Who is the Twins 2022 Rookie of the Year?

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins have had a decent season after coming off one that included a ton of losing. While Carlos Correa was the big splash this winter, Rocco Baldelli’s club has seen youth step up in a few key areas. As the year trends towards a close, there’s just three true options for a Rookie of the Year award.

 

 

On Opening Day, Minnesota rostered a rookie starter in Joe Ryan and allowed him to take the ball. Surprisingly, the bullpen also included rookie prospect Jhoan Duran, who wasn’t exactly expected to crack camp with the big league club. Then there’s Jose Miranda, who spent a month in St. Paul before getting to the majors and making it stick. Each has a case, but some are better than others.

Joe Ryan
Baldelli turned to Ryan as his Opening Day starter following just a five-start debut in 2021. Ryan looked the part of a very good pitcher, but Sonny Gray had been acquired to be the ace of this staff. Giving the nod to an internal option made sense, however, and Ryan has made the most of it.

Through 19 starts this season, Ryan owns a 3.92 ERA across 101 innings. Despite not throwing with much velocity, Ryan is just under striking out a batter per inning. He’s been bit by the home run allowing 1.4 per nine innings, but his walk rate remains manageable at 2.5 BB/9.

Ryan has basically been a league-average pitcher this season. His 98 ERA+ tells a fair story, and while the numbers are great against poor competition, they’re relatively troubling against teams Minnesota would find in October. He’s settled in as a true rotation piece, but it’s fair to call him more of a number three than anything else.

Jhoan Duran
Where would this Minnesota bullpen be without the emergence of their triple-digit hurler. Across 43 appearances Duran owns a dazzling 2.09 ERA. He has a strong 11.7 K/9 and limits walks allowing just a 2.1 BB/9.

As mentioned, it wasn’t originally expected Duran would make the Opening Day roster. He worked as a starter at Triple-A in 2021, and while his arm didn’t hold up for long stretches at a time, that was still a path to explore. Instead he’s become the Twins best high-leverage reliever, and may be among the best in the role across all of baseball.

Duran doesn’t need to be a traditional closer. Sure, he’s got six saves this season, but his 3.10 win probability added is reflective of a guy that gets things done whenever the team needs him, at the most dire moments. Relievers don’t get a ton of love when it comes to awards on a national stage, but Duran should’ve been an All-Star and deserves Rookie of the Year votes.

Jose Miranda
After spending April at Triple-A, Jose Miranda made his Major League debut on May 2nd. By May 26 he had a .484 OPS and was optioned back to St. Paul following Royce Lewis’ return to health. When it was determined the top prospect would need season ending surgery, Miranda’s trip across town was turned back and he’s been amazing since.

In 58 games since May 30, Miranda owns an .877 OPS while batting .313 and contributing 20 extra-base hits. He’s launched 10 homers and has been a catalyst in many key spots. Miranda has shown a knack to produce with runners in scoring position, and he’s consistently been given opportunities to bat in the top four or five lineup spots.

There are probably other favorites such as Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. when it comes to the American League Rookie of the Year award, but I’m not sure Miranda should be considered much behind them. The reality for Minnesota is that they have two guys who have kept their team afloat, and a third who’s been a constant in the rotation despite massive uncertainty.

Who do you feel has been the most valuable for the Twins this year? Can any of these three actually contend for the award across the entirety of the American League?

 

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[bean5302]

It's a tough one between Miranda and Duran, but I'd take Miranda as of this point. Joe Ryan is well behind in my opinion.

[cHawk]

Jose Miranda all the way

[chpettit19]

Duran and Miranda are neck and neck to me.

Miranda may have a slight edge because he's an everyday player. I think most everyone had hopes he'd show up and start to lay claim to the everyday 3B job moving forward, but I don't know that any of us expected him to be the best hitter on the team on August 18th, and that's exactly what I'd say he is. If I'm the FO I'm reaching out to his reps and seeing what it takes to sign him for 10 years. 10 years 100 mil get it done? I think it should and I'd do it today.

Duran has saved this pen, and, likely, this team. He had some 2 inning outings, he's had saves, he's become the 8th inning guy now, was the fireman a few times. He's done everything and I cringe thinking of what this season would've been without him. But as a reliever he loses a couple points on my Twins rookie of the year ballot so he'd be 2nd for me.

