The Minnesota Twins' slower start to the 2025 season in terms of hitting, starting pitching, and relief pitching has raised some questions about the team's long-term outlook. While it's early in the season, a deeper dive into these areas reveals whether these struggles are a mere pause for concern, something that should be of no concern, or a real concern for the team's future.
Minnesota Twins' Offense Has Given Real Pause for Concern
The Twins' offense has been notably sluggish to start the year, with their batting average and power numbers lagging behind expectations. While this slow start may raise concerns, it's important to remember that baseball is a long season, and early struggles at the plate are not always indicative of long-term problems.
Historically, the Twins have been a team known for strong offensive performances, especially with hitters like Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa in the lineup. A slow start could be attributed to small sample sizes, early-season adjustments, or simply taking some time to gel. However, if the offense remains stagnant over an extended period, it could become a real concern, particularly with certain players who it's too early to call out. As the team moves into the summer months when pitching staffs can start to wear down, and the Twins hopefully get Brooks Lee and Royce Lewis back, we'll get a clearer picture.
Twins Starting Pitching: Pause with some real concerns
Starting pitching depth has also been a point of concern for the Twins. The staff has somewhat underperformed early in 2025, with several pitchers struggling to find consistency. Despite the presence of ace Pablo Lopez, the inconsistency of the starting rotation raises early eyebrows.
It's important to monitor whether this is a trend or simply a phase. If the starting pitching struggles persist into the middle of May, it could become a real concern, especially as the Twins compete in an open division like the American League Central with no clear cut favorite. Depth and consistency in the rotation will be key for the team's success. Joe Ryan, Simeon Woods-Richardson, Chris Paddack and Bailey Ober, while all capable of good outings, have to show they have the consistency and durability to be effective season-long starters.
Twins Relief Pitching: No real concern...yet
Although the bullpen has also faced some share of inconsistent performances, they've held up as the starters have been knocked around. Danny Coulombe, Justin Topa and new call-up Darren McCaughan have shown early promise.
A stabile bullpen is always key to playoff aspirations. However, bullpens are often in flux early in the season, and it's not unusual for teams to go through ebbs and flows. Keeping an eye on how the bullpen fares over the next few weeks will provide a clearer picture.
Overall: Pause for concern with some patience
In conclusion, while the Minnesota Twins' early struggles in hitting, starting pitching, and, to a smaller degree, relief pitching are a pause for concern, it is too early to declare them all a real concern. These are typical growing pains that many teams experience early in a long season. If these issues continue into midseason, however, they could become a significant problem for the Twins’ postseason hopes. Teams don't win divisions in April and May, but they can dig themselves into a hole. For now, it remains a situation worth monitoring with some anxious patience.