Jim Souhan's season outlook for Twins
Here's how it could perfectly come together — or all go horribly wrong.
1. Final record: 96-66. They won 101 two years ago despite a number of injuries and a midseason bullpen meltdown. They won at almost the same rate last year despite key injuries. They have flaws, but their strengths and depth will prevail again, with Andrelton Simmons' fielding making a big difference.
2. Best case: They have another strong season and enter the postseason healthy, with Byron Buxton and Josh Donaldson playing like All-Stars, and finally win a playoff series. Kenta Maeda and Jose Berrios duel to be the staff ace and the team's pitching depth pays dividends.
3. Worst case: The youngish hitters — Buxton, Max Kepler, Miguel Sano, Mitch Garver and the left fielder — don't mature, strike out too much and leave the team reliant on its oldest player (Cruz) and a guy with an iffy calf (Donaldson).
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The Tampa Bay Rays will play their 2025 home games at the New York Yankees’ nearby spring training ballpark amid uncertainty about the future of hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field, Rays executives told The Associated Press.