Minnesota Twins: 4 Twins Players with Make or Break Years in 2022

The 2022 Minnesota Twins season will be a big one for the team, whether it be for the lack of direction the franchise is currently struggling with, the numerous former top prospects with no clear path to playing time, or the several players on expiring contracts heading into this season.

When baseball does eventually start up again, the team will have to make moves based on how they plan to play out the year. Regardless of these moves, there are several Twins players who are in make-or-break mode for themselves as members of the organization.

Can these four Minnesota Twins players prove they belong in the organization for 2022 and beyond?

I’m not talking about Byron Buxton or Jorge Polanco, whose spots are secure regardless of how 2022 goes. I’m also not talking about players like Jake Cave or Kyle Garlick whose future on this team is pretty certain unless something drastic changes.

I’m talking about guys who are coming into a contract year with a lot to prove and are running out of time to prove it, whether they are on an expiring deal or potential trade bait, we’ll break down four current Twins players who need to show up or get shown the door in 2022.

Minnesota Twins with Something to Prove No. 1: Randy Dobnak

We’ll start off this list with someone who we actually like quite a bit. Randy Dobnak has a feel good story, a now world-famous mustache, and plays with a lot of heart and fire. His parents are hilarious and his decision to pay off their mortgage was super cool. But the struggles on the diamond were very real for him.

Dobnak burst into the league in 2019 and even made a start in the 2019 American League Division Series. His 2020 wasn’t as successful, but the Twins saw enough to want to keep him longer. Right before the 2021 season, the Twins signed him to a five year contract that has three options added on the end.

It only will make him $9.25 million guaranteed, so it really won’t hurt the Twins’ pockets that much, but with how awful he was in the majors last year, the team has to be considering their options.

Now one bad season doesn’t 100% determine anything, but Dobnak has to prove that 2019 and the first half of 2020 is more of who he is as a pitcher than the second half of 2020 and all of 2021. With clear gaps in the rotation, the Twins will likely need him at some point. Can he find his form again?

Minnesota Twins with Something to Prove No. 2: Max Kepler

Max Kepler is in somewhat of a unique spot on this list. His contract is lengthy when you consider the options, but unlike Dobnak, Kepler would more than likely be traded if this year isn’t working out.

It’s easy to see why he’s an asset. Kepler’s deal runs through 2023 with a team option for 2024 at only $10 million. That’s a very reasonable deal for a corner outfielder with solid power, speed, and defense. Even when he’s not performing at his highest level, his floor is makes him a good third outfielder and a championship-caliber fourth outfielder.

Unfortunately, the Twins need more from him. In 2019, Kepler had his best season as a pro, slashing .252/.336/.519 with 36 homers and 90 RBI, picking up some down-ballot MVP votes along the way. Since then, he’s dealt with injuries and inefficiency, and has looked nowhere near the same on offense.

The Twins would love to have production like that back, but even a return to 2020’s production would be acceptable. If he can’t return to that in 2022, Trevor Larnach and Alex Kirilloff’s rise could push him out of Minnesota. If Kepler can work back to the player he was pre-2020, Kirilloff can slot in at first base and the Twins will be all the better for it. Speaking of first base though….

Minnesota Twins with Something to Prove No. 4: Ryan Jeffers

The last player on this list is younger than the others and is in a different situation. Ryan Jeffers is under team control through 2027 and has excellent pedigree as a former second round draft pick in just 2018.

He flew threw the minors and earned a cup of coffee in 2020 where he played well enough to generate some conversation as a potential rookie of the year candidate. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned. Jeffers hit 14 homers and showed good defense, but he struggled mightily to hit the ball consistently and get on base well at all, striking out 108 times in 85 games.

In just one season, Jeffers went from the heir apparent to Mitch Garver to a player that would never be more than a backup, and while Jeffers won’t be as bad as he was last year, 2022 needs to be the year he proves he has starter potential.

Jeffers is about 100 days away from his 25th birthday, so it’s not like he’s getting old by any means, but he has to prove that he’s more than just a backup. Jeffers’ power and continually improved defense set his floor, but there’s a real chance he could have the ceiling of a starter if he has a strong 2022. Let’s hope he reaches that mark.