The Minnesota Twins have finalized their 2025 Opening Day roster, showcasing a mix of returning talent and new names. Key contributors include first baseman Ty France, who is looking to rebound after a successful All-Star season in 2022, and Willi Castro, the team MVP from the previous year. Castro's versatility was evident as he played multiple positions last season.

Star shortstop Carlos Correa is back, despite injury concerns limiting him to 86 games last season while still posting a solid OPS. Fellow infielder José Miranda aims to recover from a dramatic second-half slump. The outfield positions have strong contenders, including Byron Buxton, who finally played over 100 games last season, and Trevor Larnach, who showed promise with 15 home runs in 2024. In the pitching lineup, Pablo López leads the rotation, supported by the emerging talents of Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, alongside established closer Jhoan Duran.

Willi Castro, the 27-year-old utility player for the Minnesota Twins, is preparing for a season of versatility and improvement in baserunning. After a stellar 2023 season where he stole 33 bases, Castro aims to recapture that speed after a dip last year. Manager Rocco Baldelli emphasized the need for Castro to focus on getting better leads and being more aggressive on the bases, as the Twins ranked last in stolen bases last season. Castro acknowledges his previous inconsistency in stealing, stating that rhythm plays a key role in his success.

While the Twins' speed isn't their standout trait, Castro's unique ability to impact the game from multiple positions makes him crucial. With a personal goal to surpass his career-high in stolen bases, Castro is off to a strong start this spring, successfully stealing bases and focusing on trust in his instincts. This season could redefine his role and showcase his potential to be an elite baserunner for a team in need of speed.

With Royce Lewis sidelined due to a moderate hamstring strain, the Minnesota Twins are evaluating their options at third base for the start of the season. Manager Rocco Baldelli has highlighted Brooks Lee, Jose Miranda, and Willi Castro as the primary candidates while emphasizing the need for players to understand their roles. Miranda, who previously excelled at third base, has been a regular this spring, while Lee seeks to prove his offensive capabilities after a challenging rookie season. Castro, showing promise defensively, adds depth to the infield mix.

Miranda had a strong performance last season, making him a key asset while Lewis is out, but Lee, who is trying to secure a roster spot, must enhance his batting numbers. The Twins face a real challenge to maintain their offensive prowess without Lewis, and all eyes will be on how they configure their infield in the coming games.

The Minnesota Twins are currently grappling with roster decisions as injuries complicate their spring training lineup. The most pressing concern is at third base following a moderate hamstring strain suffered by Royce Lewis, which has ruled him out for Opening Day against the St. Louis Cardinals.

With Lewis sidelined, the Twins are considering several internal options, including Jose Miranda, Brooks Lee, and Willi Castro for third base duties. Manager Rocco Baldelli indicated that the team will be flexible with their lineup, allowing players to rotate through positions as they assess their best configuration before the season starts. Lee, who has primarily played shortstop, may see increased time at third base, while Miranda is expected to shift from first base and designated hitter to focus more on the hot corner. With a deep roster, including Castro, who has experience at third, the Twins remain confident in their ability to adapt to this setback and field a competitive team.

As the fantasy baseball season approaches, value plays at first base are emerging as pivotal for savvy drafters. Josh Naylor of the Arizona Diamondbacks, ranked 88th, is being overlooked despite coming off a career-best season with 31 HR and 108 RBI, showcasing a strong plate discipline. His move to a high-scoring team could elevate his production even further.

Yandy Diaz of the Tampa Bay Rays, currently ranked 209th, is another underrated option, projected to offer solid stats with a commendable contact rate. His past performance signals potential for a strong late-round investment.

Meanwhile, Christian Encarnacion-Strand of the Cincinnati Reds is projected as a top performer per plate appearance, but his current ranking at 231st suggests a chance to capitalize on market hesitance. Andrew Vaughn from the Chicago White Sox rounds out this list, showing promise as a fallback option with potential for late-round value. These players represent strategic opportunities to bolster your roster effectively.