Minnesota Twins vs AL Central: Third Base

2. Kansas City Royals

The Moose finally broke loose in 2015 as set or tied career highs in pretty much every imaginable category.

After hitting just .212 in 2014 with brief stints in the minors, Moustakas became an important piece for the Royals’ postseason run before losing to the San Francisco Giants.

He followed that up with a career year in 2015 that saw him flash his potential, hitting .284 with 22 home runs, 82 RBI’s and 73 runs.

With the arrival of Moustakas, the Royals now have not only one of the best infields in the Central but one of the best in the Majors. It’s a scary thought that for the foreseeable future the Twins will have to face the likes of Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain and Salvador Perez in the same lineup but as they say, to be best you have to beat the best.

Expect Moustakas – as long as he continues to improve – to be among the best for years to come.

3. Minnesota Twins

Plouffe’s performance last season may have been a surprise to some but for Twins fans it was just business as usual.

As said previously, Plouffe has been one of the Twins most consistent performers over the years and was among the best in the Central at third base in 2015.

The upcoming season will say a lot for Plouffe as he may be subject to those same trade rumors as this past offseason, especially if the Twins find themselves struggling.

That said, if the Twins do decide to move Plouffe, they do have a pretty viable backup option in Miguel Sano, which gives them plenty of depth.

Many teams would love to get a player of Plouffe’s caliber as he has become a solid defensive third baseman to go along with 80+ RBIs and anywhere between 15-25 home run potential.

However, if the Twins can find a way to keep him, a long term lineup of Brian Dozier, Byron Buxton and Sano, Plouffe could be a dangerous lineup for years to come.

But again, that’s a big if.

Next: Tigers and Indians