While some clubs have struggled to find continuity in their outfield — the Cardinals, Padres and Blue Jays come to mind — the Twins have enjoyed a rather reliable trio in recent years. True, injuries to Byron Buxton have frequently held him out of the lineup, but the general expectation over the past three to four seasons has been that Buxton would be flanked by left fielder Eddie Rosario and right fielder Max Kepler. Since 2016, Rosario ranks fourth among MLB left fielders in innings. Kepler ranks seventh in right-field innings. Both would likely rank higher on those leaderboards were it not for occasional stints manning center field while Buxton mended from injuries.
And yet, as much of the team’s young core has been locked up on long-term deals — Kepler, Jorge Polanco and Miguel Sano are now all signed through at least 2023 — Rosario finds himself nearing free agency. The 27-year-old slugger agreed to a $7.75MM salary this winter and is controlled through 2021. There have reportedly been some talks between the two sides in recent years, but nothing has come together. Other key members of the Twins core remain unsigned (e.g. Buxton, Jose Berrios, Taylor Rogers) but are controlled an additional year beyond Rosario.
Moreover, the Twins now find themselves with a pair of corner prospects pushing for a spot in the big leagues sooner than later. Former first-round picks Alex Kirilloff (2016) and Trevor Larnach (2018) both rank comfortably among the game’s best overall prospects and both found success in Double-A in 2019. The former returned from a wrist injury to hit .283/.343/.413 (121 wRC+) through 411 plate appearances, while the latter hit .295/.387/.455 in 181 PAs — good for a 148 wRC+ that was an exact match for his mark through 361 PAs in Class-A Advanced.
Both Kirilloff (No. 9 overall on Keith Law’s prospect rankings at The Athletic) and Larnach (No. 45 at Baseball America) are 22-year-old corner outfielders with bats that have been deemed close to MLB-ready. Both would’ve likely advanced to Triple-A in 2020 had the season begun under normal circumstances, and it’d be reasonable to think that either could’ve made his MLB debut this year. Each notched an OPS north of 1.100 during brief Spring Training showings (30 PAs for Larnach, 22 for Kirilloff). Beyond that pairing, Brent Rooker posted a 139 wRC+ in Triple-A last year. He’s not as highly regarded and may be more of a first base or DH type in the long run, but Rooker’s been playing left field regularly since being drafted 35th overall in 2017.
It’s unlikely that any of those prospects would’ve been plugged directly into the Major League lineup to begin the season under any circumstance, but it’s nevertheless notable that Rosario’s name crept up in trade rumblings this winter. Had a deal come together, the Twins could’ve added a one-year stopgap, turned to Marwin Gonzalez as a primary outfielder and/or given Jake Cave an opportunity to establish himself. As it turned out, retaining Rosario only left the club with enhanced depth.
At some point in the near future, the Twins will have to ask whether they’re better off paying Rosario another raise in arbitration — though it remains to be seen how much of an increase he’ll get over his current salary next time — or whether some combination of Kirilloff, Larnach, Cave and Rooker can provide similar or greater value at a fraction of the price. Minnesota only has $55.5MM on the 2021 books as of this writing, so it’s not as if payroll is an immediate issue, but Rosario’s game isn’t without its flaws, either.
A former high-end prospect himself, Rosario has never demonstrated much plate discipline, but his swing-happy tendencies revved up to new levels last year. Jeff McNeil was the only qualified hitter in the Majors last year who swung at a higher percentage of pitches than Rosario’s 59.1 (although he didn’t chase out of the zone nearly as much as Rosario and had a markedly better contact rate on pitches in the zone). On top of that, only three qualified hitters chased balls out of the zone more than Rosario.
