• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Cold Wire

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About

The Cold Wire

Breaking News, Sports, Entertainment, TV, Tech ...

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About
You are here: Home / Sports / MLB / 3 Reasons Twins Cannot Yet Be Counted Out In 2021

3 Reasons Twins Cannot Yet Be Counted Out In 2021

Avatar photo
May 24, 2021
By Andres Chavez
@andres_chavez13
Leave a Comment
Follow Andres Chavez on Google News Follow Us

Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) is congratulated by Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) after hitting a home run during the first inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians on April 28, 2021, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH.
(Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)

 

As of Monday morning, the Minnesota Twins have been perhaps the biggest disappointment among all 30 MLB teams in 2021.

Surrounded by big expectations, the Twins are currently in last place of the American League Central Division with a 17-29 record.

That’s a worse record than teams such as the Kansas City Royals and the Detroit Tigers, which is saying a lot.

The Twins have advanced to the postseason in the last few years and boast a talented roster, which is why the inauspicious start is quite surprising.

Yet, it would be foolish to count them out of the running for a playoff spot in late May, with more than four months of regular season remaining.

Here is why you shouldn’t leave them for dead yet.

 

3. Buxton and Maeda Will be Back Soon

With a .370/.408/.772 line, nine homers, five stolen bases and stellar defense in center field, Byron Buxton has been far and away the Twins’ best player in the early going.

He already has 2.5 Wins Above Replacement, a stat created to measure a player’s contributions to the team judging the areas in which he can make an impact: batting, fielding, and baserunning.

Players who are currently 90th percentile or better in both hard-hit rate & Sprint Speed:

SHOHEI OHTANI: 90th pctile HH%, 95th pctile SS

Mike Trout: 92nd pctile HH%, 97th pctile SS

Ronald Acuña Jr: 98th pctile HH%, 97th pctile SS

Byron Buxton: 100th pctile HH%, 99th pctile SS

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 19, 2021

The second-ranked position player in the Twins, Nelson Cruz, has 0.9.

The most amazing part is that Buxton has done this while spending the last couple of weeks on the injured list (WAR is a counting stat).

He is currently nursing a grade 2 hip strain that has him on the shelf since May 6.

He is not particularly close to returning, but should be back by June if things go right.

If that’s the case, it’s more than enough time for the Twins to mount a comeback in the standings with their best player on the field.

Meanwhile, Minnesota also lost its ace, Kenta Maeda, last week to a right adductor strain.

Unlike Buxton, Maeda wasn’t really performing well (5.27 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP).

However, he was an absolute workhorse last year, with a 2.70 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP.

If anything, he can use the time off to rediscover his form.

 

2. The Youth Movement

Minnesota’s best hitter may be old (Cruz), but there is plenty of help on the way from the farm system.

Alex Kirilloff, with four homers and a .491 slugging percentage, is already contributing, while fellow outfield prospect Trevor Larnach is also with the team.

Other young hitters, such as catcher Ryan Jeffers, should help soon as well.

Pitchers Randy Dobnak and Jhoan Duran are also in position to be contributors to a potential turnaround, with the former already an important part of the pitching staff since last year.

 

1. The Back of the Bullpen Should Find its Groove Soon

The Twins have three relievers with closing experience in the back of their bullpen.

However, it just hasn’t been their year to this point.

Twins' bullpen has combined for -2.97 Win Probability Added in 32 games.

That's a -15.03 WPA pace for 162 games.

The worst bullpen WPA in Twins history is -5.87.

The worst bullpen WPA in baseball history is -10.94.

What happened to the Twins' bullpen?! https://t.co/75pBpWg8B7

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) May 9, 2021

Alex Colome was a late signing, and so far, has an ugly 4.96 ERA.

Taylor Rogers is a fantastic left-hander with a history of dominance, but he has blown a couple of saves this season.

Hansel Robles (3.20 ERA) also failed to secure a game last weekend by allowing a game-tying run in the ninth on Sunday.

Each and every one of those options should be fine moving forward as long as they are healthy, and right now, that is the case.

When they get their respective seasons on track, the Twins will be much more trustworthy with a late lead.

    Get ALL the latest MLB news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cold Wire MLB newsletter here!    

Filed Under: Minnesota Twins Rumors And News (Updated Daily), MLB Tagged With: Minnesota Twins

Avatar photo

About Andres Chavez

Sportswriter, fantasy sports enthusiast. Covering MLB, NBA, and NFL from every possible angle.

Suggest a correction

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow The Cold Wire!

