’t forget that this team was over .500 just a season ago. Even if the Twins do indeed finish with the worst record by season’s end, the team has pieces in place to return to their winning ways.