To his credit, Rosario has greatly improved his bat-to-ball skills, cutting his strikeout rate from 25.7 percent in 2016 to 14.6 percent in 2019. But Rosario’s penchant for swinging at pitches out of the zone leads to far more weak contact than one would expect from a player who hit 32 home runs in 2019. His 89.1 mph average exit velocity ranked 123rd of 250 qualified hitters, per Statcast, and his 36 percent hard-hit rate ranked 166th in that same grouping. Despite his clear power, Rosario hasn’t ranked higher than the 34th percentile of big league hitters in terms of hard-hit rate in any of the past four seasons. His expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) has hovered around league average or a bit below.
This isn’t intended as a piece meant to disparage Rosario, who has proven himself to be a useful corner outfielder. He’s averaged 27.6 homers over the past three seasons, ranks seventh in the Majors in outfield assists in that time and, with the exception of a 2019 season during which he played through a notable ankle injury, he’s graded out as a reliable and at times well-above-average defender.
A rangy left fielder with a strong arm, consistently solid batting averages and 25- to 30-homer pop is a fine player — even if he comes with some on-base deficiencies. But when corner outfield options are typically plentiful in free agency and there are a pair of top-tier prospects looming in the upper minors, it’s easy to see the front office debating Rosario’s future. Rosario isn’t going to fetch a top-of-the-rotation arm in a trade given his rising price, questionable OBP and waning club control, but the Twins will still surely ponder whether their resources can be better allotted elsewhere soon — if they haven’t already.
Some may argue that Buxton or even Kepler are the better pieces for the Twins to consider moving from the current outfield group. But Buxton’s 80-grade glove and speed are harder to replace, and he’s controlled an additional year while currently earning less than half of Rosario’s salary. In terms of ceiling, he’s the highest of the bunch even in spite of his frequent injuries. Kepler’s extension, meanwhile, allows the Twins to control him for another five years and $38MM — the final season of which is a $10MM club option.
The alternative, of course, is to eventually look to package some of the aforementioned young talent to address other areas of need — likely high-end rotation help. The Twins’ offseason quest to bolster the starting staff ended up with more quantity-over-quality outcome than many expected, as the club missed on its top targets and instead pivoted to a surprising four-year deal with Josh Donaldson. Part of the reason they weren’t able to add an impact starter was the simple fact that virtually none were available in trade, but that could change down the road.
With three former top 40 picks thriving in the upper minors, two of them top 100 picks, and a long-entrenched mix of quality regulars at the MLB level, it seems inevitable that Minnesota’s outfield depth will undergo some form of reshaping in the near future. (None of this even mentions 2017 No. 1 overall pick Royce Lewis — a shortstop who some feel is destined to end up in center field instead.) Of course, this is the type of logjam that rebuilding clubs look forward to eventually trying to manage, and it serves as a reminder that despite their current lack of prototypical “ace,” the Twins are well-positioned for another run of competitive years in the American League Central.
harms1124
I truly believe Minnesota would’ve traded Kepler (at an all time high value) for an #1/2 starter this offseason but there weren’t any pitchers like that out there on non competitive teams. Kluber was probably the closest thing to it and Kepler is way more valuable than him.
jkinser20
I agree with the fact that Keller’s value outweighed any starting pitcher on the trade market. However, I doubt the twins were too gung-ho to part ways with him. I think they expected to acquire their pitching through the free agent market. They were suitors for mad bum, wheeler, etc so I’d say that was their plan A
Moneyballer
So incredibly wrong. Kepler was signed long-term, they love him! That is a guy you don’t pawn off for some aging veteran pitcher. If fact, just don’t trade Kepler period…that would be good policy!
mlb1225
Why, of all their outfielders, they would trade Kepler? Unless they were getting a top tier pitcher, it wouldn’t make much sense. Kepler was signed to an extension last off season, and was outstanding, both in the batters box and in the field, last season.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
You don’t get a #1 pitcher for a guy who has hit above .250 just once and has had only one season with an OPS+ above 100 (and that was a solid, but unspectacular 122). His defense rates as a little above average, but not elite. He’s an above-average player on a team-friendly contract and that certainly has value, but not get-an-ace-in-return value.
Prospectnvstr
…flamethrower: You do realize that an OPS+ of 122 is 22% ABOVE league average, right?
