FORT MYERS, FLA. — Pablo López, who was tabbed the Twins’ 2024 Opening Day starter almost immediately after last season ended, fittingly was a part of the first group of pitchers to throw bullpen sessions Wednesday.
He’s the ace of the staff and he has no issue taking the lead. He looked like his usual self, throwing a variety of pitches to catcher Christian Vázquez, before moving to a drill involving pickoffs, then the weight room and finally the trainer’s table.
The Twins featured one of the best starting rotations in the majors last year, which carried them to an American League Central Division title. Now they’re tasked with repeating their success despite losing two starters, Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda, to free agency.
During the first workout for pitchers and catchers, López emphasized the goals for the staff remain the same.
“It’s a shame they are not going to be here, but that doesn’t change our mentality,” López said. “They were a part of our philosophy. Now they are with other teams. I know they are going to do great things, but that philosophy stays here.”
There are many facets to the team’s pitching philosophy, but the part López repeated multiple times: Be the best at attacking the strike zone. Twins starting pitchers led MLB in strikeouts last season and issued the fourth-fewest walks.
It was one year ago when López was still learning to throw a new pitch — a sweepy slider — and it helped him take the next step in his career. He stressed the importance of spring training’s constant feedback.