Minnesota Twins: LaMonte Wade is inching closer to MLB action
The Minnesota Twins currently have a number of players knocking on the door of MLB action.
The Minnesota Twins drafted LaMonte Wade in the ninth round of the 2015 MLB draft. MLB Pipelines ranks Wade number 12 in the Twins system. His star is bright and he is only beginning to tap into his potential.
Wade isn’t the power-hitting left-handed bat that this lineup has been missing. However, he is an on-base machine who has a great handle of the strike zone. As Minnesota moves toward the future, Wade could be a vital piece at the top of the lineup.
Looking at his numbers
The first thing that jumps out at you about Wade is his strikeout to walk ratio. He has 1532 plate appearances during his Minor League career and has 224 walks with 188 strikeouts. The 24-year-old has a .401 on-base percentage to go along with a .298 batting average during that time.
The outfielder is a solid defender who is capable of playing all three outfield positions. He has committed just six errors in 2790 2/3 innings played in the outfield during his Minor League career. He profiles best in a corner spot but has played well in center throughout his career as well.
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Wade began this season playing in Chattanooga, Minnesota’s Double-A affiliate. He hit .298 with a .393 on-base percentage through 46 games prior to being promoted to Triple-A. Wade isn’t hitting quite as well with Rochester, but his on-base percentage has remained high.
His batting average has dipped to .258 during his time in Triple-A. However, he has 22 walks with a .400 on-base percentage. The only thing Wade is missing in his game is power or he would be among the Minnesota Twins best prospects.
He has only 10 extra-base hits in 105 plate appearances during his brief time with Rochester. He has never profiled to be a big-time home run hitter. However, if he can continue to get on base with this much consistency, he will provide a lot of value.
Next: Four Twins prospects gaining attention
Wade figures prominently into the future of the Twins outfield. He should see some time during the second half of the season. Whether that comes after the rosters expand in September or sooner, Twins fans will have an opportunity to see Wade in the Majors.