Minnesota Twins: Top prospect on the mend

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 9: A general view of Target Field before the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the home opener on April 9, 2012 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 9: A general view of Target Field before the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the home opener on April 9, 2012 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Twins have spoils of riches at the shortstop position throughout the organization. However, one highly regarded prospect is still working his way back from injury.

Minnesota Twins shortstop Wander Javier is currently working his way back from a shoulder injury in extended Spring Training. Javier has the opportunity to push top prospect Royce Lewis for playing time with Cedar Rapids during the 2018 season. However, due to his current injury, Javier’s Minor League season debut will be delayed.

Javier is the Twins number five ranked prospect according to MLB Pipelines. With the depth at shortstop throughout the Twins organization, Javier needs to get on the field and show what he can do. So far in his Minor League career, he has shown promise and looks like a future big leaguer.

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What the future holds for Javier

Javier had an impressive stint with the Twins Rookie-level Elizabethton during the 2017 season. He appeared in 41 games and hit .299 with 47 hits across 180 plate appearances. He hit only four home runs, however, he projects to develop into a legitimate power threat.

The Minnesota Twins have some decisions to make regarding the infield alignment defensively in the coming seasons. Fellow prospect Nick Gordon and the aforementioned Lewis are both shortstops as well, and project to reach MLB before Javier.

However, Javier has a chance to supplant Miguel Sano at the hot corner. Sano has been adequate defensively so far during his young career. However, he will likely have to switch to first base, or designated hitter, as he ages and Javier should have enough bat to play third base.

Minnesota is in an enviable position with all of the depth they currently have at the middle-infield position. With Brian Dozier set to be a free agent after the 2018 season, the Twins have plenty to choose from if they let him walk. The current Minor League system provides a lot for Twins fans to be excited about.

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