Twins “Boys of Summer” 2023

The Minnesota Twins continue to hold a five-game lead in the mediocre American League Central division. And while the action on the field has not always been first-rate, the Twins are certain about one thing. And to borrow a term from the great writer Roger Kahn, they would be in dire straits without the existence of their three new “Boys of Summer.”

Yes, it’s hard to imagine where the team would be without the services of infielder Edouard Julian, third baseman Royce Lewis, and outfielder Matt Wallner. All three started the season with the Triple-A St. Paul Saints and since their arrivals, they have moved the team’s trajectory in a positive direction.

Twins History of Boys of Summer

They have been strong contributors, offensively, defensively, and in the clubhouse. Historically, the Twins have always been fortunate to have some Boys of Summer make a baseball home in the Twins Cities. In the 1960’s, it was Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, and Rod Carew. The 1980s brought us the likes of Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, and Gary Gaetti. And the new millennium ushered in the era of the M and M Boys, Justin Morneau, and Joe Mauer, as well as Torii Hunter.

At the start of this season, some assumptions were made about how the Twins would perform during the 2023 season. First of all, the starting pitching looked strong with a group led by Sonny Gray, Joe Ryan, and the newly acquired Pablo Lopez.

The bullpen appeared to be a question mark. After struggling last season, the team made no significant additions to the unit during the offseason. The best-case scenario was that the starters would be able to log longer stints this year and relievers Caleb Thielbar and Jhoan Duran could put out the late-inning fires.

Twins’ Big Bats

It was also hoped that the Twins big bats; Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Jorge Polanco would stay healthy for most of the season. If so, Manager Rocco Baldelli would count on the trio to provide the team with the consistent firepower they would need to stay in contention.

Well, the starting pitching has been as good as advertised. Especially with the emergence of Baily Ober and the rejuvenated Dallas Keuchel. And the bullpen as feared has been a story of the good the bad and the ugly. And they miss Brock Stewart, the journeyman reliever who pitched so well for them before going to the IR with right elbow soreness. To make matters worse, they did not dive into the free agent market at the tradeline to bolster their pen.

Veteran Hitters Have Struggled

But the performance of the Twins’ three big bats has been to put it kindly, disappointing.  Buxton, who is currently on the IR, has been in a season-long slump. He has shown some pop in his bat but has struck out far too often. His batting average at this point is barely above the Mendoza line. And multiple injuries have prevented him from playing even an inning in centerfield.

And Correa has fared only slightly better. His average is currently in the low .200’s and he has been ineffective at driving in runs. In fact, for a while, he was on track to set the major league record for most times grounding into a double in a season. Jim Rice holds the current record with 36. Correa’s current total stands at 24. This season, the only saving grace for Correa and the Twins has been his outstanding play at shortstop.

And Polanco. He has been on the IR three times already this season. Due to these interruptions, he has not been able to develop any consistency with his hitting. Fortunately, the Twins have received surprising results from Ryan Jeffers, Donovan Solano, and a recently rejuvenated Max Kepler. They have picked up some of the slack caused by the faltering performances of Buxton, Correa, and Polanco.

“Boys of Summer” to the Rescue

But the real heart and soul of the team this season has been provided by Julien, Lewis, and Wallner. After starting the season shuffling between St. Paul and the Twins, Julien has helped to light a flame under the Twins offense. He has hit 10 home runs, and he currently sports a .379 On-Base Percentage (OBP) with a .852 On-Base Slugging Percentage (OPS). He has shown position flexibility as he started his initial game at first base the other night.

Lewis has visited the IR in July but since his call-up in May, he has demonstrated the ability that made him a much-ballyhooed prospect. A five-tool player, he has launched six home runs and his OPS currently sits at .880. He has played deftly at third base, and Rocco has indicated that Lewis will play some shortstop in September when Correa needs a day off. He truly is a monster talent that is only improving.

And all the waiting has been worth it. Matt Wallner has been as good as advertised. He has hit nine dingers, coupled with 22 RBIs, to go along with an impressive .504 slugging percentage. Wallner has a cannon for an arm, and his defense improves daily. He will be striking fear in MLB pitchers for many years to come.

Hopeful Fans

Meanwhile, the 2023 season has been a chaotic year for Twins fans. The team remains in first place in their division, despite playing inconsistent baseball. The fans however can look forward to further exploits from these “Boys of Summer.” That alone is worth the price of admission.