Joe Ryan seems to have settled in where he was most likely to settle in and it's as a league average pitcher with some flashes of greatness against weaker competition and some real blowup games when he's not on against good offenses. Just doesn't have the stuff to be able to perform when he's not hitting his spots so he'll likely always be this guy. Which is still a useful guy to have on your team. Just don't want him making more opening day starts cuz he shouldn't be the #1 on any competitive staff.

[TwinsAce]

Similar thoughts to the above comments.  I was thinking about how I'd almost rank Duran higher than Miranda in team MVP, but Miranda has done so much in the past few weeks when a lot of the other players aren't hitting.  I would argue that Duran has been our most irreplaceable player this year though.

If Joe Ryan can put together a final month+ with a 3.00 ERA and average 6 innings a start during that time, he would get back up to that same range as Miranda and Duran.

[jmlease1]

I think it's got to be Miranda. Duran has been great and been a weapon all year, but since May Jose Miranda has been playing not like a team ROY candidate, but a AL ROY candidate. Position players just have more impact on the game, I gotta give it to Miranda.

Sure is nice to have both of them playing like fearless veterans, though!

Ryan has been good, not great. I'm definitely a fan, but he hasn't dominated like Miranda & Duran have.

[MMMordabito]

Glad the Twins have all three.

I'll go with Duran, who's seemingly been the light at the end of the bullpen tunnel all season.

Miranda is a very close second for me, and I second the idea to lock him up now.

I'm hoping Ryan finishes the season strong.  I think he's handled the de facto Ace role quite well for a rookie.

[ChineseGandalf]

I have been blown away by Miranda, especially considering how drastic his turnaround was. I have been expecting some regression since he has peaked this summer, but if anything he has continued to improve. He is easily the Twins best hitter right now, and probably has been for the last two months or so. 

I'm also onboard with signing him to a long term deal, because I foresee him being a very productive contributor for years to come. The combination of power and average are very promising and could see him be a MVP candidate within the next several years. 

[IowaBeancounter]

If Miranda continues hitting close to his post all-star clip (.360 ave & .950 OPS) he should be ROY.  Rodriquez was injured, but post all-star he is at .208 ave. & .672 OPS.  Can someone explain why Miranda only has a bWAR of 1.2?

[Mike Sixel]

The rookie of the year will be Rutshman. He's a catcher that plays great D and hits Miranda is like fifth on war....

All three are great additions to the twins. Posters here seem to forget Ryan is a rookie.

[Thebigalguy]

I agree. (He came, he saw, he concurred.) I’d like to see Ryan become a Greg Maddox type bulldog to compensate for his average velocity. Until then, Miranda and Duran are my guys. 

[Linus]

As much as I like Miranda I think I would go with Duran. Without him the Twins would have been sunk long ago. Imagine that bullpen without him. 
Miranda is a close second. He’s kind of a throwback in that he hits the outside pitch the other way. He’s our best all around hitter and it ain’t even close. 

[RJA]

Miranda, Duran, and Ryan in that order.  Miranda is an everyday player and has come up with big hits on a regular basis. He has kept the offense afloat since he came back up.  This is no slight to Duran, as his contributions have been great as well.  To me, it is like the MVP award--it should go to the best position player with the Cy Young going to pitchers. Maybe there should be two awards--rookie of the year for position players, and rookie pitche of the year.

[Bigfork Twins Guy]

1) Miranda

2) Duran

3) Ryan

[jmlease1]

I will say it's damn close in my mind for Miranda over Duran. Duran is 3rd in the AL in WPA, which is a pretty meaningful stat, especially for relievers. 

But I am really impressed with how Miranda has adapted to MLB: he had a rough first month, and since then has been a major force as a hitter and doesn't look like he's slowing down at all. And it's not like teams don't have tape on him now.

Any other year, Ryan might be competing, but we've got two other rookies who are really impressing.

[Alex Schieferdecker]

Duran has been phenomenal, but Miranda is a credible AL RotY dark horse. If he continues hitting at the rate that he's been hitting since the All-Star break, he could absolutely win the award (if baseball writers are still paying attention after penciling JRod into their ballots in June).

[Steve71]

MIranda plays virtually every day and is now batting cleanup. "Nuff said.

[roger]

Will go along with those who have Miranda over Duran, who is close.

