When the casual fan looks at the two most recent Twins’ seasons, many of the players between both ball clubs were in place on both squads. After they lost Glen Perkins and Phil Hughes early on in 2016, veteran leadership roles were undefined.
Minnesota needed new veterans to step up and lead the way. Guys like Trevor Plouffe, Eduardo Escobar, and Joe Mauer. Mauer is the first to tell anyone listening that he leads better with his play on the field.
Escobar relates well with the Latin American players, and Plouffe stepped up well this year to assume extra responsibilities too.