It’s MLB Draft time folks! The Minnesota Twins selected number 20 and Puckett’s Pond has all of the details for you.
Recently, the Puckett’s Pond staff predicted who the Minnesota Twins might select with the 20th selection of the MLB Draft. Every single one of us thought a pitcher would come off the board and we couldn’t have been more wrong. Instead of taking a pitcher, the Twins took outfield prospect Trevor Larnach.
The Minnesota Twins have had past success with drafting an outfielder at number 20. The great Torii Hunter and Denard Span were also selected at number 20 and Larnach has impact potential for Minnesota.
What Larnach brings to the table
Larnach has a sweet swing from the left side of the plate and shows above-average opposite field abilities. He was not known for his power throughout his first two seasons at Oregon State. However, Larnach broke through this Spring while hitting .330 with 17 home runs for the Beavers.
He doesn’t bring much in the way of speed on the bases or in the field. However, he will be an adequate corner outfielder in the Majors and has a high ceiling. MLB Pipelines gives him a 50 grade for his defense and a 55 for his arm so he will be able to handle either corner outfield position with ease.
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He also receives a 55 grade for his hit and power tool and that will help him advance quickly through the system. As he matures, Larnach has the chance to develop into a 20-plus home run hitter. Larnach should be able to slot into the middle of the batting order for the Twins when it’s all said and done.
It’s unlikely that Larnach has the type of impact that Hunter had during his time in the Twin Cities. However, the sky is the limit for Larnach and Minnesota has a tremendous track record of developing prospects.
Next: What should the Twins do about Escobar's impending free agency?
Minnesota walked away from tonight’s draft with a potential future All-Star in the first round. The 2017 draft has already shown signs of being successful. Drafting Larnach is a good start toward ensuring the 2018 draft will be similarly successful.