1 Factor That Has Catapulted Minnesota Twins to Hot Start

The Minnesota Twins don't have one of MLB's most stacked lineups on paper, but that's why the players are paid to play the games. The squad is outperforming expectations through the first three weeks of the season, and it's largely because of its power-hitting.

The Twins are third in baseball with 26 homers and sixth with a .399 slugging percentage with 19 games played thus far. They're 11-8 despite center fielder Byron Buxton being their only established above-average position player, as they're getting production from several more unheralded players.

For example, third baseman Brooks Lee and right fielder Matt Wallner are each tied with Buxton and first baseman Josh Bell for the team lead with three homers apiece. Buxton and Bell have been in the big leagues for 10-plus years, but Wallner and Lee debuted in 2022 and 2024, respectively. Plus, each of them only has one season with 100-plus games played.

Wallner must be more consistent, as he's slashing just .191/.276/.353, but Lee is slashing .241/.281/.426. The latter player is trying to establish himself as a long-term infielder for Minnesota, and he'll make a compelling case if he keeps his OPS above .700.

Meanwhile, center fielder Ryan Kriedler already has two homers despite playing just three games thus far. The 28-year-old went yard against the Boston Red Sox on both Monday and Wednesday, and he's trying to establish himself as a big-leaguer after playing just 89 games for the Detroit Tigers from 2022 to 2025.

The Twins rank 19th collectively with a .232 batting average, but every player that's taken an at-bat for them has homered except center fielder .