Chris Paddack

Paddack returned in late September from May 2022 Tommy John surgery (his second) and had perhaps the best stretch of his career in the postseason as a reliever and will be counted on as a starting pitcher in 2024. Paddack threw just five innings in the regular season but had eight strikeouts and just one walk, averaging a career-high 95.3 mph fastball. He reached 99 mph with his fastest pitch. He then threw 3.2 scoreless innings in the playoffs with six strikeouts and no walks. The Twins hope it's a sign he can return to his 2019 form when he had a 3.33 ERA and 26.9% strikeout rate for the Padres. At his peak, Paddack has good command and a plus change-up to keep hitters off balance. His innings may be limited in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery, however. Read Past Outlooks