Prospects To Players: Where Do These Guys Go For Twins?

By Ted Schwerzler |

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The Minnesota Twins watched as more than a handful of their top prospects were named on watch lists this offseason. Despite having some top-tier guys suffer through injuries, the Twins still remained amongst the best farm systems in the majors heading into the 2015 season. Now some of those prospects are ready to take center stage during Spring Training.

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With the team getting set to come together down in Fort Myers, there will be plenty of young faces around the diamond. As these six players work towards making their major league dream come true, just what can be expected of them this spring?

Let’s take a look…

Byron Buxton

After suffering through injuries for most of 2014 and playing in only 31 games, this spring is probably much different from what it could have been. While Buxton will get plenty of run with the major league team in Spring Training, he’s likely just showcasing what ability will eventually be taking over Target Field.

He hasn’t yet played more than one career game at the Double-A level, and it’s almost guaranteed that he starts the year in Chattanooga. Whether the Twins promote him directly from there, or have him play in Rochester first remains to be seen. This spring will be about getting baseball’s best prospect some at bats against major league competition and acclimating him back into the game.

Miguel Sano

Much like Buxton, Sano is entering a Spring Training during 2015 wondering what could have been. Without undergoing Tommy John surgery a season ago, he likely is competing for a chance at the 25 man roster right now. With the injuries behind him, Sano is expected to be all systems go to start the 2015 season.

His bat is going to be what generates his promotion to the major league level, and he has the ability to start his push during Spring Training. If he can produce offensively and stay somewhat patient at the plate, designated hitter at bats could make themselves available sooner rather than later. While he’ll start in Double-A Chattanooga, an August call up makes a lot of sense.

At this point, you still have to be holding out hope that the 25-year-old bursts onto the scene to start the 2015 season. Entering what will be an open competition for the fifth and final rotation spot, it would be fair to argue Meyer is the second leading candidate.

Having struggled with command last year down the stretch, it was an injury that led to him getting passed over for a promotion. Competing with Tommy Milone and a couple of others for the rotation, it’s Meyer who possess the highest upside. He’s a strikeout pitcher that could end up being a top-tier starter, and while he may start in Triple-A, there’s no doubt he’ll be in the major league rotation at some point around June.

Jose Berrios

Of the Twins top prospects, it was Berrios who saw the most incremental rise over the course of the 2014 season. Having pitched in three different levels of the minors, Berrios wound up being names the Twins Minor League Pitcher of the year. He has said he wants to crack the rotation to start the season, but that would appear to be a long shot.

So far, Berrios has pitched in only one Triple-A game, and he is a strong candidate to begin the year there again this year. He could start with Chattanooga, but Rochester would appear to be the best fit. If Berrios can show that he is more than a pitcher that just throws it by lesser minor league talent, he could be an option for the Twins late in the 2015 season.

Jorge Polanco

Although he made his debut and played in five games with the Twins as a 20-year-old last season, Polanco is still a prospect. He had a very good year with Fort Myers down in Single-A and edned his 2014 season with Double-A New Britain.

Expect Polanco to get plenty of reps with the Twins during Spring Training, and take note as to where he plays. In his call up last year, the Twins needed middle infield help and Polanco played shortstop for them. During winter ball, he played almost solely at second base, but he would appear to be blocked by Brian Dozier there. Polanco is probably going to start in Double-A Chattanooga this season, and I’d bet against him being called upon in 2015 by the Twins.

Mar 4, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder

Max Kepler

(67) heads towards the dugout before a game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe one of the most intriguing prospects debuting during Spring Training this year is Kepler. Now on the 40 man roster, and 22 years old, seeing him compete at the major league level if becoming a reality. The Twins were high on the German when they signed him and it’s becoming apparent as to why.

Kepler showed well during the Arizona Fall League and had a solid season at Single-A Fort Myers. Whether he remains in the outfield or moves over to first base remains a question, but Kepler appears to posses real major league talent. He is going to start in Double-A Chattanooga, and now is becoming very close to contributing for the Twins.

When any team has such a solid farm system, you are bound to have plenty of players of intrigue appear at Spring Training. For the Twins, many of those prospects getting time down in Florida are close to debuting with the big league club, making the excitement that much higher.

Next: Projecting The Twins Opening Day Lineup

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