Hope among Twins territory was scarce to begin the 2025 season, as demonstrated by Minnesota’s noticeable drop-off in home attendance compared to the beginning of last season. But after taking six out of their last eight games, the Twins look like a competitive major league ball club again.

As of late, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa are performing on par with their paychecks, the rotation has impressed, and Griffin Jax is back on track. Several unexpected players have also provided the Twins value en route to the team’s hot streak.

4 unexpected Twins players who have played big parts in team’s recent hot streak

Infielder Jonah Bride

The Twins acquired Bride from the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash considerations on April 16 after he was DFA’d the day before in response to Matt Wallner landing on the injured list with a left hamstring strain. Bride, who went 4-for-40 with 15 strikeouts for the Marlins this season, has seven singles and a walk in 19 plate appearances since joining Minnesota.

Right-handed reliever Louis Varland

Let’s just pretend he didn’t give up a walk-off home run last night.

Varland had a 4.50 ERA with a .333 BAA and nine strikeouts through his first six outings this season. After his rough 2024, it looked like a trip to St. Paul might be in the cards for Varland.

However, Varland has proven his doubters wrong, allowing just one run over his last eight outings. Last year, his chase percentage was in the fifth percentile, and this year, it’s in the 95th. He’s unexpectedly become one of the most counted-on arms in the Twins’ bullpen.

Infielder Brooks Lee

Once a top prospect in the league, Lee struggled mightily in his first MLB season with a .221/.265/.320 slash line in 185 plate appearances last year.

Lee didn’t have a great start to this season after returning from the injured list, but his elite plate discipline and array of hard-hit outs suggested a resurgence was imminent.

Over his last seven games, Lee collected eight hits in 22 at-bats while striking out zero times.

Right-handed starting pitcher Chris Paddack

Paddack managed to have a successful night last night despite Minnesota’s 2-1 loss to the Guardians, allowing one run, four hits and a walk in five innings on 76 pitches.

After two rough outings to begin the season, Paddack has a 2.55 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 20 innings over his last four starts.