Baseball Prospectus Ranks Twins Top 10 Prospects
During the offseason, many major websites and publications surrounding Major League Baseball go through and revisit their top 10 lists for prospects in each organization. It is already well noted that the Twins have one of the deepest minor league farm systems, but who exactly does Baseball Prospectus see where for the Twins?
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Although Baseball Prospectus requires you to pay for premium content, we were able to get out hands on just how they view the top 10 Twins Prospects.
Let’s take a look in descending order:
Credit: TwinCities.com
A 4th round pick by the Twins in 2013, Gonsalves is just 20 years old and already has two professional seasons under his belt. He’s compiled a 2.39 ERA as well as an impressive 10.4 K/9 ratio. Having pitched eight games for the Cedar Rapids Kernels last season, he will likely start in Iowa once again for the Twins.
Credit: MiLB.com
Polanco was an international free agent acquisition by the Twins back in 2009. Despite a brief debut for the Twins last season, the 20-year-old is likely to start in the minors again this season. Across Single and Double-A last season, he hit .288/353/.395.
Credit: MLBTradeRumors.com
8. Nick Burdi
Of those on this list, Burdi may be one of the closest to the jump to Target Field. After being selected in the 2nd round by the Twins out of Louisville a year ago, Burdi excelled in his first professional season. His triple-digit heat and 16.8 K/9 will have him knocking on the bullpen door in short order.
Credit: TwinsDaily.com
7. Lewis Thorpe
Out of Australia, Thorpe remains one of the Twins most intriguing prospects. Positing a 3.52 ERA at Cedar Rapids last season as just an 18-year-old, Thorpe is someone to keep an eye on. Another strikeout pitcher (11.2 career K/9), he could continue to blossom into the Twins long-term plans.
Credit: MiLB.com
6. Nick Gordon
After being a first round draft pick by the Twins a season ago, Gordon narrowly misses the top 5. Obviously a testament to how deep the Twins system is, Gordon is the shortstop of the future. A .294/.333/.366 line in his first season of professional baseball is nothing to scoff at.
Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; World pitcher Jose Berrios throws a pitch in the first inning during the All Star Futures Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
5. Jose Berrios
Easily the biggest riser in 2014, Jose Berrios jumped into the conversation as one of the most exciting up and coming pitching prospects. With three professional seasons already at the age of 20, Berrios is seasoned. His 2.76 ERA spanning Single-Triple-A a season ago was impressive. Look for him to continue to force his way into the Twins rotation.
Credit: mwltraveler.com
4. Kohl Stewart
Another young arm, Stewart was the 4th overall pick in the 2013 draft by the Twins. At 20 years old this season, and having dominated the Midwest League (2.59 ERA 1.138 WHIP across 19 starts), look for Stewart to make a splash in Fort Myers in 2015.
Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; USA pitcher Alex Meyer throws a pitch during the All Star Futures Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
3. Alex Meyer
The return for Denard Span, Meyer may be one of the most frustrating Twins prospects. Touted a front line ace, Meyer is now 25 and has yet to see major league action. 2014 ended with injury for Meyer, but at this point, the command issues need to be refined at the highest level. His 10.4 K/9 ratio is something the Twins so badly need.
March 21, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins infielder Miguel Sano (97) in the dugout against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
2. Miguel Sano
Had he not underwent Tommy John surgery a season ago, he likely would have pushed for major league playing time in 2014. Now, with Kennys Vargas in the DH spot and Trevor Plouffe holding down third base, it will be on Sano to get off to a hot start in 2015 and make his way to the majors.
Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
1. Byron Buxton
The year of injuries is hopefully behind Buxton, and as one of the top prospects in all of baseball, the Twins are getting ready for him to take over centerfield. Finding holes in his game is a difficult practice, and that’s something Twins fans have to be excited about. Look for Buxton to be patrolling centerfield for the Twins sooner rather than later.
With the list fully revealed now, how do you feel Baseball Prospectus ranked the Twins farm system? Was there a player you disagreed with or someone you thought deserved to be in?
As the Twins gear up for spring training, each of these guys will be looking to take the next step forward.
Next: Top 10 Twins Prospects To Watch In 2015