Rangers29
I think Buxton would be a good buy low get for the Rangers, instead of all of the rumors for JBJ. I don’t want JBJ’s contract and especially not for just one season. But I do think Buxton would be a good speedy center fielder to stay in the role until Leody Taveras comes up in 21′ (hopefully).
CobiEven
Buxton is not a buy low candidate and I have no horse in this race.
Javia
The Twins will not be moving Buxton without getting big time talent in return. Texas does not have the pitching prospect talent to get him.
Rangers29
I say buy low, I saw his stats from last season and he had an .800+ ops (even though it was only like 60 games) it is not buying low, my mistake. But I do think the Rangers have the higher level pitching prospects to get him, like Palumbo, Allard, Hearn, Hernandez, and if they want a little higher potential-lower level pitching guys, we got them to, for example: Winn, Crouse, and Tyler Phillips. We have a deeper farm than people think, especially for just getting Buxton.
Javia
I think they will expect at least one pitching prospect who is among the top 50 overall. I don’t know if he would be worth it, but I believe that is what it would take.
oldmansteve
It’s hard to buy low on the best defensive CFer in baseball who posted a 111 wRC+ last season
heater
While you’re right I’m going to add that he’s not even on the trading block.
Jaysthoughts
Javia is probably right. To get Buxton someone would have to give up a top 50 top 100 pitching prospect depending on age and how developed they are. Twins have no real reason to trade him for any less, hoping for a break out. They are more likely to sign him to a team friendly extension (he would want more than Kepler, so maybe a 5 year 50 million deal to get him locked up?) I dont know who his agent is. That speed is what i love though, and I’m not even a twins fan
Moneyballer
Are you still commenting with these nonsense rangers get everyone posts? Give it up!
Rangers29
Ding ding ding! I have been doing comments every day for the past three days only about the Rangers. I wanted to see how long it would take for somebody to notice. You, moneyballer have noticed! No prize, but congradulations. I like talking about the Rangers, but I have a limit. I’ll go back to commenting normally now. Weird experiment.
Rangers29
This quarantine has made me bored, lol.
Moneyballer
Kirilloff has star written all over him! That dude can flat out rake. He looked so good in spring training, hitting lasers all over the place. I guarantee the Twins see him as a huge part of their future! Honestly, if they didn’t have such quality options already, he would be pushing for a starting role THIS SEASON. His time is coming fast and furious! Bigtime player!
throwinched10
Cruz may not be back with the Twins after 2020, so that will open up the DH spot. Rosario is probably the best fit for that DH spot. Rooker, Kirilloff, and Larnach will probably be in the MLB by 2022. Kepler seems like the most likely to be traded.
Moneyballer
Why would you say that? He was just signed to a long term deal! I would think Rosario BY FAR is most likely to be dealt. Trading Kepler would be a gigantic mistake and its not happening.
twinsfan368
Money baller is right Kep is going absolutely no where for years and they could get a 1 or a 2 for Eddie if they throw in another top 20 prospect in their farm.
Revbdubs
The Twins don’t need to trade an outfielder. They need to be contracted.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
Actually, they kind of do. Did you read the article? Two of their best prospects are OF and they already have 3 capable ones. A team needs only 4, so 1 of these 5 should be traded, along with whoever their 4th OF is now (don’t follow the Twins closely enough to know).
heater
Wait…. is this Y2K???
Swapmeet
The Twins have put together a ton of power, with their catcher hitting 31 bombs and batting .273, Sano coming through with 34 and a Khrush-like .247, acquired Donaldson and his huge 37 and .260, Rosario and his 32 at .276, Kepler throwing up, and Nelson Cruz aging like fine wine with his 41@ .311. They have a good lineup as far as production is concerned…. Their rotation isn’t terrible, but as was stated earlier, they need an ace to sit atop their rotation with Berrios, Odorizzi, Maeda, and Pineda when he comes back. Homer Baily is worthless in trade and on the field, and you may like his defense, but let’s be honest, Buxton is the most expendable player in the lineup. This is MLB, which means you have to be able to hit as well as field… There are too many outfielders that can hit and play center….
