Minnesota Twins: 5 Bold Predictions for the Next 5 Seasons

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Apr 26, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano (22) in action during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The Minnesota Twins boast one of the youngest rosters in the MLB. Here are 5 predictions of what this young team will accomplish in the next 5 years.

The Minnesota Twins have been on quite the cold streak over the last decade or so. In fact, it’s been since 2010 that the Twins have made the playoffs and since 2004 that the Twins have even won a playoff game.

Obviously, it’s been rebuilding time for the franchise from Minneapolis. Over the last few years, the Twins have acquired many young players, either from the draft or brought up through their farm system.

It’s hard to expect these young players to make a huge impact on their success this early, but improvement is undoubtedly on it’s way. The main question that is twirling around Twins’ fans is when this team will turn the corner. It may be sooner than you think.

We’re going to take a look into our magic crystal ball to see what the Twins, and their young players, will accomplish over the next 5 seasons.

Miguel Sano will win one AL MVP.

One of the brightest of the Minnesota Twins’ young stars is 3rd baseman Miguel Sano. He is already off to a hot start this season, and has caught the attention of the entire MLB. The young slugger will see vast improvements over the next 5 seasons.

Sano is already looking down the barrel of finding his way to his first All-Star Game, and his career is still young. Barring some sort of injury (God forbid), Sano will find his way onto the American League MVP ballot several times in his career.

Not only will he be on the ballet within the next 5 years, he will win one AL MVP Award. Sano is looking like one of the best upcoming players in the majors, and he shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.

The Twins have found their leader of the future in Miguel Sano. His ceiling is extremely high, and we all expect him to reach and exceed expectations. Sano will help the Twins get back on track and earn himself an MVP while doing it.

Mar 9, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Puerto Rico pitcher Jose Berrios against the Colorado Rockies during a 2017 World Baseball Classic exhibition game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Berrios will be the Twins’ Ace

The Minnesota Twins’ pitching staff has vastly improved in 2017, led by Ervin Santana. The biggest problem with their rotation right now is lack of depth. Enter in Jose Berrios to solve that problem.

Berrios has been phenomenal in AAA Rochester so far this season. He is 2-0 in 5 starts with an ERA of 1.09 with 35 strikeouts and only 8 walks. To date, Berrios has been a huge topic of talk to being brought up to Minnesota very soon.

While it’s clear the Minnesota Twins have their ace right now in Ervin Santana, he is getting no younger. Already at 34 years of age, the Twins will be quickly looking for a new ace for their ballclub. Jose Berrios will be that man. He will translate his success from AAA up to the major leagues to help the Twins solidify their pitching rotation.

It’s very clear that having a solid and deep pitching rotation is vital to a successful baseball club. The Twins have shown a lot of improvement, but will be looking for a long term answer to continue their pitching success. Jose Berrios is the long term answer.

Apr 30, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) makes a catch in the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Byron Buxton will win two Gold Glove Awards

The Minnesota Twins boast one of the best fielding outfields in the MLB. The main reason for their defensive success out in the grass is their speed. Byron Buxton not only has the best speed in their outfield, he has an extremely reliable glove and isn’t opposed to a big play here and there.

We all saw his abilities in week one of the MLB. He was soaring around center field and making SportsCenter Top Ten type catches. It’s something we got used to, and it’s something we should definitely expect in the years to come.

The biggest issue for Buxton is his ability, or shall I say inability, to hit the baseball. Fans all around have given him a bad rep due to the fact that he can’t hit the baseball. Don’t let that take away from the fact that he’s one of the best defensive center fielders in the MLB.

In the next 5 seasons, Buxton will solidify himself at the plate, becoming a solid .250 hitter. He will also continue to improve defensively. He will win at least 2 Gold Gloves in center field, and you never know, maybe more.

Apr 30, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) hits an RBI triple against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The Twins will acquire Jose Abreu to replace Joe Mauer

At the age of 34, Joe Mauer is nearing the end of his lengthy career with the Minnesota Twins. In addition, April of 2017 was one of the roughest months of his career, and it’s clear that Father Time isn’t on his side.

With that being said, the Twins are soon going to face the task of replacing the future Hall of Fame 1st baseman. While it won’t be an easy task, the Twins will look inside their own division to answer that problem.

The Twins will trade for White Sox 1st baseman Jose Abreu. In need of another powerful bat, the 30 year old Abreu will fit the mold perfectly. Instead of opting to go with a young player at 1st, the Twins will go for experience and a guy who is a proven All-Star already.

The Twins lack depth at a lot of positions, but 1st base may be their worst. Adding Jose Abreu will not only give them a great offensive addition, it will give them a clear every day 1st baseman. Abreu will help the Twins achieve something they haven’t done since 1991.

Sep 4, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) celebrates with first baseman Trevor Plouffe (24) and third baseman Miguel Sano (22) and second baseman Brian Dozier (2) right fielder Max Kepler (26) after hitting a grand slam during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Twins will reach a World Series

I know, this one is a stretch, but hear me out. The Minnesota Twins boast some of the best young talent in the MLB right now. If they can hold onto their youthful core and add some veteran pieces, the Twins become a serious contender.

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Notice that I only said the Twins would “reach” the World Series, not win one. I do not predict the Twins winning a World Series in the next 5 years, but I do think they will win the AL.

The American League, besides Cleveland, lacks a real powerhouse. While teams like the Red Sox and Yankees are always on the verge of being great again, neither has taken that next step yet. Consequently, the American League is wide open for a young team to step up and win.

The National League, on the other hand, has a very high amount of young talent. Led by the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals, it’s clear that the NL has an edge over the AL right now and for years to come.

Next: Minnesota Twins Fall in MLB Power Rankings

The Minnesota Twins will keep it’s young core together and continue to improve, while adding some key pieces. In conclusion, the combination of this will allow the Twins to reach the World Series sometime within the next 5 seasons.

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