I also believe that Miranda should get strong consideration for League ROY, especially if he keeps hitting like he has.  He has what, 100 ab's less than several on the team and very possibly will end the year with the most RBI.  Kid seems to be at another level when there are guys on base.  Loved the comparison the other day during the game when they were showing his batting form compared with Pujols.  Interesting, very interesting.

Also believe that Miranda has improved his defense since the year began, especially at first base.  I guess that makes sense as many of his early mistakes were mental based on his minimal experience at first.  It may be a year early for an extension, but I want this young man to play at Target Field for his entire career.  Now let's get Lewis, Larnach and Kirilloff healthy and won't that be exciting to watch.

[USAFChief]

Close call, but I'd also vote Miranda 1, Duran 2.

But it's close. Duran has been very important to this team.

[strumdatjag]

It’s Miranda!!! And all of you who disagree should exercise your right to remain SILENT.  

[Whitey333]

After a slow start Miranda has become a very good hitter.  For me he's the choice over Duran although Duran is very good too  Miranda and Arraez and a couple of other younger players have been carrying this team.  

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, Alex Schieferdecker said:

Duran has been phenomenal, but Miranda is a credible AL RotY dark horse. If he continues hitting at the rate that he's been hitting since the All-Star break, he could absolutely win the award (if baseball writers are still paying attention after penciling JRod into their ballots in June).

It won't be   JRod.... The catcher from Baltimore will win. 

[mikelink45]

Miranda has really stepped up for a club that has often had trouble hitting with runners in scoring position - he seems to be able to get the bat on the ball no matter the situation.  He is Arraez with power.  I want him on my team. 

With Kiriloff, Lewis, and Larnach down how great it is to have a bat like Miranda step up.  

And so glad Ryan and Duran keep taking the ball while Ober and Winder are hit by injury. 

[MMMordabito]

44 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

It won't be   JRod.... The catcher from Baltimore will win. 

Rutschman has definitely been catching up in the odds.  I'm pretty sure Witt Jr. was second even last month. 

As of August 15,

1 ) Rodriguez -600

2) Rutschman +850

6) Miranda +7,000

9) Ryan +13,000

Duran wasn't listed.

That's FanDuel info.

 

[gman]

I simply like the fact the Twins actually have 3 players having such very good rookie years. I vote for the team doing it again next year. And the year after that.  Kudos for the minor league development.

[Minny505]

59 minutes ago, MMMordabito said:

Rutschman has definitely been catching up in the odds.  I'm pretty sure Witt Jr. was second even last month. 

As of August 15,

1 ) Rodriguez -600

2) Rutschman +850

6) Miranda +7,000

9) Ryan +13,000

Duran wasn't listed.

That's FanDuel info.

 

This seems like a more accurate picture than what TD is painting in these comments.

Miranda has a strong argument for the best hitting rookie, but he is a coinflip to even place top five at this point for the league ROTY.

[rwilfong86]

Miranda for sure 

[jrod23]

I love this fodder.  We can't lose with either Duran or Miranda for team ROY.  I could care less about the AL ROY.  We all know it'll be Adley, Witt Jr., or Rodriguez.  They can have it.  I'm beyond excited we have all three of these guys (Ryan is a straight up gift from Tampa).  We NEED to take a page out of Atlanta's playbook and start signing these guys to some deals.  We tried with Polanco and Kepler and it's going well, but look at Atlanta's payroll.  They develop and sign.  It also shows the loyalty that is so overlooked in professional sports now days.  

[RaoulDuke]

Duran and Miranda have been amazing but I think it goes to Duran as of now.  He has absolutely carried the pen from day one, debuting and excelling in a brand new role while the guys intended to fill the back end  have failed at it.  Miranda came up later and after initial struggles has been the reliable offensive catalyst for a month or two.

By the end of the year Miranda may over take him because he has so many more opportunities to contribute but Duran has been everything you could have possibly hoped for.  I worry about his work load as we get later into the season, he has to be super stretched at this point and we still badly need to rely on him often.

[MGM4706]

Probably none contend at the League level. All 3 have been good for their age and experience. Miranda problem is he does not have a position. He is very average at third and at first. Maybe play winter ball to focus on learning the intracacies of some position. Otherwise he may become a young DH. The others are young pitchers. Still learning the big Leagues