2 players who have 6 weeks to prove they belong in Twins' 2027 plans

The Minnesota Twins are firmly in the playoff race, sitting half a game back of the Texas Rangers for the third American League Wild Card spot and two games back of the Chicago White Sox for first place in the American League Central. Most of the players who are currently on the team are a major reason the club is still in postseason contention. However, there are two who need to step up their performances to prove they belong in Minnesota's 2027 plans.

2 players who have 6 weeks to prove they belong in Twins' 2027 plans

OF Austin Martin

Despite starting the season by slashing .323/.450/.406 through May 12, Martin is hitting just .236/.351/.315 (95 wRC+) this year. He's mainly a platoon bat at this point, regularly starting against southpaws but rarely in the lineup vs. right-handers. He has a lowly .585 OPS against right-handers but a .248/.404/.363 slash line against left-handers this season.

Therefore, Martin still has value despite his overall poor offensive numbers. He's also a solid defender, with +4 Defensive Runs Saved over 648 1/3 innings in the outfield this season.

However, Martin still likely needs to do more to prove he belongs in the Twins' 2027 plans. While he has strong defensive numbers this year, he's a below-average center fielder. He's a fine option to play center field on occasion, but he primarily plays right and left field.

Martin's .404 on-base percentage against left-handers may be what keeps him on the Twins' roster. However, it looks like the Twins will have a crowded outfield next year. Byron Buxton and Luke Keaschall will almost certainly be in the outfield next season, and top outfield prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodríguez are knocking at the door of their MLB debuts. Trevor Larnach is under team control through next season, and the club also has Alan Roden. Not to mention, Matt Wallner is still in the organization.

Therefore, while Martin is providing the Twins value as a solid platoon option this year, there may not be room for him next season unless his overall numbers improve.

UTL Ryan Kreidler

Kreidler has overall been a nice surprise for the Twins this year. He has recorded innings at third base, shortstop, left field and center field. He slashed .287/.357/.505 in 43 games through the end of June.

Unfortunately, Kreidler's numbers have fallen off a cliff since the beginning of July. The utilityman is now hitting just .238/.291/.395 (90 wRC+) over 72 games this year.

After the Twins moved Brooks Lee to third base, Kreidler began splitting time with Tristan Gray at shortstop. Gray struggled significantly during Kreidler's strong stretch, earning Kreidler the starting shortstop role until his numbers began to regress.

Minnesota called up top shortstop prospect Kaelen Culpepper from Triple-A St. Paul ahead of Friday's matchup with the Brewers in Milwaukee, all but ending Kreidler's role as the team's starting shortstop. Culpepper hit a home run in his second plate appearance on Friday as the Twins won 8-6.

Kreidler's defensive versatility could help him keep his spot on the Twins' roster in 2027. However, with an abundance of top prospects nearing their MLB debuts, Minnesota may decide to move on from Kreidler unless his stats improve.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow