One thing that this season has illustrated is that the Twins have the major and minor league depth to remain competitive even with injuries and disease running rampant through the organization. Another important thing that a lot of people have touched upon is the value of good vibes. Replacing Josh Donaldson with Gio Urshela and Gary Sanchez and replacing his money with Carlos Correa's money have led to a more harmonious clubhouse. Winning helps, sure, but don't doubt the value of getting along.
With both of those factors in mind, it might behoove the team for the rest of this season and the next to purge the roster of players that just don't fit. There is likely a capable replacement already in the organization, or, given the glut of top level talent in the minors, an available replacement on the trade market.
Three long time Twins, in particular, could see their way off the roster either this season or next. Tyler Duffey has been with the organization about as long as any pitcher in the organization, but this season, it seems as though he has run out of gas. It seems at this point that he is still with the team as a courtesy after his long and eventful Twins career. It's unfortunate to say, but at this juncture it seems that almost any pitcher on the roster could surpass Duffey for reliability. When that happens, it's probably time for the organization to move on.
Miguel Sano has been derided for nearly his entire career. He's been the perfect blend of high strike out rate and uncomfortable off field issues. The Twins ignored the allegations and the strike out rate for his tantalizing power prospects. Now, he's having one of his patented bad starts (though peripheral data suggests he might be more honed in than normal) but won't have an opportunity to recover because of a torn meniscus.
The Twins have already replaced Sano's on field presence, somehow, with Luis Arraez. Byron Buxton has turned into the power hitter that the team wanted Sano to be, and if the roster clicks like it is designed to, Sano is superfluous. Finally, the team will make everyone find a new pariah, and move on from the big first baseman when they decline his option this winter.
The last player is one who is actually doing pretty well, and doesn't get as much scorn. Max Kepler has had some awkward missteps that seem out of line with the rest of the roster, and from this 1000 foot view, hasn't seemed to gel with the new rostermates as well as some of his fellow holdovers. After all the tension and blowback surrounding Andrelton Simmons' decision to remain unvaccinated last season, it is strange that Kepler left the team when they went to Toronto, and really remained silent about it while Caleb Thielbar and Emilio Pagan were open about their decision. He's also been, at best, tone deaf around the turmoil in Minneapolis, even though his typical outfield spot is right next to an aspiring community leader in Byron Buxton.
It's not to say that these are reasons in and of themselves for Kepler to be on the block, but rather that there are signs that the clubhouse could be a bit more harmonious without him in it. This wouldn't even be a talking point if the Twins weren't also seeing the rapid emergence of Trevor Larnach and Gilberto Celestino, with Alex Kirilloff ready to emerge from St. Paul as well. Kepler hasn't made enough waves on the field to push clubhouse fit out of the conversation.
Kepler actually has another year under a reasonable contract, meaning that he could be a tantalizing trade chip to a team that may soon want to return to contention, or a team looking to upgrade for a playoff push this year. There would be options if the team decided to recalibrate. It's not time to overhaul this team, not when they are in first place, but the Twins seem poised to fully embrace the next wave.
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