Updated: Twins Highlight MLB Top Prospect Lists

By Ted Schwerzler |

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As the 2015 season rolls around, websites start to pump out their top prospect lists for the current season. While Major League Baseball’s website doesn’t reside in the same grouping as Baseball America or Baseball Prospectus, any prospect making a top ten list is going to be can’t miss talent. With the Twins farm system being what it is, they have a handful of prospects that ended up making appearances in MLB’s feature.

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To release their prospect top ten lists, Major League Baseball grouped players by position, and released one group each day. The outfielders will be unveiled to complete the announcement on January 29. With the majority of the field unveiled, lets take a look at the Twins grabbing center stage.

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher

Alex Meyer

against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

#10 RHP- Alex Meyer

Rounding out the top ten list for right-handed pitching prospects is 25-year-old Alex Meyer. Dealing Denard Span to the Washington Nationals garnered Meyer in return for the Twins. He has been viewed as a top of the rotation quality arm, and someone the Twins should have right in the middle of their future plans.

At this point, Meyer appears destined to start the season in Rochester at the Triple-A level. While he has an outside chance to make the rotation over Tommy Milone, he probably isn’t the Twins first bullpen choice either. Owning a respectable 3.52 ERA in 2014, Meyer has everything going for him but his command. If he can limit walks, he should be at Target Field prior to the All-Star break.

Credit: MiLB.com

#6 SS- Nick Gordon

The Twins first round pick in the 2014 Draft, brother of Dee Gordon, and son of Tom Gordon, Nick has plenty of things going for him. Selected out of high school, he still remains a very young talent and probably won’t see the major leagues for a few years yet.

In his first 57 games in the Twins organization, Gordon hit .294 while stealing 11 bases and playing a strong shortstop. His bat is regarded to be behind his fielding ability, but there is little doubt that he will continue to grow and add to his overall game. Although not as fast as his brother Dee, Nick runs well, and should provide a base stealing threat as well. One of his biggest assets may be his arm. A pitcher in high school as well, he has an absolute cannon from short.

Gordon was sent to Elizabethton last season and skipped the Gulf Coast League. Minnesota likely won’t fast track such a young kid to the majors, but there is no reason his talent can’t continue to propel him forward.

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

#3 3B- Miguel Sano

Despite being behind two players, there is no shame where Sano rests amongst his position. Kris Bryant is one of the top two prospects in all of baseball, and Joey Gallo is expected to crush baseballs for the Rangers long into the future. Sano’s development was somewhat stunted in that he missed all of 2014 due to Tommy John surgery. That being said, there’s little reason to worry about his long-term projections.

Coming into big league camp, Sano will look to make his bat play. His best chance at getting to Minnesota sooner rather than later may be through the designated hitter spot. If Kennys Vargas struggles at the plate, Minnesota could call on Sano. Not a lock to stay at first base, his bat should be assumed to launch near 25 home runs in a full season.

Look for Sano to find a groove early, and establish himself back into the game in 2015. He likely will start out at Double-A Chattanooga, but he shouldn’t be on the farm too long this season. Best case scenario would be a mid-summer promotion, with a worst case scenario looking like September.

Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder

Byron Buxton

plays for the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

#1 CF- Byron Buxton

Widely regarded as the best prospect in all of baseball, Byron Buxton is ready to get back on track in 2015. Rounding out the top 10 lists was the outfield grouping, and there was no doubt Buxton would pace the group.

The exciting centerfielder missed a lot of time due to a nagging wrist injury, and then suffered an ugly-looking concussion late in the season. After another injury in the Arizona Fall League, Buxton was shut down for the remainder of the offseason. Heading into 2015, a focus will be staying healthy, and continuing to get reps in. Both his bat and ability appear ready for major league action.

Some of Buxton’s timetable is dependent upon what the Twins get out of Aaron Hicks, Oswaldo Arcia, and Jordan Schafer this season. Should they fail to produce, or find themselves injured, he could be in a position for an advanced promotion. At any rate, look for the top prospect to make a debut sometime at the end of 2015.

With four prospects all residing in the top 10 in all of baseball at their positions, the Twins nearly fill out half of a lineup. Considering the talent still on the major league roster, as well as the strong prospects that round out the farm system, the Twins are in a good place for years to come.

No matter when each of these players makes their eventual debut, you can bet all eyes to be on them as they continue their journey to the big leagues.

Next: Top 10 Twins Prospects To Watch In 2015

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