These aren’t huge changes on their own. However, it can be noted that he made contact more often with pitches outside the zone, likely resulting in weaker contact. At the same time, more swing-and-miss on pitches in the zone. Again, that combined 5.5% doesn’t seem like a huge deal. But sometimes that turns a 2-1 count into a 1-2 count, or a 3-1 count (hitter’s advantage) into a 2-2 count (pitcher’s advantage).

So as I’ve said throughout spring training, with Miranda it isn’t so much about the stat line for me. It’s all about plate discipline. When he improved his ability to lay off tough pitches, as he did in 2021 and 2022, he mashed. He hit for average and power. In 2023, when he swung at more pitches outside the zone, the numbers just weren’t there. So, I will be watching how his strike zone judgment improves in 2024.

What he needs to focus on most: Controlling the zone.

To be fair, Miranda spent the 2023 season fighting a shoulder injury. It cost him time in spring training, and during the season, and then late in the season he had surgery. This spring, he really only acted as a designated hitter and played some first base. Hopefully, the shoulder continues to improve and he can get back to third base as well.

Trevor Larnach
The Twins’ first-round pick out of Oregon State in 2018, Larnach is still struggling to establish himself. While he didn’t play during the COVID-marred 2020 season, he did spend that year at CHS Field. Despite the lost season, he was called up quickly in 2021. Each year when he has been called up, he has done very well. He has shown immense power and offensive ability. At his best, he has a great swing that hits line drives to the opposite field. There was some concern about his ability to turn on pitches with authority, but a look back at some of his home runs in Triple-A and the big leagues shows that he’s got plenty of power to the pull side.

You hear it talked about often: Larnach’s struggles have come from an inability to hit breaking balls or changeups. There’s no denying that. There has been a lot written on these pages about that, which you can find here.

His Barrel rate has increased in each of his three seasons. His Hard Hit rate has increased each season, from 33.5% in 2021 to 46.0% in 2023. His average exit velocities have been either 90.0 mph or 90.1 mph during those three years, and his maximum exit velocity is a robust 112.0.

Two things jump out to me, though. His Launch Angle was 13.1 degrees his first two MLB seasons. In 2023, it jumped to 17.5 degrees. In addition, his fly-ball rate jumped from 39.0% in 2022 to 47.8% in 2023.

Don’t get me wrong. Launch angle is good. Obviously, avoiding ground balls is a good thing. However, there is also a limit to productive launch angles. Lazy fly balls and pop-ups are just as easily turned into outs as grounders. But has it been preached into his mind so much that hitting the ball in the air and pulling the ball and hitting homers are what he needs to do, has it messed up what makes him a great natural hitter? In an ideal world, I’d love to watch Larnach with a season full of line drives to left or left-center. Every once in a while, turn on a pitch, but go back to hitting the ball hard somewhere on a line.

What he needs to focus on most: Hit the ball where it’s pitched.

Get back to some basics, the things that made him a first-round pick. Keep it simple. Don’t overthink it. See ball in zone, hit ball. Larnach is a big, strong dude. He’s going to hit a lot of homers one year soon.

“Back to the basics” is a good theme for any pitcher or hitter to remember. For pitchers, mix up your pitches, throw strikes and really work on command inside the zone. For hitting, know the strike zone. Try not to expand the zone. Hit it hard where it is pitched.

This is a big season for all three of these former top prospects. Larnach turned 27 last month. Miranda and Balazovic will turn 26 during the season. Larnach has been passed up, at least for now, by Matt Wallner. However, Wallner has struggled this spring, and Max Kepler is likely gone into free agency a year from now. Miranda knows that Royce Lewis is going to get the majority of time at third base. Edouard Julien has taken over at second base, and Brooks Lee and Austin Martin are getting close. Alex Kirilloff hasn’t taken hold of a position, first base or DH yet, and Carlos Santana is on a one-year deal. Playing time can be had. And with how liberally the Twins use their 40-man roster in the bullpen, Balazovic could get more chances.