Red Sox vs Twins MLB Pick: Boston’s Newcomb Tries to Solidify His Spot (Mar 20)

• The Boston Red Sox (14-9) face the Minnesota Twins (9-13) in Ft. Myers
• Boston’s Sean Newcomb, a non-roster invitee, hopes to continue his strong spring and make the opening day roster
• Minnesota sends Chris Paddack to the mound
• Boston’s roster is largely set; Minnesota still has questions to answer

The Red Sox have played well this spring. Newcomb has been particularly impressive despite being on a minor-league contract and pitching in only 7 games for the Athletics in 2024. With Brayan Bello set to start the season on the injured list, the door is wide open for Newcomb to make the roster.

Minnesota did not make any major additions during the offseason. Ownership is taking bids on the club and questions surround how they will move forward. Paddack can rejuvenate his flagging career with a solid season and will get an opportunity to be a rotation stalwart.

Newcomb Hopes to Burnish His Chance at Making Boston’s Roster

Sean Newcomb was a first-round draft pick of the Angles in 2014. After being traded to the Braves, the lefty had a solid start to his career going 26-18 in his first two seasons. He has struggled and bounced around since then. But this spring, the lefty has been excellent with Boston posting a 0.93 ERA in 4 games. Over 9.2 innings, he has allowed 5 hits and 1 run with 3 walks and 10 strikeouts.

Several Red Sox hitters had scorching starts this spring. Trayce Thompson has slowed but is still batting .278 with a .447 OBP and 6 home runs. Alex Bregman is at .333 with 3 homers. Trevor Story is batting .361 with 2 homers. Tristan Casas continues to struggle. He is 6 for 32 with 14 strikeouts.

Minnesota’s Spring Could be a Reflection of Their Upcoming Season

Paddack had a great deal to say as a rookie, including a public back-and-forth with fellow 2019 rookie (and eventual NL Rookie of the Year) Pete Alonso. He was solid for San Diego that season going 9-7 with 153 K’s in 140.2 innings. Since then, it’s been a struggle. In 2024, he was 5-3 with a 0.4 bWAR surrendering 102 hits in 88.1 innings including 14 home runs. His spring has been similarly mediocre.

On a positive note for Minnesota, Byron Buxton has been healthy and is batting .310. New acquisitions Ty France and Harrison Bader are both hitting. France is at .457 with 2 homers; Bader is hitting .313 with a home run.

Rookie utilityman Jeferson Morales is batting .429 in 25 plate appearances with a 1.187 OPS+.

Carlos Correa has been awful, batting .121.

Red Sox vs Twins Pick: Newcomb Continues His March to the Opening Day Roster

Newcomb has been excellent this spring and the Middleborough, MA native can smell a spot on the roster and in the rotation. Paddack has been up and down and the Red Sox are hitting, so Boston should take the game.