Twins Prospects: Who Gets The Call, And When?

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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

Jose Berrios (Late 2015-Early 2016)

Despite wanting to begin the season in the Twins starting rotation, Berrios is going to be facing an uphill battle. While it may not be any fault of his own, Jose Berrios has plenty of obstacles to overcome. Last season, he rose from Single-A Fort Myers, all the way to finishing the season by pitching a game for Triple-A Rochester.

Berrios was lights out in Single-A (1.96 ERA), and was solid across eight games at Double-A New Britain (3.54 ERA). His one outing at Triple-A Rochester however, lasted just three innings and featured three walks, seven hits, and a ballooning 18.00 ERA. Expect Berrios to begin 2015 in Double-A Chattanooga to perfect the strong performance he showed he was capable of a year ago.

With Alex Meyer looking to move quickly onto the Twins, Triple-A Rochester would have an opening relatively early in 2015 as well. That spot could be filled by Berrios depending on how his early season outings go. Look for the Twins to see if he can’t get a strong season of Triple-A under his belt before calling on the rising prospect.

Considering the Twins have Mike Pelfrey, Milone, Meyer, and May all as options for the 5th rotation spot, there is quite a group ahead of needing to call upon Berrios. If anything, a late season hat tip start for the Twins may happen, otherwise look for Berrios to push for an Opening Day 2016 rotation spot.

No matter when each of these prospects make their eventual debut at Target Field, the fact that the Twins have all of them at their disposal is incredible. Looking at only five players of what is one of the best farm systems in all of baseball, leaves plenty of other top prospects on the horizon. Former first round picks Kohl Stewart and Nick Gordon still loom in the Twins system, as well as exciting options such as Max Kepler and Lewis Thorpe.

As it stands right now, the Twins seasons of losing and futility look to be a thing of the past. While Minnesota isn’t going to make the turnaround overnight, it is clear the future is a very bright place.

Next: Baseball Prospectus Ranks Twins Top 10 Prospects

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