Times have become dark in Twins Territory after Minnesota missed the postseason the past three straight seasons, so let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit one of the best Twins moments of the decade.
On Oct. 4, 2023, the Twins won their first playoff series in 21 years with a 2-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Target Field to sweep the American League Wild Card Series. Before that win, the Twins last won a playoff series in 2002, when they defeated the Oakland Athletics in the American League Division Series, which was famously featured in the award-winning film "Moneyball," starring Brad Pitt.
Sonny Gray threw five scoreless innings with six strikeouts in the 2-0 win over Toronto three years ago. Shortstop Carlos Correa drove in the first run with an RBI single in the third inning, and it was the only run the Twins needed.
What time is it? C4 time.#WeBelieveinTC pic.twitter.com/QCjfIQG54O
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) October 4, 2023
The Twins won the first game of the series 3-1 on Oct. 3, 2023, marking Minnesota's first postseason game win in 18 years. Pablo López threw a gem, and Royce Lewis hit two home runs.
Two home runs for the rookie Royce Lewis! pic.twitter.com/Ibv5apNp6f
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 3, 2023
With the series win, the Twins advanced to the 2023 ALDS against the Houston Astros. The Twins won their first ALDS game in 18 years with a 6-2 victory in Game 2 at Daikin Park, but they unfortunately lost three of four games in the series, ending their season. The Astros advanced to the ALCS against the Texas Rangers and lost in seven games.
Minnesota lost the first game of the series 6-4 before evening the series in Game 2. The series shifted to Minneapolis, and the Twins lost 9-1 in Game 3 and 3-2 in Game 4.
Twins failed to capitilize off 2023 playoff run
It was unfortunate that the Twins were eliminated in the 2023 ALDS, but the fanbase was nonetheless happy that the team finally won a postseason series. It looked like the Twins would be playoff contenders for years to come.
Unfortunately, Minnesota missed the postseason three straight years after the magical 2023 season. The Twins slashed payroll by $30 million after 2023. Minnesota slightly increased payroll ahead of the 2025 season, but the trade-deadline fire sale and lack of spending this past offseason left the Twins entering the 2026 season with their lowest payroll in over a decade.
The Twins appeared to have a strong core after the 2023 season. Some things, such as injuries and unexpected regression, were beyond the brass's control, but spending more to complement the young core surely would've made the team much more competitive over the past three seasons.
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