Toronto Blue Jays vs. Minnesota Twins series predictions: 3 key players to watch 

After a 2-1 series win over the Philadelphia Phillies, the Toronto Blue Jays head out to Minnesota for another three-game set starting on Friday (June 6-8). Ever since the two teams met in the playoffs in 2023, their paths have headed in slightly opposite directions. The Twins have evolved into perennial contenders whereas the Blue Jays are trying to rebound from a forgettable losing season in 2024, their first one in over five years.

Despite accumulating an impressive 235-187 lifetime record against the Twins, Toronto haven’t won a regular season series against Minnesota in six of the past seven years. Former Twin, José Berríos, will miss out on facing his former team this time around after pitching six strong innings against the Phillies on Wednesday.

Which players do the Jays need to look to or look out for that could potentially affect the outcome of the games and the entire weekend series?

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Minnesota Twins Predictions: 3 key players to watch 

Blue Jays - Addison Barger

No one is hotter on the Blue Jays currently than Addison Barger. After all, the 25-year-old had hit home runs in four consecutive games before the Phillies snapped his streak on Wednesday. With the Blue Jays looking for some internal options to help spark their offense, Barger has provided exactly that in recent weeks, with some much-needed clutch hitting, and playing solid defence at third base.

After having a slow start to the year following his promotion, Barger has slowly rounded into form for the Blue Jays. In 40 games to date, he has now brought his average up to a solid .266 with an .821 OPS, along with 16 runs scored, 11 doubles, six home runs and 19 RBIs. His confidence seems to be growing by the day, with the Blue Jays believing in his ability as well, moving him up in the batting order to take full advantage of his productivity. Look for Barger to continue his recent success against the Twins this weekend.

Blue Jays - Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed his massive extension this past off this season, but has yet to take off offensively this season. While Guerrero has compiled a respectable .279 average, and .821 OPS, he's hit just eight home runs and driven in 28 RBIs in 60 games played. With almost 40% of the schedule complete, he is currently on pace for just over 20 home runs and 70 RBIs this year.

On the bright side, Guerrero appears to be gradually heating up in recent days, posting a .320 average, a .972 OPS, with one home run and five walks and three strikeouts in his last eight games.

More importantly, he owned the Twins last season, amassing a stellar .476 batting average and .976 OPS in five contests. As a result, facing Minnesota could be the perfect remedy to finally help ignite Guerrero’s offense into high gear.

Twins- Chris Paddack

He may only have two wins on the season, but Twins’ starter Chris Paddack has sneakily been one of their top starters this year. A lot of his numbers had been skewed due to his atrocious season debut back on March 31 against the Chicago White Sox in which he surrendered nine earned runs in just 3.1 IP. Since then, he has led the Twins with a 2.47 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, along with 48 strikeouts in 62 innings in his subsequent 11 games.

However, due to a lack of run support, the Twins managed to only go 3-8 in those Paddack starts. Nevertheless, coming off an 8-inning gem from his last outing, the Blue Jays will have their hands full as Paddack is set to face Toronto for the first time in his career this weekend.