Minnesota Twins: Rounding out the Top-10 prospects

6- Alex Kirilloff OF

The Minnesota Twins used the 15th overall pick in the 2016 MLB draft on Alex Kirilloff. He quickly showed scouts why he was worthy of such a high selection.

Playing for Elizabethtown in ’16, Kirilloff wowed everybody who saw him play. He played 55 games and hit .306 in 232 plate appearances during his debut season in the Twins Minor League system. Kirilloff hit 7 home runs with 33 runs batted in, showing his future potential with the bat.

However, in March of 2017, it was announced that Kirilloff needed Tommy John surgery and he subsequently missed the entire ’17 season. That is not nearly enough to knock him out of the Minnesota Twins Top-10 prospects as Kirilloff looks like a future star.

What Kirilloff brings to the table

While Kirilloff doesn’t have any one tool rated as exceptional, he does everything at a high level. He played centerfield, and pitched, in high school and has the athleticism to play anywhere in the outfield. However, he profiles best in right field offensively and could make an impact within a couple of years for the Twins.

He has also played a little bit of first base and that could prove to be a path to the Major Leagues for him. Joe Mauer is not getting any younger and there is no clear-cut replacement within the system for him and Kirilloff has enough bat to handle the position.

This season will be a big season for Kirilloff and the Minnesota Twins. He isn’t expected to be in the Major Leagues until maybe 2020. However, if Kirilloff can show the Twins what he did in ’16 again this season Twins fans may know his name even sooner.

The Twins outfield is currently young at the Major League level and Kirilloff will have ample time to hone his skills in the Minors. However, players emerge from out of nowhere every season and Kirilloff’s time will be coming.

2018 is not the season to expect Kirilloff to make any sort of impact for Minnesota. He will first need to show that he’s healthy and capable of getting through a full season in the Minors. However, if Kirilloff can stay healthy in ’18 he could be in play for the 2019 season.

Kirilloff has a bright future and Minnesota should take the cautious approach with him. However, he will make an impact in the Twin Cities before long. Another name to keep an eye on for the Minnesota Twins is