3 Twins that need to step it up in the second half if the they want to be contenders

So far, through the first four months of the season, the Minnesota Twins have been good.

The playoffs, even another division title, look like a real possibility. Much to the frustration of fan, management seems unwilling to take on significant contracts or make major moves because of the financial situation.

That might mean the easiest way for the Twins to improve will be from within. Internal options aren't the sexiest -- nor the most optimal -- way to fill roster gaps but a frugal franchise like Minnesota might have no other choice.

Even if the Twins do end up making some trades at the deadline, they'll need a few guys to step up in order to truly be contenders when October rolls around.

Pablo Lopez

Lopez is an ace who is pitching like a fifth starter -- if that.

After his elite 2023 where he was an all-star with a 3.66 ERA while receiving Cy Young votes. López has been underwhelming in 2024, sitting with a 4.86 ERA with a well-below average 84 ERA+.

His offspeed has been letting him down this year, recording some of the worst run value in the league. His last two starts have had much improved results with five innings of  two-run ball and seven innings of one-run ball, which hopefully is a sign of good things to come. If Lopez can get back to his all-star form the Twins can answer a major question in their rotation that is currently being anchored by Joe Ryan.

López getting right is the quickest fix and biggest step for a team trying to finally make waves in the postseason. 

Caleb Thielbar

This bullpen has been solid and looks like it could become really good, but the flaws right now are too great to ignore.

It's a spot where the Twins will look at adding some talent, but lefties are hard to come by. Tanner Scott is the premier name to get, but it will surely be a bidding war for his services. The best thing for the Twins bullpen would be Caleb Thielbar returning to his 2023 form, where he recorded a 3.32 ERA as a reliable lefty bullpen arm across 36 games.

The track record is there, as he has recorded an ERA below 3.50 in every season of his career (not counting 2015 where he only pitched six games). Steven Okert has not impressed by any means, and I think the Twins want Thielbar to be the lefty specialist down the stretch. 

That being said, he's been absolutely rocked this season and looks cooked every time he steps onto the mound. This isn't a situation where it's the Twins who need him to step up, it's a scenario where he could be out of a job soon if things don't turn around.

Edouard Julien

Julien had an awesome rookie campaign last season and emerged as one of the young bright spots for the future in Minnesota.

In 109 games he hit .263 with 16 home runs while exhibiting elite plate discipline. Though his defense does impress by any means, the organization was looking at him to be the second baseman of the future.

It has not clicked for Julien this year, however. He currently sits with a measly .207 batting average and was even sent down for extended reset in Triple-A at the beginning of June. Julien’s low chase and high walk rates are encouraging, and his defense this year has been a pleasant surprise.

He is back with the big club now, and if he could put together a good stretch and get back to his 2023 self it would be a huge addition for the Twins as they near the dog days of August. 

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