Sports Illustrated
AL Central finish: 5th
Projected record: 74–88
Last year's Twins were a lousy offensive team, ranking dead last in the league in on-base percentage (.305) and in the bottom four in both batting average and slugging percentage (.247 and .399, respectively). ... The [pitching staff] ranked last in the league in strikeouts. …Fewer missed bats mean more balls in play, and that isn't necessarily a plus for a team that was tied for the league's fourth-worst defensive efficiency mark (.687) and tied for third worst in defensive runs saved (-21).
USA Today
AL Central finish: 5th
Projected record 80-82
This is baseball's deepest division, with five teams capable of winning it — and almost as many that could finish last. … And our apologies to the Twins (80 wins), who wouldn't surprise us if they produce an MVP (Miguel Sano) and Rookie of the Year (Jose Berrios).
Sporting News
AL Central finish: 3rd
Things are looking up for Paul Molitor's men in the Twin Cities. …There certainly is a lot to like with the Twins as they try to show last season's surprise showing was no fluke. Let's start with Miguel Sano ….
Baseball America
AL Central finish: 4th
Best-case scenario: The Twins' youth movement pays even bigger dividends in 2016 as the steadily improving lineup carries Minnesota to its first playoff berth since 2010. Worst-case scenario: Center fielder Byron Buxton needs more time in the minors, Miguel Sano struggles defensively in right, and the pitching staff stumbles as the Twins regress slightly.
Athlon Sports
AL Central finish: 3rd
Keeping pace with the high-flying Royals is a tough task, but the Twins appear to have stabilized enough to eye a return to divisional prominence in the next few years. Once free agency hits the Royals' core with its full brunt after the 2017 season, the Twins will be well positioned to sweep past them on a wave of young, cost-controlled talent.
Baseball Digest
AL Central finish: 4th
The Twins are easily the most interesting team in the division. They have a good blend of prospects and veterans. … If there's a question about the Twins, it's their rotation.
Harris' Major League Yearbook
AL Central finish: 2nd
Projected record 86-76
The Twins look strong for the future. Their hitting prospects will thrive while their rotation struggles.
