Who will stick and who won't for the Twins in 2020?
Who stays? Who goes? Who sits? Who starts? Here's La Velle E. Neal III's (very early) forecast for the Twins roster:
October 11, 2019 at 5:15PM
Relief pitcher (Age: 24)
September call-up pitched just 1⅔ innings. Good fastball, shaky control.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Minor league reliever.
Jose Berrios
Starting pitcher (Age: 25)
Made $620,000 in 2019, heads into his first arbitration season where he stands to see his salary at least double.
Contract: Arbitration eligible.
2020 outlook: No. 1 starter with Twins.
Randy Dobnak
Starting pitcher (Age: 24)
The Twins have no choice but to renovate their rotation for 2020, and Dobnak, after big jump in 2019, is in consideration.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Twins' No. 5 starter.
Tyler Duffey
Relief pitcher (Age: 29)
Duffey has figured things out. His timing couldn't be better, as he enters arbitration after the best season of his career.
Contract: Eligible for arbitration.
2020 outlook: Key piece of the bullpen.
Sam Dyson
Relief pitcher (Age: 31)
Shoulder surgery ended his season and likely will cost him most of 2020. Twins are likely to non-tender him.
Contract: Final year of arbitration.
2020 outlook: Unsigned, rehabbing.
Kyle Gibson
Starting pitcher (Age: 32)
Weakened as E. coli and ulcerative colitis wreaked havoc with his system. Former first-rounder was not himself.
Contract: Free agent.
2020 outlook: With another team.
Stephen Gonsalves
Starting pitcher (Age: 25)
Arrived at spring training trying to get his fastball back up to 95 mph. Elbow problems ruined his season.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Starter in minor leagues.
Brusdar Graterol
Starting pitcher (Age: 21)
September call-up made the postseason roster thanks to a triple-digit fastball that he commanded fairly well.
Contract: Major league minimum.
2020 outlook: Maybe big league starter.
Ryne Harper
Relief pitcher (Age: 30)
Curveball master was sent to the minors after 61 appearances and will have to fight for a spot next season.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Class AAA Rochester.
Trevor Hildenberger
Relief pitcher (Age: 28)
Once considered a key part of the bullpen, Hildenberger has struggled and this season battled a flexor mass strain.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Long shot for big leagues.
Zack Littell
Relief pitcher (Age: 24)
Yo-yoed between the Twins and Class AAA but posted a 0.75 ERA in September.
Contract: Major league minimum.
2020 outlook: Twins bullpen.
Trevor May
Relief pitcher (Age: 30)
Has been a work in progress but settled into a key role in the bullpen, posting a 1.33 ERA over his last 24 games.
Contract: Third year arbitration.
2020 outlook: Solid Twins reliever.
Jake Odorizzi
Starting pitcher (Age: 29)
Will make big money. All-Star coming off the best season of his career. Twins need to keep him in their rotation.
Contract: Free agent.
2020 outlook: Big contract with Twins.
Martin Perez
Starting pitcher (Age: 28)
The Twins hold an option for $7.5 million. After looking like a free agent steal, Perez fell apart in the second half.
Contract: Team option for 2020.
2020 outlook: 50-50 he'll be with Twins.
Michael Pineda
Starting pitcher (Age: 30)
Ended his season with a 60-game suspension for using a banned diuretic, and will miss the first six weeks of 2020 for whichever team he signs with.
Contract: Free agent.
2020 outlook: He'll sign with someone, but probably not the Twins.
Sean Poppen
Starting pitcher (Age: 25)
Four appearances for the Twins before returning to the minors in August and coming down with an elbow injury.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Minor leagues.
Taylor Rogers
Relief pitcher (Age: 29)
He's become one of the best lefthanded relievers in the game. He made $1.5 million in 2019 and will get a big bump.
Contract: Second year arbitration.
2020 outlook: Likely Twins closer.
Fernando Romero
Relief pitcher (Age: 24)
A new delivery is helping him repeat his mechanics, and he could be in position to help the club in 2020.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Starts season in minors.
Sergio Romo
Relief pitcher (Age: 36)
Who knows where his next pitch will be thrown, but the Twins might keep his agent's number on speed dial.
Contract: Free agent.
2020 outlook: Likely with another team.
Devin Smeltzer
Starting pitcher (Age: 24)
Bit of a surprise; showed the ability to slow down a batting order despite not having overpowering stuff.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Back of Twins rotation.
Cody Stashak
Relief pitcher (Age: 25)
He's not overpowering but is crafty within the strike zone. Walked one batter in 25 innings with Twins.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Twins reliever.
