2023 Minnesota Twins award predictions
MVP: Carlos Correa
If Byron Buxton plays 140 games, he will be the MVP of the Twins season. However, you can’t bank on that happening given his track record.
Carlos Correa is fresh off his new deal, making $200 million over the next six years. He’s the leader of this team and arguably the best player. If he has a normal season by his standards, he’s easily going to lock up the MVP honors.
Underrated: Christian Vázquez
The Christian Vázquez signing sort of went under the radar. Last season the 32-year-old finished with a batting average of .274 and a wins above replacement of 2.1. He’s a good defensive player and a two-time World Series champion.
This season, you’ll see his impact on the defensive end and in the locker room. He’s average on offense, and that’s all you can ask for when you’re getting the other two things at a high level.
Best Starting Pitcher: Pablo López
The Twins gave up Luis Arraez to get Pablo López, and I’m a proponent of the trade. Minnesota needs an ace, and López could give them that. He’s only 27 years old and put up good numbers on a bad Miami Marlins team.
He’ll have a much better team and defense behind him, which should inflate his numbers even more. He’s also a guy who can go deep in games, and we saw just how great he can be for Minnesota in the World Baseball Classic.
Best Reliever: Jhoan Duran
Is there really anything I need to say here? By the end of the season, Jhoan Duran will be the best reliever in baseball.
Breakout Candidate: Trevor Larnach
Trevor Larnach has all the talent in the world. Last year, he put up a 1.3 wins above replacement in 51 games and was great defensively. Injuries have plagued the former first-round pick, but when he’s healthy, he’s shown flashes of a potential All-Star.
The power is off the charts, and he’s put together an impressive Spring Training. In 32 at-bats, he’s hitting .375, with four home runs and eight RBIs.
Prospect to Watch For: Austin Martin
There should be a few prospects who make their debut this season, and Austin Martin might not be the headliner, but he will be an interesting study. The reason I went with him over a few other prospects is because of his potential and ability to steal bases.
Martin still has the potential to be something special, but realistically, he’s probably another Nick Gordon (which isn’t a bad thing). The Twins were dead last in stolen bases last season with 38. Martin alone stole 35 in 2022 and would have a major impact in that category.
Next Fan-Favorite Prospect: Bryan Acuña
The Twins fans fell in love with Emmanuel Rodriguez and Edouard Julien over the last year. There’s always another prospect the fanbase will cling to, and that guy will be Bryan Acuña.
Acuña is the younger brother of Ronald Acuña Jr. They both have similar swings, which should excite Twins fans. It’s hard to say Bryan will be anything close to his brother, but even if he’s half the player, Minnesota would be getting a productive player.
In 43 games for the Dominican Summer League, Acuña hit .310, with an on-base percentage of .409. He also picked up 16 RBIs, stole nine bases, walked 20 times and struck out 36 times.
The power is lacking, but he’s only 17 years old. He’s someone that could make his major league debut by the time he’s 20.
Record: 92-70
The Twins won 78 games last season, but this 2023 roster is much deeper and better. They made several acquisitions this offseason and brought back Correa on a long-term deal. If health is better, which I don’t know how it wouldn’t *knock on wood*, then this Twins team can rattle off 14 more wins.
