Jump to content
Twins Daily
  • Create Account

  • Projecting Minnesota's 2023 Line-Up

    Cody Christie

    By Cody Christie

    Looking into the future can be an exercise in futility, but every year I try and predict which players will be occupying Minnesota’s line-up four years in the future. There can be plenty that changes over the course of those four years and prospects can rise or fade out. For now, let’s look into the crystal ball and see who could be part of the Twins long-term plans.

    Image courtesy of © Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

    Twins Video

    C: Mitch Garver

    Garver has been my pick for starting catcher in each of the last three years (see links below) and he did nothing to change those projections this season. By 2023, he will be 32-years old, so it will be interesting to see how his body handles the rigors of catching. The Twins are in search of a first baseman and there’s a chance Garver could spend more time at this position. This would keep Garver in the line-up on a more regular basis and it could help him keep his legs fresh.

    First Base: Alex Kirilloff

    Kirilloff started playing more time at first base last season. This will give him more defensive flexibility and allow him to reach the big leagues sooner. He has one of the best hit tools in the Twins system, but he saw his numbers dip a little last season after putting together a monster 2018 campaign. He has a good chance to make his big-league debut in 2020 and by 2023 he should be well entrenched as a regular in the Twins line-up.

    Second Base: Luis Arraez

    Arraez is one of the easiest picks for any future Twins line-up. The 22-year old burst on the scene last year and hit .334/.399/.439 (.838) across 92 games. He was a revelation in the batter’s box as he seemed to know the strike zone like a 10-year veteran. One of his most memorable at-bats came after he was a pinch hitter and entered the game with an 0-2 count. Arraez is never going to have huge power numbers, but he has been able to hit at every level where he has played.

    Third Base: Royce Lewis

    Royce Lewis was drafted by the Twins as a shortstop, but there are some that question whether he will be able to stick at that position long-term. To move to third base, Lewis is going to have to make some changes on the offensive side of the ball. He has a big leg kick and a lot of unnecessary movement with his hands. Minnesota has some time to tweak his swing before he debuts, and Lewis is athletic enough to make the changes.

    Shortstop: Jorge Polanco

    Polanco was the starting shortstop for the American League in the All-Star Game and he is under contract through at least 2023. That being said, he had a negative ranking according to SABR’s Defensive Index, which ranked him eighth among qualifying AL shortstops. He made improvements last year, but he will be 29-years old in 2023. Will he have lost a step by that point? Would the Twins be able to move him to another defensive position?

    Left Field: Trevor Larnach

    Larnach had one of the strongest seasons among Twins top prospects. Between High-A and Double-A, he hit .309/.384/.458 (.842) with 44 extra-base hits. Because of his college experience, he is actually older than Alex Kirilloff and he is the same age as Luis Arraez. Like Kirilloff, he has an opportunity to debut in 2020, but it would likely have to be the result of an injury to one of the regular outfielders.

    Center Field: Byron Buxton

    Buxton will be in an interesting spot by 2023. Can he find a way to stay healthy for an entire season? Will last year’s offensive improvements continue? He has a lot to prove during the 2020 season, but fans can hope he clears up any doubts before 2023. He would be entering his age-29 season, which should put him at the peak of his value. Speed is a big part of his game and he will need to show that he can adjust as Father Time starts to slow him down.

    Right Field: Max Kepler

    Kepler was given the opportunity to be the Twins lead-off hitter last season and he certainly proved the team made the right choice. He compiled an .855 OPS on the way to cracking 36 home runs and 32 doubles. By 2023, Kepler could be one of the team’s leaders on and off the field especially after the team signed him to an extension last off-season. His contract does have a team option for 2024, so Kepler could be amid a contract year in the 2023 season.

    Designated Hitter: Miguel Sano

    Sano has seen some ups and downs throughout his Twins tenure and it’s interesting to think about what the future could hold for the burly third baseman. There’s a chance the 2020 season will be his last season on the defensive side of the ball. Nelson Cruz is under contract for one more year and then Sano is the likely choice to take over the DH role. There is no guarantee he will be with the Twins in 2023 since he can be a free agent in 2022. Could someone like Polanco take over this spot if Sano doesn’t re-sign with the club?

