Ten positions in ten days: Left Field

As we count down to Opening Day, we’ll be taking a look at each position for the Twins, including the presumed starter and other options in the organization. Today, we take a look at left field.

The Presumed Starter: Eddie Rosario

Target Field might as well name left field “Little Guayama” as Rosario will be patrolling that side of the outfield on Opening Day for the fourth year in a row and is in arbitration for two more seasons after the 2019 campaign. The Twins have already signed extensions with fellow outfielder Max Kepler as well as infielder Jorge Polanco, so it seems that an extension is on the horizon for Rosario as long as his production continues as it has been in the past two years. Dan Hayes of The Atlantic even mentioned some light extension talks between the Twins and Rosario on Wednesday.

Last year, Rosario turned in a .288/.323/.479 triple-slash along with 24 homers and 77 RBI in 138 games, which was on par with his numbers from 2017: .290/.328/.507, 27 HR, and 78 RBI in 151 games. His speed on the bases are a plus but on the flip side, his defense is somewhat shaky as he was tied as the league leader in errors committed with 9 total. As a younger player (age 27), Rosario has a lot of potential that he can continue to expand upon in this upcoming campaign to expand on those extension talks with our local team next offseason.

The Bench Guys: Jake Cave or Michael Reed, Marwin Gonzalez, Willians Astudillo

Depending on how the bench shakes out, a plethora of Twins could fill in for Rosario in left field, similar to the situation in right field. The fourth outfielder spot could go to Jake Cave or Michael Reed. If Rosario needs a day off, Cave could fill in… or if a platoon is needed, Reed could be in the lineup instead. New Twin Marwin Gonzalez could also spend some time in left field once Miguel Sano returns from injury, or if fan-favorite Willians Astudillo makes the major-league club, he could also see a game or two out in left field.

Next up… Shortstop!