dailyloe.com – The Minnesota Twins face persistent criticism over their roster construction of left-handed-hitting corner outfielders. This debate has continued since the team’s 2023 ALDS loss to the Houston Astros. Former executive Derek Falvey previously kept Max Kepler over younger players. New top executive Jeremy Zoll has also chosen veterans like Trevor Larnach and James Outman over prospects.
Frustration centers on perceived positional redundancy within the organization. Decision-makers rostered James Outman over Alan Roden this season. Outman has one of the lowest wRC+ marks among hitters with significant plate appearances. Much of the criticism may be overstated according to the analysis.
Outman’s current role is similar to DaShawn Keirsey Jr.’s role last season. He serves primarily as a late-game defensive substitution and pinch-runner. He also gives Byron Buxton an occasional break from center field. The core question remains about roster balance.
Does Minnesota actually have too many left-handed corner outfielders? The analysis sought to answer this by comparing all thirty MLB organizations. It examined both major league and Triple-A roster depth charts. The count included players with at least one appearance in left or right field.
The methodology used FanGraphs’s RosterResource for data. It tallied left-handed hitting position players at those levels. Players needed at least one game in a corner outfield spot during the season. For example, Kody Clemens counts for the Twins despite limited innings.
Players who exclusively play center field were excluded from the count. Philadelphia’s Justin Crawford hits left-handed but only plays center field. He was therefore deemed ineligible for this specific analysis. The goal was to isolate true corner outfield depth.
The narrative of excessive depth is a constant topic for the Twins. It involves players like Matt Wallner, Alex Kirilloff, and Trevor Larnach. Top prospects Emmanuel Rodriguez and Walker Jenkins are also part of the conversation. The team’s choices continue to fuel debate among followers.[]
Source: Twins Daily
