Minnesota Twins: Ranking the Top 15 Prospect Skills in the Twins’ System
By Otto Johnson
No. 15-No. 11
No. 15: Trevor Larnach’s Hitting
Puckett’s Pond Grade (PPG): 60
MLB.com grade (MLBG): 55
Trevor Larnach was the Minnesota Twins’ first round pick in 2018 and stands out as a multi-tool player who could have a lot of success at the corner outfield spot. He has a good arm, and decent power, but his hit tool is what really stands out. He can put the ball in play all over the diamond, and could develop into a .300 hitter and a cornerstone of the Twins lineup for years to come.
No. 14: Dakota Chalmers’ Curveball
PPG: 65
MLBG: 60
The only off-speed pitch to make the list, Chalmers’ offering is downright dirty. Chalmers was one of the best high school pitchers in the 2015 draft, but Tommy John surgeries and other injuries have slowed him down since. He still can hit upper 90s with his fastball, but the curveball is a truly special pitch with one of the best spin rates in the minors (and majors).
No. 13: Gabriel Maciel’s Running
PPG: 65
MLBG: 65
There are several prospects in the Minnesota Twins system that can sprint with the best of them. Gabriel Maciel is the first to make the list. A throw-in as a part of the trade that sent Eduardo Escobar to the Diamondbacks, Maciel is still developing but has blazing speed that allows him to play all three defensive positions in the outfield. He is averaging 36 steals per 162 games, showcasing his elite skill level.
No. 12: Akil Badoo’s Running
PPG: 65
MLBG: 65
Similar to Maciel, Akil Badoo is flat-out fast. The 74th pick in 2015, Badoo was a very raw, but very talented outfielder from Georgia. He’s had some injury issues, but the speed is still there. Badoo has yet to play a full season in the minors, but when healthy he has averaged 31 steals per 162 games. He gets the edge over Maciel because Badoo is slightly smarter on the base paths, giving him an advantage.
No. 11: Jorge Alcala’s Fastball
PPG: 65
MLBG: 65
Jorge Alcala throws one of the fastest heaters in the Minnesota Twins organization, but really struggles with his control of the pitch. The pitch has been clocked at 98 mph, with a lot of movement, but the lack of control hurts his ranking. He pitched well in his two game debut in the big leagues, so there’s still room for Alcala to improve his command.