Minnesota Twins DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Minnesota Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said that infielder Royce Lewis will play third base in 2025, but he will also mix in some at second base during spring training. While Lewis will be an option for the Twins at the keystone, it doesn't sound likely that he's going to gain eligibility at second base this year. With the Twins keeping the 25-year-old right-handed power hitter at the hot corner, it means that young infielder Brooks Lee will probably open the regular season as the team's primary second baseman. However, he'll have to beat out the likes of Edouard Julien and Willi Castro. Lewis has elite power from the third base position, but he's torn his ACL twice already and missed another 58 games in 2024 due to a hamstring injury. He slumped to end the year but still finished with 16 home runs and a 108 wRC+ in 82 games. Lewis is an injury risk but could be worth it if you are looking for power.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton has had a normal offseason after his 388 plate appearances in 2024 were his most since 2017. "He feels as good as he's felt in a lot of years," president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said. Buxton has had a normal offseason and hasn't needed any rehab or physical therapy, which should benefit him greatly heading into the 2025 campaign. The 31-year-old played in over 100 games (102) for just the second time in his 10 years in the big leagues. He hit .279/.335/.524 with an .859 OPS, 18 home runs, 56 RBI, seven steals and 62 runs scored for the Twins. Buxton still dealt with knee and hip injuries, though. He showed he still has above-average pop, but his high risk of injury and the fact that he no longer runs as much makes him much less desirable as a fantasy outfielder. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 66 outfielder heading into the 2025 season.

According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Louie Varland will likely open the season in a relief role. Hayes noted that Varland could be built up for a long relief role, but if everything goes to plan with the health of their other starters, Varland will be deployed out of the bullpen for the majority of the season. The 27-year-old opened the 2024 campaign in the rotation but struggled as he posted a hefty 9.18 ERA and a 2.16 WHIP across his first four starts of the season. Varland transitioned to a bullpen role over the final month of the regular season and held a 7.59 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP across 10 2/3 innings. His underlying metrics were not favorable. However, during his first two MLB seasons, the 27-year-old held a 4.40 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect him to open the season with a low-leverage role and will likely not carry much fantasy value.

According to Phil Miller of the Star Tribune, Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Brock Stewart (shoulder) is expected to be ready for Opening Day. Stewart underwent shoulder surgery in August. He has been building up slower than the other members of the pitching staff but remains on track to be ready for Opening Day. The 33-year-old has thrown three bullpen sessions this month and has yet to face a setback from them. Last season, Stewart held a 5.17 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 15 2/3 innings of work last summer. He struck out 20 batters but struggled with his command as he held a high 11.9% walk rate. However, in 2023, he was dominant out of the bullpen as he posted a near-perfect 0.65 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP across 27 2/3 innings. Stewart will likely return to a high-leverage role in 2025.

According to Matthew Leach of MLB.com, Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (shoulder) has been having a typical offseason despite the shoulder injury that cut his 2024 season short. Ryan was placed on the injured list in early August with a Grade 2 right teres major strain. However, Leach reported that Ryan is having a "typical offseason" and throwing like he "normally would." This is an excellent sign for the 28-year-old as he should be a full-go during spring training. Ryan enjoyed a career season in 2024 as he posted a 3.60 ERA and a stellar 0.99 WHIP across 135 innings of work. He struck out 147 batters and showed elite command with a near-perfect 4.3% walk rate. He also generated an excellent 2.87 xERA, which suggests that he should be in store for some positive regression in 2025. Ryan carries solid upside in drafts this offseason as he should be poised to take another step forward this summer.