
2 free agent first basemen Twins can still target after Jake Bauers signs with Red Sox
By Marcus Chen
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In case you missed it, the Minnesota Twins are a finalist for the American League Team Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, and Kody Clemens is a finalist for the AL Second Baseman Silver Slugger Award. Clemens is one of just two AL second-base finalists; the other is Chase Meidroth of the Chicago White Sox. The Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays and White Sox are the other finalists for Offensive Team of the Year. FanSided's Adam Weinrib and Robert Murray will announce the Silver Slugger Award winners on The Baseball Insiders podcast on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Minnesota Twins, 2B Kody Clemens unlikely to win Silver Slugger Awards As exciting as it is to see the Twins and Clemens named Silver Slugger Award finalists, the odds of them winning are low. While the Twins had a solid offensive year, the Astros, Rays and White Sox lead them in OPS, home runs and batting average. The Twins scored more runs than the Rays and Astros, but Chicago still has Minnesota beat in the category.
As for Clemens, the second baseman is also a long shot to win the award. Meidroth slashed .276/.350/.415 (118 wRC+) with 16 home runs, 31 doubles and 63 RBI this year. Meanwhile, Clemens hit .239/.298/.460 (108 wRC+) with 27 home runs, 22 doubles, seven triples and 81 RBI. Sure, Clemens leads Meidroth in homers, triples and RBI, but Meidroth still put together a better overall offensive season. Even though Clemens had a good year, his low on-base percentage will likely cost him the Silver Slugger Award.
Clemens still deserves credit for an amazing season, and being a Silver Slugger Award finalist is an honor in itself. He posted 2.5 fWAR, and while he is a finalist for the AL Silver Slugger Award, he also played first base and all three outfield positions this year.
If Clemens had played more second base this year, that also might have helped his chances of winning the award. Clemens played just 72 of 145 games at second base in 2026, while Meidroth played second base in 150 of his 154 games. Meidroth also saw some time at shortstop and third base this year.
No matter who wins the awards, Clemens and the rest of the Twins' offense should be proud to be finalists. It wasn't Minnesota's best season, as the club finished 77-85, but Clemens and the rest of the offense were bright spots.
Blaine, Minnesota
Sports
Saturday, November 14, 2026
2 min