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A recent history of Twins’ First-Round Picks

By Chris Schad

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 17: Number one overall draft pick Royce Lewis speaks at a press conference on June 17, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 17: Number one overall draft pick Royce Lewis speaks at a press conference on June 17, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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2014: SS Nick Gordon (5th Overall)

In the 2014 MLB Draft, the Twins focused more on their lineup, adding another prep star to their system. Nick Gordon wound up coming off the board after notables Carlos Rodon and Kyle Schwarber as a potential five-tool player that was one of the best defensive prospects in the class. The only question about the son of former big league pitcher Tom Gordon and brother Dee Gordon, would be his offense.

Since being drafted, Gordon has put together a solid minor league career ranking as high as 53rd on Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects in 2016 and ranking 93rd in this year’s edition. Gordon has shown flashes of potential at the plate including a .270/.341/.408 line with nine home runs and 66 RBI with Double-A Chattanooga in 2017, but hasn’t been able to put it together on a consistent basis to crack the Twins’ major league roster.

In 2019, Gordon’s status with the team seems to be in flux. Although he’s having his best season at the plate at Triple-A Rochester (.317/.348/.508, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 3 SB), he suddenly has plenty of competition as Jorge Polanco has broken out at the major league level and fellow prospects Royce Lewis and Wander Javier has also started to make noise.

It’s possible that Gordon could make an appearance with the Twins in the near future, but it’s just as likely the 23-year old could be dangled for reinforcements in the coming months.

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