This article will be focused on showing you some of the most underrated players that the Twins have. All of these players had good 2019 seasons, and have been good throughout their whole or most of their career.
Jake Cave
Jake Cave is arguably the Twins third best outfielder, below only Max Kepler and Byron Buxton. He’s been very underrated throughout his career, and when he gets consistent playing time, he can heat up fast. In 2019, he slashed .258/.351/.454 (.806 OPS), with a .343 wOBA, 113 wRC+, .263 xBA, .486 xSLG, .360 xwOBA, .483 xwOBACON, 43.8 Hard Hit %, 31.1 K%, 9.2 BB%, and a 0.9 fWAR in 228 plate appearances in 72 games. Defensively he put up a -2 DRS, -1.5 UZR, -2.8 UZR/150, and 2 OAA in 503.1 innings across all three outfield positions.
Zack Littell
Zack Littell quickly became one of the most reliable relievers in the Twins bullpen at the end of last season. He had a rough start to the season but came back and made an impact on the bullpen and the team. In 2019, he had a 2.68 ERA, 3.62 FIP, 4.10 xFIP, 4.06 SIERA, 1.16 WHIP, 7.78 K/9, 2.19 BB/9, 3.56 K/BB, 0.97 HR/9, .248 BAA, and a 0.6 fWAR in 37.0 innings pitched.
Matt Wisler
Matt Wisler was an under the radar waiver claim from the Mariners prior to the 2020 season. He started 2019 with the Padres and was traded to the Mariners in July. He should get a spot in the Twins bullpen for 2020. With the Padres and Mariners in 2019, he produced a 5.61 ERA, 4.23 FIP, 3.83 xFIP, 3.59 SIERA, 1.40 WHIP, 11.05 K/9, 2.81 BB/9, 3.94 K/BB, 1.75 HR/9, .269 BAA, and a 0.4 fWAR in 51.1 innings pitched.
Kenta Maeda
Kenta Maeda is definitely one of the more underrated in the MLB. I’m not saying he’s a top MLB starter, but he doesn’t receive as much recognition as he should. He was acquired in the trade that sent Brusdar Graterol to the Dodgers. In 2019 with the Dodgers, he posted a 4.04 ERA, 3.95 FIP, 4.04 xFIP, 4.06 SIERA, 1.07 WHIP, 9.90 K/9, 2.99 BB/9, 3.31 K/BB, 1.29 HR/9, .200 BAA, and a 2.5 fWAR in 153.2 innings pitched. 2019 was a down year for Maeda. He was moved to a bullpen spot which he didn’t like. His 2018 was great however. He produced a 3.81 ERA, 3.22 FIP, 3.37 xFIP, 3.42 SIERA, 1.26 WHIP, 10.99 K/9, 3.09 BB/9, 3.56 K/BB, 0.93 HR/9, .238 BAA, and a 2.4 fWAR in 125.1 innings pitched.
