The Minnesota Twins have seen a significant turnaround since the last mailbag column on April 26. They now have a 33-28 record and are on pace for 88 wins, putting them in contention for a playoff spot. Royce Lewis has made a dramatic return to the lineup, hitting a 428-foot homer at Yankee Stadium. Despite this success, the Twins’ history against the New York Yankees remains a challenge.
One of the key questions is whether Brooks Lee will make an appearance at Target Field soon. While Willi Castro is currently holding down second base, the Twins may turn to Lee, a top-50 prospect, to take over the position. However, Edouard Julien could also be considered if he performs well alongside Lee at Triple-A St. Paul.
When a player like Julien is sent to the minors, there is usually an improvement plan in place. Julien needs to work on his plate discipline and performance against off-speed pitches to make a successful return to the majors. Similarly, players like Matt Wallner and Louie Varland are making adjustments in Triple-A to improve their game.
Jair Camargo’s performance at catcher has raised questions about whether the Twins will give him a chance to start over Christian Vázquez. The Twins’ offense has been average compared to the rest of the league, with room for improvement in various areas. The Luis Gil trade with the Yankees has been a regrettable move for the Twins, as Gil has emerged as a top pitcher since the trade.
Griffin Jax has shown promise as a reliever for the Twins, ranking among the top 20 in the league. Emmanuel Rodriguez is on track to join the Twins’ outfield by mid-2025, showcasing his talent in Double-A Wichita. The Twins’ payroll situation remains uncertain, with doubts about a significant increase in spending for next season.
Carlos Correa’s switch to a Bon Jovi song for his walk-up music has a heartwarming backstory involving his son. The Twins players’ salute after a hit is inspired by the House Atreides gesture from the movie “Dune.” Overall, the Twins continue to face challenges and make adjustments as they strive for success in the MLB.