There aren’t many position battles at spring training for the Twins, and despite having two experienced catchers, Ryan Jeffers is the go to guy behind the plate to open the season.

Jeffers is the most improved player on the Twins’ roster from last season, Jeffers hopes this spring is a launching pad for more improvement.

“Last season, you know I came in, pretty much re-worked everything in my swing and my throwing mechanics and it paid off,” said Jeffers.

Jeffers produced at the plate last season, but his defense was also noteworthy. Jeffers threw out 25 percent of would-be base stealers. That was better than the league average.

“He actually improved his throwing on the defensive side of the ball which is not easy to do,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “He’s put himself in a spot to be a heck of a Big League catcher for a long time for us and we’re fortunate to have him.”

Jeffers established himself as the next top catcher for Minnesota, and one of the best in the league at the plate. Could this season be a push at being named as an All-Star selection?

Last season, Jeffers put up career best in games, runs, runs batted in, doubles and walks. Mixed in with 14 home runs, some of which Jeffers launched to the moon.

“When I’m at the plate the best thing I can do is hit the ball out of the park,” said Jeffers. “If you handle your business behind the plate you’re going to stay in this game for a long time. If you are able to hit and hit for power you make yourself extremely valuable.”

Last season, Jeffers had 335 plate appearances, and batted, .267/.369/.490 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI.