Minnesota Twins DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Minnesota Twins infielder Edouard Julien and prospect Brooks Lee are expected to compete for starts at second base during spring training. Willi Castro is also expected to be in the mix as well but could find a role at another position. Last season, Julien held an underwhelming .199/.292/.323 line with eight home runs and six stolen bases. He drew walks at an elite 11.0 percent rate but held a hefty 33.9 percent strikeout rate. He was deployed primarily on the strong side of a platoon. Lee was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Cal Poly. Lee made his MLB debut last summer and posted a .221/.265/.320 line with three home runs across 50 contests. At Triple-A, Lee posted a .308/.368/.606 line in 25 games. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their development during camp. While both have flashed upside at times, they could be tough to trust in standard formats if they end up splitting time.

The Milwaukee Brewers have added free-agent outfielder Manuel Margot on an undisclosed deal, and he was spotted walking through the team's clubhouse at spring training on Friday. Margot was likely added on a minor-league deal to add depth to an already crowded Brewers outfield. The 30-year-old Dominican became a free agent in the offseason when the Minnesota Twins declined his $12 million option for the 2025 season. In his first year with the Twins in 2024, Margot hit .238/.289/.337 with a career-worst .626 OPS, four home runs, 31 RBI, five steals and 37 runs scored in 129 games played. However, he did have a .269 average (10-for-42) with a .713 OPS against left-handed pitchers. Speed is probably his greatest asset, but the fact that he slipped defensively last year won't help his chances of winning an Opening Day roster spot with the Brewers.

Minnesota Twins first baseman/third baseman Jose Miranda is expected to see plenty of playing time, even with Ty France slotting in as the everyday first baseman. Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic noted that Miranda has "abundant" playing time at the hot corner and at the designated hitter spot. Last season, Miranda saw most of the work at third base (78 starts) but did see time at DH (27 starts) and first base (13 starts). Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that France is expected to be the everyday first baseman. After struggling during his first two MLB seasons, Miranda enjoyed a strong third year as he held a .284/.322/.441 line with 28 doubles and nine home runs across 121 games. Fantasy managers should expect Miranda to alternate starts at the hot corner and the DH spot with Royce Lewis and also occasionally see time at first base when France is out of the lineup. Given his strong play last season, he does have value in deeper formats, even if he is not guaranteed an everyday spot in the lineup.

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana is expected to have an everyday role at first base to open the 2025 campaign. Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports that given Josh Naylor's departure, David Fry's (elbow) injury, and the development of Kyle Manzardo, Santana will likely have an everyday role at first base to open the season. Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that Fry could return to the batter's box early in the season but would only be able to operate as a designated hitter. The Guardians brought back their long-time first baseman in the offseason on a one-year $12 million contract. Santana spent the first eight years of his career in Cleveland and then returned for a brief two-year stint during 2019 and 2020 and will now return for his third stint. Last season, the 38-year-old held a .238/.328/.420 line with 23 home runs with the Minnesota Twins. He was very effective against left-handed pitchers as he posted a strong .286/.356/.578 line against them. As their top prospect, Kyle Manzardo, begins to develop, he may eventually earn a platoon role at first base alongside Santana. However, for now, fantasy managers in deeper formats should expect Santana to see most of the opportunities at first base.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Max Kepler (knee) was able to face live pitching on Sunday and appears to be past the knee injury that cut his 2024 campaign short. Kepler was shut down from baseball activities after September 1 due to left patellar tendinitis. However, seeing the 32-year-old face live pitching early in spring training suggests he will not see any restrictions during camp. Earlier in the offseason, the Phillies signed Kepler to a one-year $10 million contract. Last season in Minnesota, Kepler posted a .253/.302/.380 line with eight home runs. However, during the 2023 campaign, Kepler held a strong .260/.332/.484 line with 24 long balls. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress during spring training but should expect him to be on the strong side of a platoon in a corner outfield position alongside Brandon Marsh.