2015 Twins: The Aces Of The Staff

Sep 13, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning in game one of a doubleheader at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

2. Phil Hughes

There isn’t much to say about the season that Phil Hughes posted in 2014 outside of it being absolutely fantastic. A major league record strikeout to walk ratio, a 16 game winner, and a very respectable 3.52 ERA, Hughes looked the part of a Cy Young candidate at points throughout the season.

He is going to have a hard time following up that kind of performance in 2015. The ratios are likely going to change, but it shouldn’t be much of an issue. Hughes had a handful of blowup outings in 2014, that if they can be thrown away going forward, makes him an even more dominant pitcher.

There should be no reason why Hughes can’t be expected to at least hit his win total of 16 from 2014, with the outside chance of bumping it up to as high as 18 or so. Hughes will be the Twins Opening Day starter, and can once again be regarded as the staff ace.