There are still a lot of non-Twins fans who think there is a lot of upside in Buxton and that’s good, because he can be part of the package to get a top-of-the-rotation starter or top 20 prospect. Buxton’s defense may be missed a little, but his career-best .262 average, probably due to only getting 271 ABs, and his second highest home run total with the big 10 will not be missed much at all. In his lone season with over 400 ABs (462), he hit 16 homers and only batted .253 with 51 RBI. I would rather have someone that produced 90+ runs and scored 90+ runs, than someone who saved 25-30.
Of course, I am not a Twins fan and don’t care much about them since I am born and raised in Los Angeles, Dodger fan since birth… I just respect the team they are putting together up there. I wouldn’t even know much about the Twins if I didn’t have 3 on my keeper league team (Kepler, Donaldson, Luis Arraez)… so take my opinion with a grain or two of salt if you love Buxton. An Ace is what they need, and Buxton is expendable.
Javia
You are a Dodger fan. You said the Twins could get a TOR starter or a top 20 prospect for Buxton. Would you trade Walker Buehler, Gavin Lux or Dustin May for Buxton? I don’t think that any other team will either. Teams will only trade for him if they can low-ball the Twins. If the Twins cannot get big value for him, he will not be traded.
Swapmeet
Actually I said “part of the package” for a TOR pitcher (or top 20 prospect). Nowhere did I claim 1-1, Buxton for Ace, so try not to act like I did and respond to your imagination…. it seems like Tourette Syndrome…. It was kind of long and reading comprehension is tough, I know… I don’t blame you… it is the dumbing down of our school system… but that is another topic. Thank you for your comment.
Javia
He is useless to trade because his trade value is extremely low. The Twins value him far more than his value in a trade. Part of a package or not, the Twins will expect to get tremendous value out of him in any trade. Nobody will give them the value they expect.
kodion
lol Pompass
“… Dodger fan since birth…”
So it wasn’t your choice?
Despite your “part of the package” defense, somewhere between implying that Buxton has lead-role trade-piece value (“There are still a lot of non-Twins fans who think there is a lot of upside in Buxton …” and “An Ace is what they need, and Buxton is expendable.”), you confused the issue by not acknowledging that run production is a net value, not just an offensive or defensive one.
Is it possible the difficulty here isn’t reading comprehension but your manner of presentation?
And talk about going out on a limb, how many non-AllStars do your 90/90 thing?
Swapmeet
I think you mean pompous… And I do not know how I could be more clear than “part of the package…” I am sorry that you are having a problem. The best part of your troll piece, is that you quoted me as saying that There are still a lot of non-Twins fans who think there is a lot of upside in Buxton…” And trying to use that as evidence that I was not clear about his just being part of the package, when there was not a period or a comma, or anything other than a single space before the rest of the sentence that explicitly states what you’re saying wasn’t clear based on the fragment of the sentence that you quoted. The actual sentence says, and I quote, “There are still a lot of non-Twins fans who think there is a lot of upside in Buxton and that’s good, because he can be part of the package to get a top-of-the-rotation starter or top 20 prospect.” That is what makes reading comprehension the problem and not presentation…Please stay in school kid….ignorance is actually not all that blissful….
And to your point about dodger fan since birth…. when you were a kid, well you obviously are a kid, but I mean a really young kid…Like single digits…Did you have a choice of what MLB games your parents took you to? Probably not. My parents brought me to Dodger Games, and I loved them… So I grew up going to Dodger Games and watching them on TV. So to answer your ridiculous, childish question, I had a choice on whether I went to those games with my parents or not, and I chose yes every time…and I never stopped supporting them…. Please stay in school.
PS. This is what I meant by non twins fans believing he has upside…from mlb.com fantasy baseball rankings:
“154. Byron Buxton | OF | Twins | Position rank: OF34
Injury-prone speedster still has notable fantasy upside.
