LOS ANGELES – The Minnesota Twins have had a terrific start to their 2023 campaign, sitting at 6-3 atop the AL Central, and they have three bros to thank for much of that early success. 

 

 

Byron Buxton: Saving Big Bux 

 

Byron Buxton has been cooking on the offensive end to start the season. He’s been the team’s leadoff man in the last four games, where he’s been batting .324, with one home run, three RBI, an on-base percentage of .361, and a slugging percentage of .500. He’s also managed to score seven runs, which leads his team.

He’s not new to hot starts, just staying healthy.  So Minnesota is taking calculated steps to minimize its franchise player’s potential for injury.

 

 

 

So far this season is that Buxton hasn’t played a single game in his usual centerfield position, as all eight of his games have been as the designated hitter. 

 

Michael A. Taylor 

 

Michael A. Taylor was traded over the offseason from their division rivals in the Kansas City Royals, and his impact has already been crucial. Taylor is not known for his bat, as he currently has a .194 batting average, and a career average of .241, but is known as one of MLB’s better outfielders, winning a Gold Glove back in 2021.

 

 

 

 

Taylor is an exceptional web master int he outfield with World Series cache, so his presence is why the Twins are more willing to play Buxton at DH, with manager Rocco Baldetti telling reporters during spring training that the plan is to ease Buxton into the outfield. 

The team still gets a gold glover to captain centerfield and now have a chance to keep the face of the franchise healthy throughout the season.

 

 

Nick Gordon (Of Baseball’s Royal Gordon Family)

 

With Luis Arraez, who won the 2022 AL batting title, getting traded to the Marlins over the offseason, it meant that Nick Gordon would be relied on more heavily. The first-round pick back in 2014 had a very solid 2022 season, with a .272/.316/.427 slash line, to go with nine home runs and 50 RBI. 

 

 

Gordon’s off to a slow start with the bat, as he has a .091 batting average. Even with his slump, Gordon adds so much value as he can play almost anywhere on the diamond. He played every position last season except for first base and right field, even logging in four games on the mound. This year, he’s played both second base and left field, continuing to have his versatility utilized.

 

The Twins play in one of the weaker divisions in the MLB, and they have a good amount of firepower in addition to the Bros, both at the plate, and on the mound. Plus, fellow MLBbro Royce Lewis, who was sensational in the 12 games he played last season, is expected to be back for the second half of the season. If all goes according to plan, Minnesota can be back playing October baseball and try to win a playoff series for the first time since 2002.