    What do you think the 2023 line-up will look like in Minnesota? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

    PREVIOUS YEAR’S PREDICTIONS

    2020 Line-Up

    2021 Line-Up

    2022 Line-Up

    MORE FROM TWINS DAILY

    — Latest Twins coverage from our writers

    — Recent Twins discussion in our forums

    — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email

    Cody Christie is a Twins writer and content contributor. His writing can be found exclusively at Twins Daily and his voice can be heard on radio stations throughout the Upper Midwest. Outside of the Twins, he is a father, high school teacher, and avid runner.
    Follow Cody Christie on Twitter: nodaktwinsfan

    MORE FROM TWINS DAILY
    — Latest Twins coverage from our writers
    — Recent Twins discussion in our forums
    — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email
    — Become a Twins Daily Caretaker

     Share
     Share
    Go to articles

    Community Blogs

    • How many games will the Minnesota Twins win in 2023?
    • Gopher Preview (Week 3)

    Forum Topics

    • PVTEST
    • Hey, look here
    • This is an exceptionally long title to test how various points look on a phone and smaller devices
    The Ultimate Minnesota Twins Gift Ideas Shopping Guide

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Featured Comments

    Mr. Brooks

    Mr. Brooks 7,174

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

    I would like to go back to the 2015-2017 articles and see what they thought the 2020 lineups would be, and have a good laugh seeing what panned out and what didn't. Unfortunately, searching past topics in this forum is rather difficult.

    They're linked in the OP.

    Hint: Daniel Palka was our projected DH for this year.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Danchat

    Danchat 11,131

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

     

    They're linked in the OP.
    Hint: Daniel Palka was our projected DH for this year.

    Whoa, I missed that. But I would still like to dig up the other threads about the 2018-2020 lineups, I know we had a lot of other ones.

     

     

    2016 JaleelWhite FanClub Blankenhorn over Arraez at 2B?

    Get this dude an award! Dude saw Arraez at 2B back in 2016. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    rdehring

    rdehring 3,816

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    Very interesting, Cody.  And what is most interesting is the few changes from the current lineup.  Moving Rosario seems to be the in thing this winter, and with the young guys coming up it probably will happen.  Like you, don't have a clue where Lewis will play when broungt up.  I do expect that to happen this year as the AFL MVP has a history of playing in the big leagues the next year and normally playing very well.

     

    I respestively disagree with those who maintain Buxton won't be extended.  The player I think could be most likely to be gone would be Sano.  With all the hurdles he had to overcome, many that he caused, its hard to get a handle on what he wants for his future.  One day I think it is a big contract in a market with all the hype.  Then I see him on the bench having fun with his Latin teammates he came up with and see a young kid who is very happy.  I guess his future remains to be seen.  As for all his warts in the field, his bat can play for anyone.

     

    Thanks, Cody, and Merry Christmas.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    ChrisKnutson

    ChrisKnutson 502

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

    I gotta believe Garver will still be around by 2023, but in a limited role. When it comes to Sano, I think there’s a near definate chance he leaves for a big market team. I really hope Buxton and Rosario are retained, although I wouldn’t grossly overpay to keep them around.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    tarheeltwinsfan

    tarheeltwinsfan 5,120

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

     

    Not looking great if Polanco is still playing short.

    I think it will be Wander Javier at SS in 2023. Polanco at 2B and Lewis at 3B, as increased usage of the shifts make the fielding skills of the 3B even more important for a successful IF defense.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    TwinsFan268

    TwinsFan268 106

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

    I agree that Polanco will be shortstop, Arraez will be second base, and Kepler will be outfield. But I don't know about Lewis, Larnach, or Kirilloff. Probably one or two of them will be in the lineup, but with the free agent market WAY down, the Twins may trade one or more of their prospects. Garver may be catcher, but he also may be DH or 1st base. But good job. Predicting 4 years into the future can be tough.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    DocBauer

    DocBauer 14,431

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    I think it will be Wander Javier at SS in 2023. Polanco at 2B and Lewis at 3B, as increased usage of the shifts make the fielding skills of the 3B even more important for a successful IF defense.

    I can absolutely see this happening and wouldn't be surprised. But I can also see Javier continuing to mature physically and slide to 3B.

     

    Lewis could still wind up at SS, or, possibly CF IF Buxton is gone. Not saying he will be, but it's a possibility.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    DocBauer

    DocBauer 14,431

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    I love this projected lineup and find it plausible, exciting, and even very possible. But I also think 1 or 2 of the guys we are talking about are traded. Remember, this projection is in a vacuum for how things sit today.

     

    Could Rosario still be in LF on an extension and Larnach moved in a deal?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites


    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

    Loading...
    ×

×
×
  • Create New...