Minnesota Twins first half grades as they reach the midway point of 2024

In the summer months time can fly, and that’s exactly what is happening to the Twins, as they have officially reached the halfway point to their season.

It's a long season, and things can get lost in the up-and-down nature of baseball, but the Twins currently have a record of 45-36, which is slightly better than their 40-42 record last year at the halfway point.

Last year the Twins had a second-half surge behind great pitching and young players stepping up, but in 2024 there has been an odd mixture of the good and the bad for the Twins.

Minnesota Twins first half grades for 2024 season

Starting Pitchers
Grade: B+

One of the most vital aspects of the Twins run last year was their starting pitching, but the Twins let one of their best pitchers leave in the offseason, Sonny Gray. However, Joe Ryan has filled Gray’s cleats phenomenally. Along with Ryan, Simeon Woods Richardson has been a pleasant surprise this year, making a significant impact. 

Unfortunately, it hasn’t been perfect.

Pablo López was one of the Twins best pitchers last season, but has struggled thus far in 2024. However, a bright spot for fans is that he has started to show flashes of getting back to his 2023 form.

Bullpen
Grade: D+

There's no nice way to put it: the Twins bullpen has been painfully disappointing this season.

Caleb Thielbar has been one of the biggest disappointments.In addition to Thielbar, Jay Jackson flamed out with the Twins and has recently been designated for assignment. Even one of the Twins best bullpen arms, Jhoan Duran, has seen his ERA spike and strikeouts fall.

While the majority of the Twins bullpen has been untrustworthy this year, Griffin Jax has been one of the best relievers in baseball, and Jorge Alcala has been reliable for the Twins.

Catcher
Grade: B+

The Twins catchers have been hit-and-miss this year. For starters, Ryan Jeffers has been one of the Twins best offensive players so far, leading the team in home runs with 13 and RBIs with 41. 

On the other hand, Christian Vázquez has really struggled, batting .188 with limited power, but he still adds a veteran presence behind the plate.

First Base
Grade: B

Carlos Santana has been one of the Twins best offseason acquisitions in recent memory. The 38-year-old came in with low expectations but has blown those out of the water. He has been clutch, reliable, and productive as we reach the midway point.

Second Base
Grade: F

Arguably, this is the most disappointing position for the Twins so far. After being one of the Twins breakout players last season, Edouard Julien looked lost at the plate early and got sent down to Triple-A. 

The same could be said for Kyle Farmer. Farmer had a solid 2023 season but hasn’t had the same magic in 2024. Just batting .197 and with virtually no power, Farmer is at risk of being designated for assignment soon. If that’s the case, it might be time for Brooks Lee.

Shortstop
Grade: A+

There isn’t much to say here other than to absolutely beam about how well things are going. An injury scare on Thursday goes to show just how big of a linchpin shortstop has been for the Twins so far this season, and that all boils down to one guy.

Carlos Correa had a slow start to the season but caught absolute fire in June. Correa should be an All-Star, and if he can keep his fire burning, he might end up in the MVP conversation. It's safe to say, he's raking.

Third Base
Grade: A+

There's an argument to be made that the Twins have the best left side of the infield in all of baseball with Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis.

Lewis has been one of the most electrifying players in MLB this season. Although he has only played in 21 games, he has 10 home runs, a .311 average, and flashed the leather in the field. If it wasn’t for his early-season injury, he might be in the MVP conversation.

While Lewis was injured, there were question marks around his replacement, and Jose Miranda filled in so well that he is now a mainstay on the roster. Miranda is slashing .293/.339/.495 and has often come up clutch.

Outfield
Grade: C-

The Twins outfield has had some solid contributors, including Max Kepler, who has been good for the Twins, batting .245 and showing power. Byron Buxton is getting back to his best after a slow start. Buxton has an average of .251, with three triples and 12 doubles, and his speed also seems to be back.

The Twins have had a surprise in the outfield in Trevor Larnach, who has been reliable through the halfway point and is on pace for career-high numbers. However, the Twins have also had some disappointing players this year. Matt Wallner only lasted 13 games this season before being sent down to Triple-A after picking up just two hits with the Twins. 

Alex Kirilloff has been at the center of the most drama with the Twins in the first half. He was only batting .201 with five home runs before being put on the IL.

Manuel Margot was brought in this offseason and hasn’t lived up to expectations. He is only batting .232 but has shown flashes. It will be interesting to see if he can pick it up in the second half.

Utility Players
Grade: A

This unit has been extremely good for the Twins this season. Willi Castro has played almost everywhere and has played very well. He is batting .274 with seven home runs and eight stolen bases. He has been a fringe All-Star.

Austin Martin has shown good versatility and made the most of his opportunities this year. He is batting .267, has swiped six bases so far, and has made some highlight-reel plays in the outfield.

Overall
Grade: B-

It’s been a solid start to 2024 for the Twins, but with the Cleveland Guardians playing so well to start the season, it feels worse as a Twins fan. Last year the Twins went on a second-half run and could do the same this year. Lewis is back, Correa is on fire, Woods Richardson continues to get better, and with just a little bit more in certain key areas, this team could go on another run.

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