MLB Draft 2014: Minnesota Twins select Nick Gordon

The 2014 MLB first year player draft kicked off last night and thanks to another 90 loss campaign, the Minnesota Twins found themselves rounding out the top 5.  In a draft that lacked the punch of a Bryce Harper or Stephen Strasburg type, the top 5 looked about as fluid as water out of a faucet.  The Twins had been linked to nearly every top-notch prospect and only the pick would end the uncertainty.

Widely regarded as the likely Minnesota Twins pick, Nick Gordon, brother of Dee and son of Tom (Flash), would be a shortstop in waiting as he climbed through the Twins farm system.  With the fifth pick overall, in the 2014 MLB Draft, the Minnesota Twins did indeed select Nick Gordon.  Gordon, reigning from Olympia High School in Florida, is a 6’2,” 175 lbs shortstop.

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Gordon has a strong-arm and has showcased that in multiple All-Star games from the mound.  Throwing a low 90’s fastball, his arm strength translates well making the throw from deep in the hole.  He likely sticks at shortstop with strong fielding abilities and solid reaction times.  Batting from the left side of the plate, he has a smooth swing and isn’t afraid to go the other way.  With a frame of only 175 lbs, he’ll obviously need to add muscle, but at 18, he has some growing to do.  The Twins likely did their due diligence on making sure Gordon was willing to snub Florida State and sign with the team.

The Minnesota Twins have lacked a strong shortstop option (aside from the one year membership of JJ Hardy) since Cristian Guzman.  With Danny Santana currently up with the big club, and viewed as the shortstop of the future, Nick Gordon will have significant time to develop as he rises through the ranks.

Although the Twins didn’t go with a pitcher in this years draft, they likely got the best player available at the 5th pick.  Nick Gordon should have a bright future ahead of him, and has the pedigree to play well at the Major League level.