Kohl Stewart
Starting pitcher (Age: 25)
Twins will have to make room on their 40-man roster this offseason, and the former first-round pick could be a casualty.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: With another team.
Lewis Thorpe
Relief pitcher (Age: 23)
The Twins could use another lefty in the bullpen next season, and Thorpe showed flashes of being a candidate for that spot.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Opens year in Rochester.
Willians Astudillo
Catcher-infielder (Age: 27)
Fan favorite spent a chunk of the season with an oblique strain; upon his return, did not have the lightning in his bat.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Starts in minors.
Jason Castro
Catcher (Age: 32)
The rise of Mitch Garver marginalized Castro, who was returning from knee surgery. He will likely test free agency.
Contract: Free agent.
2020 outlook: Starter with another team.
Mitch Garver
Catcher (Age: 28)
One of the most improved players in baseball, showed terrific power for his position and made strides defensively. Twins could try to sign him long-term.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Twins' No. 1 catcher.
Ehire Adrianza
Infielder (Age: 30)
Adrianza is the classic utility player but is headed to arbitration after making $1.3 million in 2019. Is he worth it?
Contract: Final year of arbitration.
2020 outlook: Twins keep him.
Luis Arraez
Infielder (Age: 22)
The Twins' reworked lineup should have him batting first with his quality strike zone knowledge and bats skills.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Twins' leadoff hitter.
C.J. Cron
First base (Age: 29)
Hit 25 homers despite an injured thumb; likely will get $8 million in arbitration. Will Twins bring him back or move Miguel Sano to first?
Contract: Third year arbitration.
2020 outlook: Toss-up to stay with Twins.
Marwin Gonzalez
Infielder-outfielder (Age: 30)
Ended up subbing for injured players for most of the season. Twins must decide whether to hand him a position.
Contract: Signed through 2020.
2020 outlook: Probably the same role.
Nick Gordon
Infielder (Age: 23)
With Royce Lewis at Class AA, oft-injured Gordon is running out of time to show what he can do.
Contract: Minor league.
2020 outlook: Class AAA Rochester.
Jorge Polanco
Shortstop (Age: 26)
Twins got immediate return on their investment, as Polanco became an All-Star and key figure in their offense.
Contract: Signed through 2024.
2020 outlook: Starting shortstop.
Miguel Sano
Infielder (Age: 26)
Will the Twins move him from third to first? He figured some things out this season and will get a nice raise from the $2.65 million he made in 2019.
Contract: Second year arbitration.
2020 outlook: Starter at third or first.
Jonathan Schoop
Second base (Age: 27)
Hit 23 home runs but was on the bench for the playoffs; the Twins' farm system has middle infielders getting close to the majors. Could stick — and Nelson Cruz would like that — if Sano moves to first and Arraez plays third.
Contract: Free agent.
2020 outlook: 50-50 to return.
Ronald Torreyes
Infielder (Age: 27)
He gets a bump from $800,000 in 2020, so team could go cheaper elsewhere.
Contract: Second year arbitration.
2020 outlook: With another organization.
Byron Buxton
Outfielder (Age: 25)
Too many injuries and wasted seasons, but should be back around Opening Day to provide a spark few teams have.
Contract: Second year arbitration.
2020 outlook: Starting center fielder.
Jake Cave
Outfielder (Age: 26)
Cave is serviceable as a reserve outfielder and provides some pop at the plate.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Twins reserve.
Max Kepler
Outfielder (Age: 26)
On his way to a massive season when a shoulder injury ruined his September. Has a chance to surpass Shawn Green comparisons made when he was signed.
Contract: Signed through 2023.
2020 outlook: Starting right fielder.
Ryan LaMarre
Outfielder (Age: 30)
Late-season pickup for thin outfield.
Contract: First year arbitration.
2020 outlook: With another team.
Ian Miller
Outfielder (Age: 27)
Acquired in August for depth in minors.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Class AAA Rochester.
Eddie Rosario
Outfielder (Age: 28)
Passed 30 homers and 100 RBI this season but seemed to be in the spotlight for not hustling or making accurate throws.
Contract: Second year arbitration.
2020 outlook: Starting left fielder.
Lamonte Wade Jr.
Outfielder (Age: 25)
Debuted and showed off excellent discipline at plate while improving contact. Can play all three outfield spots.
Contract: Pre-arbitration.
2020 outlook: Destined for Rochester.
Nelson Cruz
Designated Hitter (Age: 39)
Papa Bomba led the offense with 41 homers while driving in 108 runs. His wisdom and mentorship are invaluable. Can he cheat Father Time again?
Contract: Team option for 2020.
2020 outlook: Fixture at DH.
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