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Minnesota Twins Top 20 Prospects: #10 Alex Meyer

By Martin Schlegel

Mar 9, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Alex Meyer (51) throws a pitch during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Alex Meyer (51) throws a pitch during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Twins prospect Alex Meyer made a brief appearance at the Major League level in 2015.

Honorable Mentions    #20: Travis Blankenhorn
#19: Wander Javier    #18: Stuart Turner    #17: Jermaine Palacios
#16: Mason Melotakis        #15: Jake Reed        #14: Taylor Rogers
#13: Lewis Thrope   #12: J.T. Chargois   #11: Adam Brett Walker

Alex Meyer made his Minnesota Twins debut June 23 against the Milwaukee Brewers. He allowed four runs in 1 2/3 innings pitched. Three games later Meyer pitched an inning giving up one run on a hit and two walks. Needless to say, his two appearances didn’t go well. The Twins sent him back to triple-A Rochester.

Name: Alex Meyer
Position: SP/RP     Age: 25
Height: 6’9”    Weight: 225 lbs.
Throws: Right            Bats: Right
Acquired: 2012, trade with Nationals

Mar 3, 2015; Ft. Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Alex Meyer (51) poses during photo day at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Ft. Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Alex Meyer (51) poses during photo day at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Originally drafted 23 overall in the first round by the Washington Nationals, the Twins traded Denard Span for Meyer. Since the trade, he was a top starting pitcher in the Twins minor leagues. In 2014, he pitched at Target Field in the Futures All-Star Game for team USA.

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Once a starter, Meyer found success last season as a reliever. His ERA lowered considerable (7.09 to 3.74) after making the switch. During the last two month of the 2015 season he held opposing hitters to a .207 batting average.

Meyer is able to hit the upper 90s with his fastball. He has a great slider and an above average changeup. He has all the strikeout ability a team would want in a pitcher but is hurt by his control problems. Through four minor league seasons, Meyer has a 10.3 SO9 and a 4.0 BB9. He should cut down his walk totals in order to thrive at the major league level.

Most have probably dismissed Meyer after seeing his awful first impression with the Twins. The bullpen locks for 2016 are Glen Perkins, Casey Fien, Kevin Jepsen and possibly Trevor May. Meyer could find himself a job with the Twins bullpen if he pitches well in spring training. Because of the lack of relievers brought in during the offseason, the Twins might rely on a few hard throwing prospects.

Meyer needs a strong spring to show he still has some value worth holding on to. Otherwise, he risks being passed over by younger talent

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