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2020 Minnesota Twins Opening Day Lineup Prediction

By Brandon Copley

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) /
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Minnesota Twins | Byron Buxton (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins | Byron Buxton (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

The Bottom of the Order

7. Mitch Garver (Bats: R, Catcher)
Mitch Garver had a breakout season last year, showing that he is not only a starting catcher, but one of the best catchers in the entire league. Garver played in only 93 games thanks to Rocco Baldelli’s emphasis on getting his catchers a lot of rest. This rest system worked well for Garver, as he hit a home run in a third of the games he played. His .273/.365/.630 slash line with 31 home runs, 16 doubles, and a .995 OPS, was one of the best offensive seasons by a catcher in the history of major league baseball.

The Twin’s starting backstop also greatly improved his defense, moving from one of the worst in baseball to one of the best. Garver may regress some this season, but he should still be considered one of the best catchers in the league.

8. Eddie Rosario (Bats: L, Left Field)
Eddie Rosario has likely reached his ceiling as a Twins’ player. He struggled a little in 2019, before having to listen to trade rumors during the off-season. With some of the Twins’ top outfield prospects like Kirilloff and Larnach almost MLB ready and the duo of Jake Cave and Marwin Gonzalez both capable of starting in left field for periods of time, he could be expendable this season if the Twins receive the right deal.

With that said, he is still an offensive powerhouse who is extremely clutch, hitting 32 home runs and 28 doubles last season with a .276/.300/.500 slash line. As a lefty, he has the ability to hit in several spots in the lineup while providing value against pitchers who struggle against lefties. As long as Rosario stays a Twin, expect him to have another solid offensive year.

9. Byron Buxton (Bats: R, Center Field)
Byron Buxton will return to the nine-hole this year, continuing to be used as a second leadoff man. His speed on the base paths, improved on-base percentage, and ability to turn singles into doubles on a regular basis make him extremely valuable. Last season Buxton hit .262/.314/.513 with 30 doubles in only 87 games. If Buxton stays healthy for the entire season, expect him to compete for the single season doubles record and gather some MVP votes thanks to his stellar defense.

Next. Minnesota Twins Prospects: Top Skills in the System. dark

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