Minnesota Twins Top 20 Prospects: #18 Stuart Turner

Spending all of 2015 in double-A, Stuart Turner is the highest ranking catcher on the Minnesota Twins prospect list.

Honorable Mentions
#20: Travis Blankenhorn   #19: Wander Javier

After three years in the Minnesota Twins organization, Stuart Turner is still progressing well. The highest ranking catcher has not played a single game in triple-A. He still has enough potential to continue his steady climb to the majors. Turner is usually closely compared to Mitch Garver, another top prospect catcher.

Name: Stuart Turner
Position: Catcher  Age: 24
Height: 6’2”    Age: 230 lbs.
Throws: Right            Bats: Right
Acquired: 2013 Amateur Draft, 3rd round

Turner has the defensive tools to become an everyday catcher at the major league level. In three minor league seasons, he has thrown out 35 percent of base runners. In 2015, he threw out an impressive 39 percent of base stealers. He also works well with pitchers by making himself a big target behind the plate.

Turner and Graver have had similar results behind the plate with Turner considered a step above. The stark difference between the two is their offensive numbers.

Turner, in three minor league season, has a lowly .242 batting average. He walks enough not be a total waste at the plate. On top of it all, he doesn’t hit for power. His swing has really changed since college.

His swing is now more compact than it was. His swing is longer in batting practice, but in-game Turner has a line drive type swing.

Next: Twins Top Prospects #19 Wander Javier

Between Turner and Garver, Turner has a better chance to make the major league. His defense alone could get him there. It will be a matter of whether he starts to hit for a higher average. At age 24, he will either become the next Chris Herrmann or Travis d’Arnaud.