End of the Road 2015: Minnesota Twins

(Getty Images) After losing at home to the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, the Minnesota Twins have been mathematically eliminated from the MLB postseason, meaning that they’ve effectively come to the end of the road in their 2015 season. As we’ll do with each eliminated team this season, let’s give them a send-off that would make Boyz II Men proud.

We’ll look at the highs and lows of their season, what bright spots their future might hold and what questions need answering as they prepare for 2016.

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HIGH POINT: If we’re being honest, this entire season would have to be considered a high point for the Twins. Many had them pegged for last place again in what was considered to a be a deep AL Central division. The Twins had different plans, never once falling below second place from May 23 on. Veterans Joe Mauer, Torii Hunter and All-Star Brian Dozier all had excellent seasons. Once rookie Miguel Sano was added to the mix, they were a force to be reckoned with. With just a little more pitching, this team would be making noise in October.

LOW POINT: The Twins will look back at a 30-game stretch from July 17 to Aug. 19 and wonder what could have been. At the beginning, they were 50-40 and just four games behind Kansas City for the AL Central lead. When it ended, they were 59-61 and barely hanging on in the wild card race. With a couple more wins there, things might be completely different. If they go even .500 during that stretch, they’re as good as in. A lot of woulda, coulda, shoulda, but at least they made September matter.

Your browser does not support iframes. BEST HIGHLIGHT: If Minnesota fans weren’t in love with Brian Dozier before this season, they certainly fell in love during the season. His initial snub from the All-Star team had Twins fans quite angry, but it ultimately led to this awesome moment at Target Field when Dozier was named a replacement.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: They played games that mattered until the final weekend of the season. That’s a sign of a team that’s ready to compete. With Sano already looking like a major league star, Byron Buxton and Aaron Hicks getting comfortable and Eddie Rosario breaking out, they have a really good foundation. They also have an underrated veteran core with Mauer, Dozier, Trevor Plouffe and perhaps another season of Torii Hunter. Again, if they upgrade the pitching, look out.

QUESTION THAT NEEDS ANSWERING: Where will the pitching upgrade come from? We’ve seen Minnesota get aggressive in free agency, signing Phil Hughes, Ricky Nolasco and Ervin Santana to hefty deals. They still haven’t found a true ace though, or compiled enough workhorses to withstand a 162-game schedule. It’s tough to see them going hard after a David Price, Johnny Cueto and Jordan Zimmernann, but given their youth and quick improvement Minnesota could be an attractive landing spot.

Previously in this series: Phillies, Braves, Reds, Rockies, Marlins, Brewers, Padres, Diamondbacks,
Athletics, White Sox, Tigers, Nationals, Rays, Mariners, Red Sox, Orioles, Indians and Giants.