Minnesota Twins: Ryan Jeffers off to a strong start
The Minnesota Twins have built a strong Minor League system behind having success in the amateur draft.
Ryan Jeffers, selected by the Minnesota Twins during the second round of the 2018 MLB draft, is off to a fast start to his professional career. The 21-year-old Is currently playing for the Rookie League Elizabethton Twins.
Jeffers was left unranked in MLB Pipelines Top-200 prospects heading into the draft. However, Minnesota felt confident enough in his future to use the 59th overall pick to select him. Although it’s a small sample size, Jeffers is currently fulfilling expectations.
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington product has played in only 23 games during this season. However, he has been nothing short of spectacular during that time. Jeffers has 33 hits during 105 plate appearances giving him a .398 batting average. He also shows the potential to develop power with eight extra-base hits.
Jeffers demonstrates a solid eye at the plate as well. Although he has 14 strikeouts, Jeffers has also drawn 15 walks giving him a .524 on-base percentage. His 1.090 on-base plus slugging percentage shows his advanced feel at the plate.
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The Minnesota Twins future behind the plate is currently cloudy. Jeffers could figure into the equation within the next few years. However, Jeffers has to show that he can stick behind the plate before he can enter that conversation.
Other news and notes from around the Twins Minor Leagues
Felix Jorge
The Twins recently released and then resigned pitching prospect Felix Jorge. His release was little more than a formality and his future with the organization is bright.
However, Jorge has only pitched three innings during this season and needs to get back onto the mound. His struggles during his MLB debut last season notwithstanding, Jorge has a chance to help the Twins rotation in the future.
Royce Lewis
Minnesota has promoted Royce Lewis to Advanced-A Fort Myers and he has earned it. The Twins number one ranked prospect continues to impress and rapidly advance through the system.
The 19-year-old has hit .299 in 130 games across three levels in the Minors since his professional debut during the 2017 season. He has game-changing speed with 40 stolen bases while only being thrown out seven times during his Minor League career. His potential is through the roof and he will be dominating in the Twin Cities before long.
Fernando Romero
One bright spot during this otherwise disappointing season has been top pitching prospect, Fernando Romero. Twins fans have a lot of optimism for the future with the likes of Romero and Jose Berrios leading the rotation.
Romero has had stretches of dominance during his short MLB career. However, he also needs to be more consistent if he is going to continue to fulfill expectations. The 23-year-old had a 4.38 ERA during the first 10 starts of his career.
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Minnesota recently recalled Romero to start the final game before the All-Star break. Unfortunately, he surrendered four earned runs on 10 hits across only 4 1/3 innings pitched. Although he has already been optioned back to Triple-A, Romero will play a significant role in the rest of this season for the Twins.