Minnesota Twins Get One Player Named To All-Star Team

While the Minnesota Twins have struggled throughout the 2021 season, there have been a few bright spots.

Nelson Cruz is one of them.

The 41-year-old Designated Hitter continues to prove he is one of the best hitters in the big leagues. It is his 7th time making the All-Star team, and first time with the Twins. This season, he is hitting .306 with 18 home runs and 45 RBIs.  According to the Minnesota Twins official website, Cruz ranks in the top 10 percent of Major League hitters in several advanced statistical categories.

"The advanced numbers like Cruz, too. According to Baseball Savant, Cruz ranks in the top 10 percent of Major League hitters in average exit velocity (93.5 mph, 97th percentile), hard-hit percentage (54.7, 97th), barrel percentage (15.4, 93rd), expected slugging (.580, 95th) and expected average (.290, 91st)."

Cruz has been one of the very few bright spots on the Twins (along with Byron Buxton, but injuries have only allowed him to play in 27 games) Headed into July 5th, the Twins are dead last in the AL Central with a record of 34-48. Going into the 2021 season, the Twins were looking to win their 3rd straight AL Central title.

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Obviously, it has been a very disappointing season for the Twins, and with the MLB Trade Deadline right around the corner, it looks like the Twins will have to make a very, very big turnaround if they want to make it back to the post-season in 2021.

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