In early July 2025, the Minnesota Twins traveled to South Florida to face the Miami Marlins in a three-game series. Despite losing the series two games to one, the team witnessed a notable shift in first base playing time as manager Rocco Baldelli began giving Kody Clemens increased opportunities at the position. This change signals a possible new direction in the Twins’ lineup for the second half of the season, with Clemens emerging as a serious contender for the first baseman role.
Early Projections and Current Playing Time Distribution
Before the season started, offseason signing Ty France was expected to serve as the Twins’ primary first baseman. Up to this point, that expectation largely held true, with France starting 83 of 96 games at first base. However, since the Miami series began on July 1, Clemens has started at first base in six games, just one fewer than France’s seven starts in that span. This shift suggests that Clemens is gaining the confidence of the coaching staff and could be taking over more starts moving forward.
Comparing Offensive Performance Since July 1
The uptick in Clemens’ playing time appears to align with his superior offensive production compared to France over the past month. Since July 1, France has struggled significantly, posting a slash line of .080/.148/.120 across 27 plate appearances, which includes just two hits, one double, no home runs, a single walk, and a 22.2% strikeout rate. His weighted runs created plus (wRC+) sits at a disappointing -26. In contrast, Clemens has delivered a .261/.261/.652 line in 23 plate appearances, tallying six hits, zero doubles, three home runs, and no walks, despite a higher strikeout rate of 34.8%. His wRC+ for the period stands at an impressive 148.
Longer-Term Offensive Impact Comparison
Looking at a larger sample size since Clemens joined the Twins on April 28, he has maintained a 125 wRC+ over 163 plate appearances, a clear advantage over France’s 87 wRC+ across 242 plate appearances during the same timeframe. Clemens’ improved plate production may explain why Baldelli is willing to give him a bigger role at first base, especially as the team looks to maximize offensive support throughout games.
Performance in Different Game Situations
One distinguishing statistical edge Clemens holds over France is his ability to contribute effectively in low- and medium-leverage situations, which make up most of a player’s plate appearances during the initial seven innings of a game. Clemens has produced a 94 wRC+ over 80 low-leverage appearances, while France has only managed a 59 wRC+ across 150 such plate appearances. In medium-leverage moments, France’s performance improves to a 98 wRC+ in 111 trips, but Clemens outperforms him again with a 145 wRC+ in 68 attempts.
Interestingly, both Clemens and France have excelled in high-leverage situations (often game-deciding scenarios), showing similar elite production since Clemens arrived. France boasts a 200 wRC+ over 30 high-leverage plate appearances in the 2025 season, while Clemens has posted a 203 wRC+ in 15 such plate appearances. This exceptional performance in clutch moments is notable but comes from relatively small sample sizes and reflects a pattern France has sustained throughout his career.
Significance of Consistent Production Versus Clutch Performance
While both players have demonstrated the ability to deliver in clutch spots, a player’s value over the course of a season also depends heavily on consistent contributions during lower-pressure situations. Clemens offers above-average production across most at-bats, unlike France, who tends to perform well primarily when the game is on the line. Given the volatility and randomness often associated with clutch hitting, Clemens’ steadier output positions him as a more reliable option to fill the majority of first base starts.
Outlook for Clemens and the Twins Moving Forward
Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2025 season, Clemens’ versatility remains a valuable asset for the Twins. Beyond first base, he can be deployed at second base and in corner outfield spots, allowing manager Baldelli to create favorable platoon matchups, adapt to injuries, and respond to player performance issues. Clemens is expected to continue receiving more playing time at first base as the Twins prepare to face the Colorado Rockies starting July 18, suggesting that he may have firmly established himself as the team’s primary first baseman during the crucial second half of the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Kody Clemens?
A. Philadelphia decided to designate Clemens, Roger Clemens’ son, for assignment on Wednesday. Even though he hit .327 in Spring Training and secured a place on the Phillies’ Opening Day roster, the 28-year-old played in only seven out of the team’s 26 games this season.