Want to know where the future stars of the Minnesota Twins will be playing to start the 2018 season? Puckett’s Pond is here to keep you up to date on all of the latest roster details.
The Minnesota Twins have one the most homegrown rosters in all of Major League Baseball. The solid foundation this organization has built throughout their Minor League system is what helps make that possible.
The Twins top four Minor League affiliates compiled a 321-236 cumulative record during the 2017 season. Each of those four teams finished with records well above .500. However, the number one priority of the Minor Leagues is to develop players for the big league level. Minnesota has had more success with this than most teams in recent seasons.
A couple of recent examples
The Minnesota Twins drafted Jose Berrios in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft. It has taken a little bit of time for Berrios to reach his potential in the Majors. However, he is blossoming into a future ace right before our eyes, and it’s time to take notice.
Berrios had a breakout performance during the 2017 season for the Twins. He started 25 games with a 3.89 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 145 2/3 innings pitched. Berrios also showed improved command, allowing only 48 walks last season, and that will be the key for him moving forward.
Another player that the Twins drafted and developed is the power-hitting second baseman, Brian Dozier. The Twins struck gold when they drafted him in the eighth round of the 2009 MLB draft. Over the last three seasons, the Twins have reaped the benefits of having Dozier in the clubhouse.
He has hit 151 home runs through the 2017 season and continues to be one the more consistent players on the team. Dozier showed last season that he is more than power bat by earning the Gold Glove award at second base. His steady presence in the lineup helped the Minnesota Twins reach the postseason in 2017.
Now, let’s take a look at the Opening Day roster’s for the Twins Minor League system. First up, we have the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Twins Midwest League affiliate.