If you’re a Minnesota Twins fan, don’t look at their offensive statistics unless you want to worsen your mood. Unless you’re looking at barrel rate: the Twins lead the American League Central with 9.8, 11th in Major League Baseball.
Instead, compare how many runs they scored in their last five games to their first four. Minnesota scored just six runs in its opening series against the St. Louis Cardinals, and suffered an embarrassing 9-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox to bring its record to an ugly 0-4.
The Twins’ current 3-6 record isn’t much better, especially given two of the wins were against arguably the worst team in Major League Baseball, but scoring 29 runs across their past five games proves progression.
Offense silver lining in Twins’ heartbreaking loss to Houston
Despite a successful day in the batter's box, the Twins lost 9-7 after blowing a 7-1 lead against the Houston Astros on Sunday at Target Field. Still, their offense’s strong showing was a bright side for head coach Rocco Baldelli and company. All of Minnesota’s starters on offense reached base at least once, with Matt Wallner and Harrison Bader leading the way.
Matt Wallner sets the tone for offense from the leadoff spot
The Matt Wallner leadoff experiment seems to be working, as exemplified by his 4-for-5 performance in Sunday's loss to Houston.
The Lake Forest native struggled at the plate in the first six games of the season, slashing .118/.318/.235, but he put it together against Houston by roping a triple in Game 1 of the series and a double in Game 2 before his monstrous performance in Game 3. His OBP now sits at a strong .371 - an ideal number for a leadoff hitter.
When it comes to Wallner’s new role in the lineup, it’s hard not to make the comparison to how the Phillies utilize All-Star designated hitter Kyle Schwarber.
Harrison Bader continues to be a threat at the plate
Wallner’s tear at the plate was expected, but what about Bader’s?
Not really.
When the Twins signed Bader, they intended to use him as a fourth outfielder who plays formidable defense and occasionally gets a clutch hit.
But nine games into the season, it feels like the veteran outfielder has been getting all of the Twins’ biggest hits.
Bader leads the Twins in home runs (3), slugging percentage (.696) and RBI (8). He continued his strong season at the plate by knocking a couple of singles and drawing a walk in the rubber match against Houston.
It’s more likely Bader has caught lightning in a bottle, but his performance in the presence of a lack of offense has been vital for Minnesota in 2025.
Next, the Twins aim to continue their strong performance at the plate as they head to Kansas City for a three-game set with the Royals. Game 1 of the series is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. CST on Monday.