The Minnesota Twins' defensive woes in 2025 are a cause for concern, and the path to improvement isn't as straightforward as one might hope. But what's the real story behind these struggles?
A Troubling Statistic: According to Sports Info Solutions, the Twins' defense was the second-worst in the entire MLB. This is a shocking revelation for a team that aims to compete.
The Minnesota Star Tribune reported on October 17, 2025, that the Twins' defensive issues were on full display during a game against the White Sox, with second baseman Luke Keaschall committing an error. This was just one instance of a season-long trend.
As the Twins assess their performance, they know that defense is a key area for enhancement. However, the solution isn't as simple as signing a few new players.
The Core Issue: The Twins' defense was so poor that it cost them an estimated 46 runs, a staggering number. StatCast's evaluation, though slightly more forgiving, still placed them 23rd out of 30 teams.
Former manager Rocco Baldelli acknowledged the problem, stating that every player on the defensive side needed improvement. But here's where it gets controversial—was it solely the players' fault?
First base and left field were the only positions that performed above average, thanks to players who were later traded. Ty France, one of the traded players, was even nominated for a Gold Glove award.
Sports Info Solutions ranked the Twins' shortstop defense as the worst in the league. Carlos Correa's agility seemed to decline, and the Houston Astros quickly shifted him to third base. Brooks Lee, who took over the shortstop role, also faced criticism for his limited range.
Lee, a highly drafted prospect, hasn't shown the hitting prowess to justify a position change, emphasizing the need for him to enhance his defensive skills. The Twins' other options at shortstop are limited, with Ryan Fitzgerald splitting time and Kaelen Culpepper still developing in the minors.
Twins farm director Drew MacPhail emphasized the importance of defense, suggesting that the team has been transparent with players about their defensive expectations. But is this enough?
Luke Keaschall's performance at second base was inconsistent, and the team may consider moving him to the outfield. His arm strength is still recovering from previous surgery, which could be a concern.
Twins president Derek Falvey, in a year-end conference, admitted that defense was a constant worry. He questioned what more could have been done to improve, showing a genuine desire for solutions.
The Twins' right field defense suffered after a player change, but they hope to develop their outfield from within. Top prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez could be the answer. Meanwhile, they acquired Alan Roden, a highly-regarded defender, in a trade with Toronto.
While third base and first base showed promise with Royce Lewis and Kody Clemens, respectively, the team faces the loss of their star defensive catcher, Christian Vázquez, to free agency.
Interestingly, only three teams with bottom-half defenses made the postseason, according to Sports Info Solutions. This statistic highlights the importance of defense, as Baldelli pointed out, suggesting that it's not just the pitchers who prevent runs.
And this is the part most people miss—is the Twins' defensive crisis a result of individual player shortcomings, or is it a strategic and developmental challenge? The answer might spark some debate among fans and analysts alike.
