The Minnesota Twins are gearing up for the 2024 Major League Baseball season with most starting positions on the roster set, but a few spots remain up for grabs as spring training approaches. Left field is one such position where the competition is still open.
Manager Rocco Baldelli has a clear plan for the outfield, aiming for more consistency this season. Byron Buxton is expected to anchor center field, while Max Kepler, a fixture in right field for nearly a decade, will have a new partner in left field.
Matt Wallner is the probable starter for the Twins in left field. The Forest Lake native made his major league debut in 2022, followed by an impressive stint in Triple-A, where he posted a .927 OPS across 67 games. In 2023, Wallner continued his success in the majors, boasting an .877 OPS with a .370 OBP in 76 games.
Despite his promising performance, Wallner needs to work on reducing his 31.5% strikeout rate to become a more consistent hitter. His defensive skills also need improvement, with a -2 DRS and OAA in a limited sample size. Trevor Larnach, the 2023 starter in left field, will provide competition for Wallner. Larnach, a 2018 first-round pick, has shown potential but has struggled to deliver consistent results, hindered by injuries and a high strikeout rate.
Willi Castro, a versatile utility player, will likely make the Opening Day roster but is not expected to start unless both Wallner and Larnach underperform. Emmanuel Rodriguez is another prospect to watch, although he may start the season at Double-A.
Overall, the left field position for the Twins is shaping up to be a battle between Wallner and Larnach, with both players looking to prove themselves and secure a spot in the starting lineup. Fans will be eagerly watching the spring training performances to see who will ultimately claim the position.
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