The Minnesota Twins travel to Busch Stadium for the conclusion of their three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on March 30, 2025, with hopes of building early-season momentum following a bittersweet 2024 campaign. Last season, the Twins finished with an 82-80 record—respectable, yet just shy of securing a playoff spot. Entering 2025, the front office made a few strategic tweaks to reinforce a team that still boasts considerable upside when healthy. Led by manager Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota is looking for more consistency, especially in staying healthy, improving run production, and capitalizing on their strong pitching infrastructure. Facing a Cardinals team with similar postseason aspirations provides a compelling early test for the Twins, who seek to assert themselves once again as a top contender in the American League Central. Minnesota’s lineup remains anchored by two stars who symbolize the team’s ceiling: shortstop Carlos Correa and center fielder Byron Buxton. However, both struggled with injuries in 2024, with Correa limited by plantar fasciitis and Buxton battling various leg issues. The hope for 2025 is that both enter the season fully healthy and capable of producing at their career levels. Correa, known for his clutch postseason performances and elite defense, remains a vocal clubhouse leader. Buxton, when on the field, is one of the most dynamic players in the game, possessing 30-home run power and Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field. Another key piece is Royce Lewis, the former top prospect who emerged as a breakout bat in the second half of last season.

Lewis’s athleticism and advanced approach at the plate make him a rising star capable of carrying the offense for stretches. In an effort to bolster the outfield and provide another right-handed bat, the Twins signed free agent Harrison Bader to a one-year deal in the offseason. Bader brings speed, defensive excellence, and experience to the mix, and he’s expected to platoon with left-handed options while offering valuable insurance in center or right field. Edouard Julien and Max Kepler round out a lineup that blends power with plate discipline, though they’ll need to improve situational hitting to avoid the offensive droughts that plagued them last season. In 2024, Minnesota averaged just under 4.4 runs per game—solid, but not elite—and will look for more balance throughout the order. Pitching remains the bedrock of the Twins’ success. Joe Ryan, who is expected to start the series finale against the Cardinals, is returning from a right shoulder injury that sidelined him in the final months of 2024. The 27-year-old right-hander has a career ERA under 4.00 and is known for his high-spin fastball and aggressive approach. His spring training was reportedly smooth, indicating he’s fully recovered and ready to resume his role near the top of the rotation. The bullpen is led by flamethrowing closer Jhoan Duran, whose triple-digit fastball and wicked curveball make him one of the most intimidating ninth-inning options in the league. Setup men Brock Stewart and Griffin Jax offer reliable depth. Minnesota also plays strong defense, with Correa and Buxton forming a gold-standard up-the-middle pairing when healthy. Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vázquez handle catching duties, offering a mix of game-calling, pop, and veteran presence. With an emphasis on health, depth, and executing fundamentals, the Twins have reason to believe 2025 can be the year they re-establish themselves as legitimate AL contenders. A series win over St. Louis on the road would provide the kind of early momentum needed to kick-start a bounce-back season.