Minnesota Twins: How should the Twins spend international money?
Jelfry Marte, SS
Info: Even before he signed with the Twins, there were concerns about Marte’s ability to provide offensive impact. The Twins found out about a vision problem when they did his contract physical and negated his initial $3M+ contract, making him once again a free agent. That does not eliminate the option of them signing him again, however. Marte is an excellent defender at short, and if he can take care of his vision issues, some believe there’s gap power and adequate speed to be an average MLB hitter.
Mauro Bonifacio, OF
Info: Another guy the Twins were once involved with, the team backed away after Bonifacio turned 16 on August 31st and a number of teams stepped forward into the mix on him. He has a unique blend of size (6’5″, 205 pounds at 15), raw power, and elite speed.
Raimfer Salinas, OF
Info: One of the elite prospects in the entire class, Salinas has been known for a number of years as he played on international teams for Venezuela. Salinas showed very well in international competitions and not as well at times in other games. Compared frequently to Braves prospect Ronald Acuna, Salinas could be an excellent target to zone in on.
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Antonio Cabello, C
Info: Cabello profiles awkwardly for a catcher, with an elite speed tool and good defense, and he’s a rare breed in that he could end up moving to center field if he doesn’t work at catcher. His profile is very intriguing on the market just due to how unique it is, but it’s also hard to price as well.
Osleivis Basabe, SS/OF
Info: Basabe has elite speed and a plus arm that has struggled to find its home defensively, working between center field and shortstop. He was rumored to the Yankees, but they seem to have not closed the deal with Basabe as they wait to hopefully sign Ohtani, and the Twins could sweep in if he’s left on the market.
Next: 5 Undervalued FA Hitters
Stir Candelario, OF
Info: Candelario is one of the most intriguing prospects to my eyes in the entire market. He has plus-plus raw power and a plus arm, but he is very raw in the outfield, and his swing can get too power-focused and long at times. At his best, he profiles as an ideal right field candidate, but he could also swing and miss too much to ever make an impact.