The 2025 season has been a disappointing one so far for the Minnesota Twins and their fans. It started with a training camp injury to Royce Lewis. And once the season started, they have suffered from anemic hitting, struggling starters and a bullpen that cannot hold a lead. Needless to say, the Twins have been in a funk all season.
At 4-9, they are in fourth place in the American League Central Division, three and half games behind the first-place Detroit Tigers. Let’s examine some of the woes that are besetting this team and what some possible solutions may be. You can’t win the pennant in April but you can put yourself behind the eight ball early.
Twins’ Hitting Woes
Minnesota’s lineup is in a slump. In Major League Baseball (MLB) statistics, they rank 28th in batting average, 28th in on-base percentage, 26th in slugging percentage and 26th in on-base percentage plus slugging percentage. In run producing stats, the Twins rank 20th in home runs (9), 23rd in RBI (42), and 22nd in runs scored (44). They don’t get enough hits and when they do, they can’t drive runners home.
When you examine individual statistics, you get an even a clearer picture of why this team is struggling offensively. Carlos Correa is 7-47 for the season with no home runs and two RBI. Byron Buxton is 7-41 with one homer and four RBI. Matt Wallner is 11-41 but has only hit one tater and driven in two runs. The only Twin that has been a consistent run producer is Harrison Bader with three home runs and 10 RBI
The remedy for their futility. The heart of the order Wallner, Correa, and Buxton simply have to pick up the pace. The entire lineup needs to start hitting but those three are the engine that drives this offense. Brooks Lee wil be coming off the injured list soon so perhaps he can add a spark. Royce Lewis’ return does not look imminent. If some of these players do not pick up their games, Minnesota fans may see top prospects Emmanuel Rodriguez and Luke Keaschall sooner than expected.
Starters Have Been Erratic
The news of ace Pablo Lopez heading to the injured list with a strained right hamstring could not have come at a worst time. Tonight, the Twins start a three-game home stand againt the division leading Tigers followed by a visit from the National league East Division leading New York Mets. Lopez and Joe Ryan (2.65 ERA and .071 WHIP), have been the only consistent starters for the Twins in 2025.
Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Chris Paddack are sporting ERA’s of 7.11, 5.59, and 14.73 respectively. Hard throwing David Festa is being recalled from the Triple-A Saint Paul Saints to replace Lopez. Let’s hope that he can give Minnesota some consistent starts while he is in “The Show.”
Bullpen Disappointing
And the unit that was supposed to be the strength of the team, the bullpen, has been anything but. Setup man Griffin Jax, who has been one of the best relievers in baseball the past three seasons have been lit up to the tune of a 5.79 ERA and 1.71 WHIP. Jorge Alcala has been rocked, and Cole Sands who started the season unhittable was unable to hold the lead against Kansas City yesterday and took the loss.
Closer Jhoan Duran has pitched well in limited action as the pitchers in front of him have blown several leads. Louis Varland shows promise and lefty Danny Coulombe has pitched well. Jax needs to find his groove and with Justin Topa finally seeing game action after coming over from Seattle last season, this unit should see improvement.
Looking Ahead
The Twins need players like Correa, Buxton, Walllner, and Jax to turn their seasons around. Getting Lopez and Lewis back will certainly help but this team needs to put it in gear now. Otherwise, it will be a long summer for manager Rocco Baldelli and his crew.
