Minnesota Twins: An early look at the notable performances of 2018 draft selections

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Omaha, NE – JUNE 27: Outfielder Trevor Larnach #11 of the Oregon State Beavers reacts after hitting a two run home run to give the Beavers a 5-3 lead in the ninth inning against the Arkansas Razorbacks during game two of the College World Series Championship Series on June 27, 2018 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

The Minnesota Twins draft selections have begun their professional careers and here is an early look at some notable performances.

The Minnesota Twins front office had quite an adjustment to make from their 2017 draft to the 2018 version. With much less in the way of picks and slot money to spend they weren’t able to “splash” in quite the same way they did in 2017. While some criticized the Twins draft, it seems the team still landed some good talent. Here is a look at the early returns on thirteen notable Minnesota Twins selections from the 2018 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Round 1, Pick 20: RF Trevor Larnach

Elizabethton, Age 21, 6′ 4″, 210 lbs

MLB Top 200 Draft Rank: 26, Slot Value: $3,120,000, Signed For: $2,550,000

Larnach has had a rather pedestrian start with the rookie league E-Twins after helping to lead the Oregon State Beavers to the College World Series championship. He has a slash line of .278/.391/ .333, with two doubles and 11 RBI’s in 36 at-bats. Known for his strong plate discipline, Larnach has carried over his strong plate discipline skills to professional ball with seven walks against 6 K’s Larnach is a left-handed hitter who throws with his right arm. He has played in right field in each of his ten games, picking up one outfield assist.

Round 2, Pick 59: C/DH Ryan Jeffers

Cedar Rapids/Elizabethton Age 21, 6′ 4″, 228 lbs

MLB Top 200 Draft Rank: Unranked Slot Value: $1,140,600 Signed For: $800,000

Jeffers was assigned to Class A Cedar Rapids from the Rookie League E-Twins on July 18. He currently leads the Appalachian League in batting average, OBP, and OPS, and is seventh in slugging percentage. His slash line at Elizabethton was a stunning .422/.543/.578, for an On-base Plus Slugging percent of 1.121, with seven doubles, four home runs, 20 walks, and 16 K’s!

Since his recent arrival in Cedar Rapids, Jeffers has cooled off. He has just two hits in 19 at-bats, including a double, 2 RBI’s, three walks, and five K’s. Those numbers will certainly rise.

While Jeffers has been used mostly as a designated hitter this season, the hope is that he can develop into a playable catcher. In 12 full games behind the plate, the right-hander has allowed two passed balls while committing two errors in 115 total chances for a .983 fielding percentage. He has thrown out one of seven attempted base stealers.

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