The Minnesota Twins may be closing in on the end of the season, but it won't necessarily be a lost one.
The Twins saw several prospects and offseason finds emerge as quality MLB options in 2016, including overlooked outfielder Robbie Grossman.
Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and cast aside by the Houston Astros, Grossman found a home in Minnesota after opting out of a minor-league contract with the Cleveland Indians.
After hitting just .240/.327/.341 in 764 plate appearances for the Astros, Grossman has flourished in Minneapolis.
He homered in his first game with the Twins, ranks fifth on the team with 91 hits, and is one of 10 players with double-digit home runs.
Grossman, 2013-2015 vs. 2016
| 2013-2015 | 2016 | |
| BA | 0.24 | 0.281 |
| Hits/G | 0.84 | 0.94 |
| HR | 11 | 11 |
| AB/RBI | 10.57 | 8.76 |
| OPS | 0.668 | 0.834 |
Meanwhile, Kennys Vargas has overcome the Twins' logjam at first base and put together a quietly productive season.
Vargas hit his 10th home run in just 44 games on Thursday, and told FOX Sports North reporter Audra Martin that he's hoping his success will convince the Twins to give him a bigger role in 2017.
He should be able to make a strong case in the Twins' final series.
Vargas seems to save his best stuff for the Chicago White Sox, and has hit .324/.385/.549 with 17 RBI and five home runs in 19 career games against Chicago.
Vargas, Highest Batting Avg. vs. Single Opponent â Career
*Minimum 25 PA
| Opponent | BA |
| White Sox | 0.324 |
| Athletics | 0.303 |
| Tigers | 0.292 |
| Royals | 0.231 |
| Indians | 0.22 |
Statistics courtesy STATS LLC and baseball-reference.com
