In large part due to a surging offense, the Minnesota Twins' record improved to 38-41 after winning seven of their last nine games. During the nine-game stretch, Minnesota's offense scored 70 runs, raising its season total to 388, which ranks second in the American League behind the New York Yankees. Additionally, the Twins rank third in the AL in OPS (.735).
While Twins fans should prepare for the worst, they also shouldn't give up hope on the season just yet. In addition to having one of the best offenses in baseball, led by star center fielder Byron Buxton, the Twins have a solid starting rotation highlighted by Joe Ryan and young, promising arms such as Taj Bradley and Connor Prielipp.
Before Minnesota's hot streak, many viewed the team as obvious sellers at the trade deadline. Now, the team appears to be possible buyers. Despite having a losing record, the Twins trail the third AL Wild Card spot by 1 game and the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians by 3 1/2 games.
Unfortunately, the club arguably has the worst bullpen and defense in the league. However, both negative aspects of the team could easily be improved.
Twins' defense, bullpen must improve to make postseason
Minnesota's defense this year has struggled mainly due to the performances of Matt Wallner, Brooks Lee and Tristan Gray. But with Wallner in Triple-A, Lee's move to third base and Gray suffering a decrease in playing time due to Ryan Kreidler's breakout, the defense is in a much better spot than it was earlier in the year.
Minnesota's bullpen received a much-needed boost with left-hander Kendry Rojas being reinstated from the IL. Still, the team likely needs to look outside the organization to improve the bullpen, which ranks last in ERA. I don't mean the Twins should acquire recently DFA'd players similar to Justin Lawrence and Luis GarcÃa; Minnesota should look to make a splash at the deadline, but only if it appears to be in a real spot to reach the postseason. If the Twins aren't near a postseason spot at the trade deadline, general manager Jeremy Zoll should sell. But if they're in a similar spot in the standings to where they are right now, acquiring a couple of established relievers through trades could drastically improve the club.
The Twins have a huge test on the horizon; Minnesota is set to begin a three-game set against the back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at Target Field at 6:40 p.m. CST on Monday. The game will be available to stream on Twins.TV.
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