Putting together a proper starting lineup is always a puzzle piece. There are so many angles to attack it from, depending on the strengths and weaknesses of each respective team. For the Minnesota Twins this season, there is a ton of versatility and speed throughout the lineup. It's just a matter of how first-year manager Derek Shelton wants to construct it.
The starting lineup, or at least part of it, that Shelton is running out on Sunday against the Braves should get Twins fans excited. Penciled in as the leadoff hitter on March 22 is Luke Keaschall, followed by Byron Buxton in the two-hole.
This one-two punch at the top may be exactly what Minnesota needs in 2026 to spark a strong output right out of the gate.
Luke's leading off this afternoon!
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) March 22, 2026
📺 https://t.co/usGFyQCbUx pic.twitter.com/GYMFD412dO
Luke Keaschall, Byron Buxton would be the ideal first two hitters in the Twins' 2026 lineup
You want to keep your best hitters together, but it is just a matter of where in the order they should go. Shelton has the perfect formula to begin his lineup, which is turning to Keaschall's strong on-base ability to bat first. Keaschall, who is blossoming into a versatile young star, mainly batted third or fourth in the regular season last year, but it might make more sense to lead him off.
He registered a .382 OBP last year. This spring, his OBP is .400 across 16 games. Shelton slotting him up just makes too much sense.
As for Buxton, we can rely on him to produce at any spot in the lineup. But, let's be smart about where we can slot the All-Star centerfielder. He led off 93 times in 2025. He was remarkable as the leadoff man, but he can be great anywhere in the order. Putting Buxton behind Keaschall allows him for early RBI opportunities. Buxton flexed 63 extra-base hits last year, which was 10th among all MLB outfielders.
Combining Buxton's power and Keaschall's on-base percentage can turn into a ton of early runs for the Twins. For all we know, it could just be a lineup that Shelton wants to feel out on Sunday. He does not need to be attached to this one-two combo. But, this might be Shelton's best bet for a productive lineup in 2026.