Predictions: What national outlets are saying about the 2016 Twins

AL Central finish: 5th

Projected record: 74–88

Last year's Twins were a lousy offensive team, ranking dead last in the league in on-base percentage (.305) and in the bottom four in both batting average and slugging percentage (.247 and .399, respectively). ... The [pitching staff] ranked last in the league in strikeouts. …Fewer missed bats mean more balls in play, and that isn't necessarily a plus for a team that was tied for the league's fourth-worst defensive efficiency mark (.687) and tied for third worst in defensive runs saved (-21).

AL Central finish: 5th

Projected record 80-82

This is baseball's deepest division, with five teams capable of winning it — and almost as many that could finish last. … And our apologies to the Twins (80 wins), who wouldn't surprise us if they produce an MVP (Miguel Sano) and Rookie of the Year (Jose Berrios).

AL Central finish: 3rd

AL Central finish: 4th

Best-case scenario: The Twins' youth movement pays even bigger dividends in 2016 as the steadily improving lineup carries Minnesota to its first playoff berth since 2010. Worst-case scenario: Center fielder Byron Buxton needs more time in the minors, Miguel Sano struggles defensively in right, and the pitching staff stumbles as the Twins regress slightly.

AL Central finish: 3rd

Keeping pace with the high-flying Royals is a tough task, but the Twins appear to have stabilized enough to eye a return to divisional prominence in the next few years. Once free agency hits the Royals' core with its full brunt after the 2017 season, the Twins will be well positioned to sweep past them on a wave of young, cost-controlled talent.

AL Central finish: 4th

AL Central finish: 2nd

Projected record 86-76