3 offseason moves Minnesota Twins must make after postseason embarrassment

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 27: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Minnesota Twins reacts to striking out against the Cincinnati Reds during the sixth inning of the game at Target Field on September 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Reds defeated the Twins 5-3. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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2. Trade Max Kepler

Kepler seemed to solve his problems against left-handers in 2019 (.293 average, .880 OPS), on his way to hitting 36 home runs. But that looks like a blip, as he hit .128 with 13 strikeouts in 53 plate appearances against lefties this year. Advanced defensive metrics are what they, especially in a short season, but Kepler fell from 8 Defensive Runs Saved in 2019 to 1 this year. His UZR and UZR/150 fell from 12.7 and 15.9 respectively in 2019, into negative territory this year.

Kepler won’t ever win a batting title, but the .228 average he posted this year won’t cut it from someone who hits atop the lineup. If he can’t find a way to hit left-handers more competently (and consistently), and his defensive value does not rebound, the Twins may have already missed a sell-high window. Kepler hit a home run in each of his first two at-bats this year, then seven in his subsequent 169 at-bats.

Kepler is under contract for at least the next three seasons, at team-friendly rates ($6.5 million, $6.75 million, $8.5 million) with a $10 million option ($1 million buyout) for 2024. With prospects Alex Kirilloff, Brent Rooker and Trevor Larnach knocking on the door to take over corner outfield spots, and the former two making their major league debuts this year, the Twins don’t have to wait to see if Kepler to figures it out next year. If another team is willing to give up a mid-tier starting pitcher, Kepler may be gone.

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