Minnesota Twins: 5 things that have defined the Twins season so far
By Chris Schad
The Twins’ new additions are producing
One of the biggest misconceptions about the Twins is that they don’t spend enough to put a competitive product on the field. While it would have been nice to see the Twins back up the Brinks truck to sign Manny Machado or Bryce Harper, Minnesota has done just fine relying on the second wave of free agents.
Offensively, the Twins added Nelson Cruz, who has not only provided power with 16 home runs (fourth on the team) but also given the Twins some leadership in the clubhouse for their younger players. C.J. Cron has also had an impact at first base with 17 HR and Jonathan Schoop has provided a steady presence at second base.
Even on the mound, the Twins seem to have found the guys they needed as 2018 free-agent signing Michael Pineda has rebounded nicely from Tommy John surgery and Martin Perez has been a pleasant surprise despite a down stretch in May.
Such was the plan a year ago when the Twins missed out on Yu Darvish but wound up signing a slew of free-agent busts in Addison Reed, Logan Morrison and Lance Lynn. The real test for the Twins’ pocketbook will come at the trade deadline, but for now, they can pat themselves on the back for their offseason moves.