Minnesota Twins Opening Day Projection: The Starting Rotation

Jose Berrios

Jose Berrios in many ways arrived as a major league pitcher in 2017. He didn’t make the Opening Day roster, but that did give us potential insight into a potential philosophy this front office has. We learned that the front office wanted to be sure Berrios was ready and that he wouldn’t be moving up and down between the majors and Triple-A multiple time. Instead, once he stepped into the major league clubhouse he would be there to stay. That strategy paid off. When Berrios made his first 2017 major league start, he made the statement with his performance he was in the majors to stay.

In that first start, Berrios pitched 7.2 innings only allowing one run and striking out four batters. In his next outing, Berrios busted down the door to the majors a little more by striking out 11 batters. Berrios clearly established himself as the clear-cut number two starter in the Twins rotation. He pitched 145.2 innings, a 3.89 ERA, 8.6 K/9, and a 3.84 FIP.

It seems that Ervin Santana has certainly been able to help mentor and lead Berrios to being a quality an established starter into 2018. With Santana out to start the season with his finger injury, Berrios will have the opportunity to start fast and grab onto the title of Twins number one starter.

As always, Berrios has been working hard to get better. Something anyone can see by following his social media accounts. This is the season that the Twins need Berrios to take that big step forward and take a step closer to being an ace. The ace they saw in his stuff when they took him in the 2012 draft. The Twins still have the capability to add players as the trade deadline approaches come July, but if Berrios doesn’t continue to take significant steps forward it may not matter.