5 players who could have a breakout season for the Twins in 2024

The Minnesota Twins finally won a playoff game in 2023 and a big reason why was the emergence of young players.

Royce Lewis, Eddy Julien and Matt Wallner were just some of the players that came to the rescue in 2023, and the Twins will continue to rely on young players as they navigate a self-imposed payroll reduction in 2024. So which players could become household names in 2024? Here's a look at five players who could make the leap.

1. Louie Varland

Varland went back and forth between the Twins and Triple-A St. Paul last season but appears to be a lock to make the roster in 2024. The only question remaining with Varland is whether he will be in the starting rotation or the bullpen.

Varland began last season as a starter and went 3-3 with a 5.30 ERA in 10 starts before being sent down to St. Paul. Varland pitched better with the Saints, going 7-1 with a 3.97 ERA in 16 appearances (15 starts) but the Twins were enamored his fastball, which averaged 95.3 mph and ranked in the 73rd percentile of all pitchers according to Baseball Savant, so they brought him back as a reliever.

Varland's time in the bullpen was a success as he allowed two runs with a 17-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in seven appearances (12 innings) late in the regular season and picked up a strikeout in 0.2 innings during the Twins' Wild Card series victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Twins could continue using Varland in the bullpen after losing Emilio Pagán in free agency but there's also a case to keep him as a starter after losing Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda. It could lead to a path similar to the one Bailey Ober had last year, beginning the season in Triple-A before being promoted due to injuries later in the year.

Whatever role Varland fills, the St. Paul native will have a chance to make a name for himself in 2024.

2. Austin Martin

Martin was a top-100 prospect when he was acquired from the Blue Jays in the Jose Berríos trade in 2021 and he's finally making a case to make his way to the majors as he enters his fourth season in the Twins organization.

Martin struggled in the early stages of his Twins career, hitting .241/.367/.316 with two home runs and 32 RBI in 90 games with Double-A Wichita in 2022. Then he had a strong showing in the 2022 Arizona Fall League, hitting .374/.454/.482 with a home run, 11 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 21 games.

Martin's AFL performance carried over into this past season, which was delayed due to injury, as he slashed .263/.387/.405 with six homers, 28 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 59 games at Triple-A St. Paul.

After spending 23 games in the outfield last season, Martin could compete for a corner outfield spot if Max Kepler is traded or become the backup in center field where Byron Buxton is expected to start on Opening Day.

Wherever Martin plays, this could be the year he makes his way to the major leagues.

3. Jose Miranda

With all of the young players that broke out last year, it might be hard to remember how good Miranda was during his rookie season.

Miranda hit .268/.325/.426 with 15 homers and 66 RBI in 125 games during the 2022 season and lost weight to prepare for his sophomore campaign. But a shoulder injury suffered in spring training lingered throughout the season, holding him to a .211/.263/.303 batting line with just three home runs and 13 RBI in 40 games.

The injury may have also hindered his ability at third base where Statcast logged him with six outs below the average fielder last season. But with Lewis taking over at third, Miranda could move to first base and form a platoon with fellow prospect Alex Kirilloff.

With a return to health and a .265/.298/.475 batter's line with 10 home runs and 26 RBI in his career (162 ABs) against southpaws, Miranda could recapture his rookie form and break out in 2024.

4. Jair Camargo

Camargo broke out with the Saints in 2023 and there's a good chance he could do the same with the Twins this season.

Camargo hit .259/.323/.503 with 21 home runs and 63 RBI in 90 games at Triple-A St. Paul last season and figures to be the next catcher behind Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vázquez.

Vázquez is Camargo's biggest obstacle to reaching the majors as the veteran signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Twins last winter. But after a disappointing first season in Minnesota (.223/.280/.318, 6 HR, 32 RBI), he's been listed as a trade candidate thanks to his $10 million salary.

While Camargo will have to work on his defense, he could represent a nice upgrade after hitting .245/.300/.483 with 16 homers and 51 RBI against right-handed pitching last year.

Put it together and Camargo is another name to watch.

5. Brooks Lee

All of the names on this list have some element of "What if?" but one of the most certain things in 2024 is that Brooks Lee will make his major league debut with the Twins.

Lee was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft and drew a glowing review from Carlos Correa in spring training before hitting .292/.365/.476 with 11 home runs and 61 RBI in 87 games at Double-A Wichita.

Lee's numbers dropped to .237/.304/.428 with five homers and 23 RBI in 38 games at Triple-A St. Paul, but he had his moments including a 4-for-5 game with a triple and a home run against Columbus on Sept. 3 and a home run in the following game against Louisville on Sept. 5.

If Jorge Polanco is traded in the coming weeks, Lee will be one step closer to the majors. But with Lewis at third base, Julien at second base and Correa at shortstop, it might be hard for him to find a spot on the roster.

Still, Lee's bat could force a call-up in the same way that Julien's did last season. If that happens, Lee could make a major impact for the Twins in 2024.