Puckett's Pond
Fansided

Minnesota Twins: 5 New Year’s resolutions for the 2020 Twins

By Chris Schad

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 06: Nelson Cruz #23 and Miguel Sano #22 of the Minnesota Twins are presented an award by the Minneapolis bomb squad for the setting the MLB single season home run record before the game against the Cleveland Indians of the game on SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 06: Nelson Cruz #23 and Miguel Sano #22 of the Minnesota Twins are presented an award by the Minneapolis bomb squad for the setting the MLB single season home run record before the game against the Cleveland Indians of the game on SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 16: Starting pitcher Jose Berrios #17 of the Minnesota Twins leaves the game against the Chicago White Sox during the eighth inning at Target Field on September 16, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the White Sox 5-3. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 16: Starting pitcher Jose Berrios #17 of the Minnesota Twins leaves the game against the Chicago White Sox during the eighth inning at Target Field on September 16, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the White Sox 5-3. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

For Jose Berrios to put together a full season

Jose Berrios‘ overall numbers during his time in Minnesota have looked pretty good. His 43-34 record is solid and his 3.68 ERA in 2019 was the lowest of his career. With two All-Star appearances under his belt at age 25, it’s almost scary to consider there’s still room for improvement, but there is one next step to take before becoming a true ace.

During his career, Berrios has been a different pitcher between the first and second halves of a season. In four seasons, Berrios has posted a 26-15 record and 3.70 ERA in the first half of the season. After the All-Star break, however, he’s been a different pitcher going 17-19 with a 4.84 ERA.

Last year continued this trend as Berrios looked to be a potential Cy Young candidate prior to July 31 with a 10-5 record and 2.80 ERA in his first 22 starts. But something happened after a dominant outing against the Miami Marlins (7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 11K) as his walk rate went up and he went 4-3 with a 5.83 ERA in his final 10 starts.

The fact that a majority of his starts were at a dominant level was a good sign, but Berrios needs to figure out how to finish the year strong if he wants to become the true ace the Twins need. If that happens, the Twins search for starting pitching may not have to go as deep as many believe.

Home/Minnesota Twins News