More Minnesota Twins News

A Minnesota Twins hat and glove sit in the dugout during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 21, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Twins Add An Outfielder In Trade With Royals

2 days ago

Pablo Lopez #49 of the Miami Marlins throws a pitch in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on October 02, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

New Twins Ace Shouts Out A Team Legend

3 days ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins looks on against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on October 05, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

Giants And Mets Weren't The Only Teams Concerned With Carlos Correa

3 days ago

Luis Arraez #2 of the Minnesota Twins hits a double against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on October 05, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

MLB World Reacts To The Blockbuster Twins-Marlins Trade

6 days ago

Pablo Lopez #49 of the Miami Marlins throws a pitch during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at loanDepot park on October 03, 2021 in Miami, Florida.

Twins Land A Key Pitcher In Trade With Marlins

6 days ago

Former Minnesota Twins Torii Hunter celebrates after throwing the ceremonial first pitch prior to game three of the American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on October 07, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Minnesota News Channel Vouches For A Twins Legend

6 days ago

Former Minnesota Twins Torii Hunter celebrates after throwing the ceremonial first pitch prior to game three of the American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on October 07, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

MLB Analysts Make HOF Case For Torii Hunter

1 week ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates his two-run home run as he rounds the bases against the Cleveland Guardians in the eighth inning of the game at Target Field on September 9, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Guardians defeated the Twins 7-6.

Twins Insider Has Perfect Spring Training Joke

1 week ago

Minnesota Twins v Chicago White Sox

Carlos Correa Picked The Twins For A Special Reason

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins throws the ball to first base to get out Elvis Andrus #1 of the Chicago White Sox in the sixth inning of the game at Target Field on September 27, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the White Sox 4-0.

Carlos Correa Clarified His Mysterious Injury Concern

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins looks on against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on October 05, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

Carlos Correa Made Surprising History This Winter

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins in the third inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 14, 2022 in Anaheim, California.

Carlos Correa Comments On His Offseason Medical Journey

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during a Spring Training game at Charlotte Sports Park on March 29, 2022 in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Video Shows Carlos Correa Rocking Some Updated Threads

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 and Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins celebrate after defeating the Colorado Rockies 6-0 in the second game of the series at Target Field on June 25, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Twins Star Celebrates The Return Of Carlos Correa

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates his two-run home run as he rounds the bases against the Cleveland Guardians in the eighth inning of the game at Target Field on September 9, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Guardians defeated the Twins 7-6.

Carlos Correa Comments On His Twins Return

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates a three RBI double after advancing to third base on an error against the Detroit Tigers in the fifth inning of the game at Target Field on April 28, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 7-1.

Twins Celebrate Carlos Correa's Return

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins runs back to the dugout after recording the last out of the seventh inning during a game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on October 02, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan.

Twins Insider Dreams Of An Ideal Future Lineup

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins hits a 2-run home run to left field in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 08, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

MLB Fan Sums Up Carlos Correa's Eventful Offseason

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins gestures to the crowd during his first at bat since returning to Minute Maid Park to face the Houston Astros on August 23, 2022 in Houston, Texas.

The Carlos Correa Saga Is Finally Over

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates a three RBI double after advancing to third base on an error against the Detroit Tigers in the fifth inning of the game at Target Field on April 28, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 7-1.

The Twins Have A Team-Friendly Deal With Carlos Correa

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 and Bill Evers #67 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates after defeating the New York Yankees 4-3 at Yankee Stadium on September 08, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

Carlos Correa Has Had An Offseason For The Ages

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins throws the ball to first base to get out Alejandro Kirk #30 of the Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth inning of the game at Target Field on August 4, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Blue Jays defeated the Twins 9-3.

MLB Insider Details Carlos Correa's New Deal

2 weeks ago

Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins throws the ball to first base to get out Josh Harrison #5 of the Chicago White Sox in the third inning of the game at Target Field on September 27, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the White Sox 4-0.

The Twins Are Fine With A Major Carlos Correa Concern

2 weeks ago

Minnesota Twins runs the bases after hitting a home run in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during a Grapefruit League spring training game at Charlotte Sports Park on March 29, 2022 in Port Charlotte, Florida.

MLB Insider Reveals Details Of Carlos Correa's Twins Deal

2 weeks ago

Primary Sidebar

Search The Cold Wire

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Editorial Guidelines

Contact Us

Sitemap

Advertise

Follow us on

Copyright © 2023  ColdWireMedia · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ·TheColdWire.com

Suggest a Correction

3 Reasons Twins Cannot Yet Be Counted Out In 2021

1000 characters remaining