What Is 2017 Minnesota Twins baseball team

Overview

The 2017 Minnesota Twins season marked a dramatic turnaround from their previous two last-place finishes in the American League Central. After posting losing records in 2015 and 2016, the Twins surged to an 85-77 record in 2017, capturing the AL Central Division title and securing a spot in the postseason.

Managed by Paul Molitor, the team relied on a balanced mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent. Their success was fueled by strong offensive performances and improved pitching depth, culminating in a return to playoff baseball for the first time since 2010.

• Division title: The Twins won the AL Central with a 85-77 record, finishing five games ahead of the second-place Cleveland Indians.
• Postseason appearance: They hosted the AL Wild Card Game on October 3, 2017, at Target Field, drawing 41,147 fans for the event.
• Key offensive contributor: Second baseman Brian Dozier hit 38 home runs, leading the team and finishing fourth in the AL MVP voting.
• Pitching turnaround: Starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi, acquired in a trade, posted a 4.13 ERA over 156.2 innings in 26 starts after joining the team.
• Rookie impact: Outfielder Byron Buxton played in 71 games, showing flashes of elite speed and defense despite injury setbacks.

Season Performance and Key Players

The 2017 Twins combined a potent offense with a retooled pitching staff to exceed expectations. After scoring the fewest runs in baseball in 2016, they improved dramatically, ranking 6th in MLB with 780 runs scored.

• Offensive breakout:Miguel Sanó hit 28 home runs and drove in 77 runs despite missing time due to injury.
• Consistent leadoff:Eddie Rosario batted .282 with 27 home runs and 78 RBIs, serving as a key middle-of-the-order presence.
• Starting rotation:Ervin Santana led the staff with 16 wins and a 3.24 ERA over 211.1 innings pitched.
• Bullpen anchor: Closer Brandon Kintzler recorded 22 saves with a 3.03 ERA before being traded at the deadline.
• Trade deadline move: The Twins acquired Lance Lynn in August, who went 7-2 with a 3.66 ERA in 12 starts down the stretch.
• Managerial leadership: Paul Molitor earned AL Manager of the Year consideration for guiding a young roster to a surprise division title.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Twins compared to recent seasons and division rivals:

The 2017 Twins showed significant improvement over their 2016 campaign, gaining 26 wins despite a slightly higher team ERA. While Cleveland dominated the division in 2016 and 2017 with superior pitching, Minnesota’s offensive surge allowed them to edge past other division rivals. Their 780 runs were the most since 2008, highlighting a shift in team identity.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was pivotal for the Twins franchise, signaling a return to competitiveness after years of rebuilding. It restored fan enthusiasm and laid the foundation for future success built on homegrown talent and strategic trades.

• Rebuilding milestone: The season proved the team’s rebuild was on track, transitioning from worst-to-first in the division over two years.
• Youth development: Players like Max Kepler and Miguel Sanó gained critical experience that shaped future lineups.
• Attendance boost: Average attendance rose to 27,027 per game, up from 2016, reflecting renewed fan interest.
• Playoff experience: The Wild Card Game provided young players with valuable postseason exposure against a playoff-tested Yankees team.
• Front office validation: GM Thad Levine and the front office earned praise for player development and mid-season trades.
• Market impact: The success helped drive merchandise sales and local media engagement throughout Minnesota.

The 2017 Minnesota Twins may not have advanced deep into October, but their season represented a turning point—proving the team could compete and rekindling hope for sustained success in the years to come.