Projection: 20 HR, 73 R, 73 RBIs, 23 SB, .262 AVG.”
Is that clear enough?
kodion
lol
Actually, no. Based on the information you use to support your position, if you factor in his defensive contributions, he’s projected as a net 90-100 run producer. So you want him.
Since reading comprehension does appear to be an issue, let me revisit my comment.
In order:
I spelled it how I meant it …at the time, and, apparently, now.
I don’t think I made a mistake assuming you were intelligent enough to understand the childhood question was rhetorical, that the “programming” is probably true of most of us (to the game, if not a specific team) whether acknowledged or not …but I could be wrong.
Besides the fact that you seem to be ignoring the significance of the word “implying”, the ellipsis was included for a reason. Rereading it now, it may have been more accurate not to include “”and””.
Either way, back to your original comment, for a true Ace, I agree Buxton has value as a secondary component. His might be the biggest name going the other way in a deal but, for what an Ace would cost, I don’t see him being the lead actor in the other team’s valuation,tho, and that is what I suggested you were implying.
PS: I have over 45 years of experience as a 15-year-old …so you did get that right.
Swapmeet
I can see that you just want to argue, which is fine, I like to argue as well (though this one has gone on long enough). It seems now the the argument is based on your interpretation of what I was “implying.”
Just a couple closing thoughts on my end: You said that he is a 90-100 net run producer, so I want him. My whole point is that I don’t want him, but someone else might like him in a package for an ace or top 20 prospect… His potential remaining upside might be what pushes the deal over the line. After all, he is just 26.
As for my 90/90 reference: I do not have some rule or metric that requires that to be a good player you need to have 90 RBI and score 90 runs. It was just that people have been talking, and this post was about trading, or possible trading, of a Twins outfielder, and both of the other two Twins outfielders (Kepler and Rosario) surpassed those marks (neither of them All-Stars). I just threw it out there as a comparison marker between the three Twins outfielders, so it would be easier to say that if one has to be traded, it should be the only Twins outfielder that came nowhere near 90/90, not either of the two that surpassed it–even if he is a better defender.
I can see that you are more intelligent than I initially gave you credit for, and you have a lot more experience as a 15 year old than I (I only have 26 years experience). I do stand behind my original opinion, and it seems like we can agree that the Twins need an ace, and it may take 2 of the Twins top 4-5 prospects (Lewis or Kirilloff, and Balazovic, perhaps) along with Buxton to get a true ace. However, they have a young (except Donaldson and Cruz), hard-hitting team, so they can afford it…. Or they can settle for a potential future ace, like Forrest Whitely. Reddick sucks, so Buxton is an upgrade to the Astros’ Outfield, and may only cost one prospect in addition to him…. There’s a thought for them….
Javia
Being part of a package for an ACE is useless statement. It makes no statement on value. If you will remember Wil Myers was to be “part of a package” for Mookie Betts. Does this mean Wil Myers has value? Any player in baseball could be “part of a package” for an ACE.
jorge78
Prospects are just that…..
Swapmeet
So the title is literal, is what you’re saying…. Prospects are, in fact, Prospects. Interesting…
DarkSide830
Rosario is underrated at this point. he had a great year last year for what people give him credit for.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
He was on pace for a 2.0 WAR season last year. He’s had only 1 season in 5 that he’s been worth more than 2.2 WAR. There’s potential for him to be better, but so far he’s been good enough to be a starter, but nothing more.
Altoidman
Buxton will not be traded (save for a mind-blowing pure #1). The Twins were 62-25 in games that he played in. I’ll say that again slowly…62 wins. 25 losses. A .712 win percentage. That’s 89 wins if he plays just 125 games. The hitting stats may not stand out at all, but his defense is invaluable. Plus, they have 7-8 other guys to provide offense.
On Kepler – he just signed an incredibly team-friendly contract before last season; he’s not going anywhere.
Rosario is the odd-man out.
OHjohns
I still see Graterol becoming great, and am upset about the Twins trading him. >:(