2015 Twins: Who Leads The Longballs?
Sep 24, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe (24) hits a sacrifice fly in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest advancement for Plouffe in 2014 came in his defensive ability. Showing an increased range and comfort at the hot corner, Plouffe did plenty to appear to be a realistic option for the Twins in the immediate future. With Sano out for the season, Plouffe was able to settle in and focus on working to become a more complete player.
His fifth year in the majors, Plouffe posted the highest average of his career. Batting .258 and launching 14 home runs across 136 games were solid marks for Plouffe. The 136 games also were the highest total that Plouffe has played in during his career, and could have been higher if not for a wrist injury late in the season.
During the 2012 campaign, Plouffe went on a midsummer home run tear, and turned in a career high 24 long balls. I don’t expect him to reach that mark this season, but I think he improves on his 14 total from a season ago. Expecting Plouffe to hit 22 home runs seems like a fair expectation in 2015.