Minnesota Twins: 2022 Quarter-Season Grades for the Twins Hitters
By Otto Johnson
2022 Minnesota Twins Quarter-Season Outfielder Grades
Left Fielder: Trevor Larnach
Trevor Larnach had a very tough year in 2021, struggling to see any of his hits land despite a very high exit velocity. This year has been a completely different story. He’s currently posting a .280/.329/.400 slash line, a line that was even higher before his return from injury.
His power still isn’t showing through like it did in the minors, and his defense isn’t perfect, but the 25-year-old has been a very competent hitter for the Twins for almost his entire tenure in the lineup. He’s been rock solid. Grade: B.
Center Fielder: Byron Buxton
Despite currently being mired in an awful slump that’s seen him go 3-36 over his past ten games, Byron Buxton still currently boasts an .883 OPS, telling you just how good he’s been over the season for the Minnesota Twins.
His game management plan has limited his availability, but he still has one of the highest WAR numbers on the team (and that’s with a good chunk of his games coming as the designated hitter). He’ll start hitting again, but right now this ugly slump reflects his grade not being the same as his value. Grade: B.
Right Fielder: Max Kepler
Don’t call it a comeback! Max Kepler has been stellar for the Twins all year, offering his usually strong defense and speed but also bringing some of the best offense of his career to the table. His batting average (.262) and on-base percentage (.362) are both career highs while his slugging percentage is second to only stellar 2019 season.
He’s hit well in clutch situations, limiting strikeouts, walking more, and is on pace to set career highs in steals and possibly RBI. Even better, his Baseball Savant page reads like a dream, suggesting he’s in line to get even better. The Twins are definitely better with Max Kepler playing this way. Grade: A.