The Minnesota Twins' 2024 season brings renewed discussions about their base-stealing strategy, which has been underwhelming in recent years. Manager Rocco Baldelli's approach has often leaned towards caution, which some fans find frustrating. Last season, the Twins ranked dead last in MLB with just 65 stolen bases, a trend that's continued throughout Baldelli's tenure. Former player Rod Carew, a Hall of Famer, has been vocal in encouraging players like Byron Buxton to be more aggressive on the basepaths, humorously pushing for 60 stolen bases this year.

Despite improvements in rules designed to facilitate base stealing, the Twins remain limited by their roster's composition. President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey emphasized that their current group lacks the speed typically associated with high base-stealing teams. While recent additions like Harrison Bader and Willi Castro offer some hope, the team continues to prioritize power hitting over running, which has contributed to their base-stealing woes.

Twins hitting coach Matt Borgschulte has introduced a more structured approach to batting practices, emphasizing situational awareness and consistent practice on the field. Players will have more at-bats during spring training and are encouraged to focus on hitting to the opposite field and making line drives. Manager Rocco Baldelli aims to enhance situational hitting, addressing the team’s previous struggles with runners in scoring position. Shortstop Carlos Correa and other hitters have already begun adapting to these changes, which are expected to yield results in the upcoming season.

Carlos Correa, the Minnesota Twins shortstop, has focused the offseason on recovering from past foot injuries, particularly plantar fasciitis. After missing two months last season, he feels ready for spring training. His performance was impressive prior to injury, with a .310 batting average and 14 homers in 86 games. Correa emphasizes the importance of maintaining his physical health, mentioning his collaboration with a doctor and dietary changes to reduce inflammation. With a healthy lineup, including Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis, the Twins aim for a competitive season.

The Philadelphia Phillies boast one of Major League Baseball's top rosters, led by an exceptional starting rotation and star first baseman Bryce Harper. While the infield and pitching staff shine brightly, concerns about the outfield linger, particularly with Nick Castellanos struggling to justify his contract from 2022. However, outfielder Brandon Marsh has emerged as a surprisingly consistent performer since his trade from the Los Angeles Angels.

Marsh has posted a solid .266 batting average with 31 home runs and 135 RBIs over 309 games. His strong defensive skills in left and center field complement his offensive contributions. Recently, he earned a spot among the top 10 center fielders in MLB Network's rankings, yet his value continues to be overshadowed by the more popular Castellanos.

Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox is facing trade rumors as he enters 2025, following a notable drop in his ranking among MLB center fielders. MLB Network recently released its "Top 10 Players Right Now" list, with Robert landing at No. 10 after a challenging 2024 season. He struggled with a .224 batting average, 14 home runs, and missed significant time due to injury, which contributed to his fall from a previous ranking of No. 3.

Despite the setbacks, Robert has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, including a stellar 2023 where he was an All-Star and Silver Slugger, hitting .264 with 38 home runs. His impressive career statistics, including a .279 average and multiple accolades since entering the league, keep him in the conversation as a potential star.