Cleveland Indians: Breaking down the AL Central race in 2017

4. Minnesota Twins (76-86) – Over/Under Win Total: 70.5

Did the Twins disappoint a lot of people in 2016? Absolutely. The offense finished in the middle of the pack, but their pitching was non-existent, ranking 29th in the MLB. The defense didn’t do them any favors either, making 126 errors, good for 29th in the league as well. 

It wasn’t all bad for the Twins in 2016. All-Star second baseman Brian Dozier blasted 42 home runs, tied for the seventh-most in a single season in Twins history. Rookie Max Kepler added 18 of his own home runs in just 113 games.

During the offseason, the Twins acquired veteran defensive backstop Jason Castro through free agency. Although Castro doesn’t have much to offer with his bat, his defensive/game-calling ability should bolster this young Minnesota pitching staff.

A bright spot for the Twins is their ability to hit for power. They hit 200 home runs in 2016, good for second in the AL Central. But there won’t be enough power in the lineup to compensate for their underwhelming pitching staff, as well as their disappointing defense.

Minnesota isn’t a team that will rattle off 93 wins on their way to a division title. However, this team could surprise people, not necessarily because of how well they are playing, but rather because they are staying afloat.