Minnesota Twins: 5 things the Twins must do to make the playoffs next season

Avoiding an early losing streak will help the Twins stay relevant in the MLB playoff race next season.

Looking at the 2018 season as a whole, the Twins’ undoing began on April 13.

After the first game of a four-game series with the Chicago White Sox, the Twins saw the next three of their contests against their rivals postponed due to unfavorable weather. Those postponed games were at the height of a 3-12 stretch. During that time, the Twins went from an admirable 7-5 to 10-17.

Such a slide buried the Twins early. With an already heavily favored Cleveland Indians in the American League Central, the Twins could ill-afford to lose any ground. Much to no one’s surprise, the Indians left every team in their dust. Consequently, the second-place Twins finished 13 games out.

Next season will begin with a three-game series versus the Indians. It is imperative for the Twins to set the tone early if they want to stake their claim as contenders. Taking two out of three from the Indians would serve as a good sign.

If the Twins got hot early momentum in baseball and the carryover becomes infectious, anything can happen. The madness that is the MLB wildcard leaves open several possibilities. For the Twins, starting strong, getting off to a fast start could equate to meaningful October baseball for them.