MINNEAPOLIS -- After Twins starters combined to post the worst ERA in the Majors in 2016, the rotation was better last year, finishing 19th with a 4.73 ERA, which was enough of an improvement to help the Twins reach the American League Wild Card Game.
But rotation depth remains an issue, and a stellar defense helped fuel that turnaround, as Twins starters recorded the fifth-fewest strikeouts in the Majors. It's a major reason why Minnesota is serious about acquiring a front-line starter this offseason with interest in free agents such as Yu Darvish, Lance Lynn, Alex Cobb and Jake Arrieta.