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

The Twins must establish a new star to take over as the future of the franchise.

The pressure on the Twins’ young hitters will be at a high next season and the Twins have a fair amount of young hitters. Someone from the Twins organization must emerge as the new leader of the clubhouse going forward. It is a transition that has been expected for quite some time.

Joe Mauer’s retirement signals an end of an era for the Twins. He opens the door for someone else to take over as the face of the franchise. One name that should quickly come to mind is 25-year-old shortstop Jorge Polanco.

Polanco led the Twins in hitting, along with left fielder Eddie Rosario with a .288 batting average. After making his season debut on July 2, Polanco has been a steadying force in the Twins’ lineup. Once he made his first start at short, he never gave Molitor a reason to take him out.

The aforementioned Rosario is another candidate to take over the mantle left by Mauer, however, the Twins may seek an upgrade for a power hitter. Rosario’s 24 home runs led the Twins.

Outfielders Jake Cave and Max Kepler may be ready to take the next step in 2019. If so, the Twins could be well on their way for a postseason berth.