​The Minnesota Twins have endured an up and down first half of the season overall. At 48-49 overall, Minnesota trails the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians by three games for first place in the American League Central standings. The Twins have played better than expected. While stars such as Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan have led the way, three specific players have upset expectations up to this point in the season.The Twins will need a complete team effort if they want to make a competitive run for a postseason spot. If these three players can continue to make impacts, Minnesota could make things especially interesting in the AL Central division.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWithout further ado, here are three Twins players who have upset expectations so far this season.Bradley, 25, joined the Twins last season after beginning his career with the Tampa Bay Rays. Between Minnesota and Tampa Bay, Bradley pitched to an underwhelming 4.61 ERA. In six starts with the Twins, the right-handed pitcher turned in a 6.61 ERA.Bradley had displayed signs of potential, though, and the Twins did not give up on him. Their belief is working out this season, as Bradley is in the middle of a breakout campaign. He currently holds a 3.59 ERA across 18 starts. Bradley has also recorded 118 strikeouts in his 102.2 innings on the mound.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementClemens, a 30-year-old infielder, had been inconsistent for the most part in his career before the 2026 season. He also had not received consistent playing time, though. Clemens’ previous career-high in games played in a season was 119, which he accomplished in 2025.He has already played in 83 games this year, and Clemens is making an impact. He currently holds a .785 OPS to go along with 16 home runs, 18 doubles and three triples. He is on track to surpass his career-high mark of 19 home runs.The 25-year-old infielder struggled in limited action in 2024 and in his first full season in 2025. Lee is beginning to figure things out at the big league level this year, however.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLee’s numbers still do not jump off the page, but he is hitting .249 to go along with a .737 OPS, 14 home runs, 15 doubles and two triples. He has certainly taken a step forward overall.Bradley, Clemens and Lee will look to continue playing well during the second half of the 2026 MLB season.