Minnesota Twins: 2020 Preseason Top 30 Prospects

Minnesota Twins' Royce Lewis (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins' Royce Lewis (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
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Minnesota Twins’ Royce Lewis (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins’ Royce Lewis (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

With the Minnesota Twins starting the season in less than twenty days, Puckett’s Pond ranks the Twins’ Top 30 prospects.

The Minnesota Twins have one of the top farm systems in all of baseball, with a very deep group of prospects that are getting ready to make the jump to the majors. The system is led by former No. 1 pick Royce Lewis, but the order of who comes after him is all up for grabs.

After a rather disappointing 2019 for the system as a whole, we took a look at who barely survived the season and who improved. Each hitter is graded for on the five tools for batters: hitting (contact), power, running, arm, and field. Each pitcher is graded on their fastball, changeup, each of their other pitches, and control. Then each grade is put together for an overall. The highest grades in the system can be found here.

Otto Johnson and Brandon Copley graded all thirty players and ranked them all to create the official Puckett’s Pond Top 30 prospects, a list that will be updated throughout the season. With the season less than three weeks away, it’s time to officially begin with No. 30.

Minnesota Twins’ Ben Rortvedt (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins’ Ben Rortvedt (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

No. 30-No. 26

No. 30: Josh Winder, RHP

Level: A

Age: 23

Fastball: 50/Curveball: 50/Slider: 50/Changeup: 50/Control: 55/Overall: 40

Armed with four decent pitches and good control, Josh Winder had a solid season in Cedar Rapids, going 7-2 with a 2.65 ERA. He won’t dominate games, but he won’t lose them either. Winder has a very low ceiling, but could be a reliable fifth starter.

Otto Johnson: I really like Winder. He’s a decent pitcher who could be a cheap inning-eater. He’s a perfect depth guy. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 28

Brandon Copley: Winder is old for a low A pitcher, but is very well-rounded and could reach the majors someday. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 32

No. 29: Ben Rortvedt, C

Level: AA

Age: 22

Hit: 45/Power: 45/Run: 35/Arm: 55/Defense: 55/Overall: 40

Ben Rortvedt is a catcher who has always had success behind the plate, but not as much at the plate. Rortvedt posted a .239 batting average with 5 home runs at AA last year while showcasing his excellent glove, a continuing story for him. In a league desperate for backstops, Rortvedt’s glove will carry him to the major leagues. If the bat also develops, Rortvedt could have a future in Minnesota.

OJ: The only reason Rortvedt makes this list is because the Twins are so starved for catchers. I think his bat needs to develop more before he can move into the top twenty-five on this list. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 29

BC: Rortvedt looks like your average defensive catcher. I don’t think he likely will ever hit that well at any level. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 28

No. 28: Chris Vallimont, RHP

Level: High A

Age: 22

Fastball: 60/Curveball: 55/Slider: 50/Changeup: 50/Control: 45/Overall: 40

Chris Vallimont was originally just an add-on in the Twins trade to acquire Sergio Romo last summer. He has shown he has some upside, but Vallimont still needs some work with his control. However, in his four starts after the trade, Vallimont only walked four batters. If Vallimont matches control to his strong stuff, he could move up this list quickly.

OJ: I love Vallimont. I think that he finally is figuring out his control now that he’s made it to the Twins’ system. I think he’ll really impress this year. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 25

BC: Chris has potential. His fastball and curve are there, but he has to learn control. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 31

No. 27: Jose Miranda, INF

Level: AA

Age: 21

Hit: 50/Power: 45/Run: 40/Arm: 50/Field: 50/Overall: 40

Jose Miranda was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 2016 draft and has an up-and-down career since. He has a lot of potential if he can hit a little more effectively, as he doesn’t strike out often. There’s a good glove and power potential as well, but Miranda must be more consistent and effective at bat for him to be successful.

OJ: I think Miranda has some hidden potential, but he has to be smarter in the batter’s box, and he hasn’t done that thus far. Otto Johnson’s Ranking: 30

BC: I think Miranda is very well-rounded, but he hasn’t been able to put everything together for a full season yet. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 23

No. 26: Will Holland, SS

Level: Rookie

Age: 21

Hit: 40/Power: 55/Run: 60/Arm: 55/Field: 55/Overall: 45

Holland, an extremely athletic 2019 second-round pick struggled in his first thirty-six games in the organization. However, he also showed a lot of promise in those games, with 7 homers and 8 steals. If he can rediscover his ability to hit consistently from college, his name will come up a lot more often.

OJ: I really like potential and Holland has lots of it, but he struggled mightily over the past two seasons. I worry that he won’t find his swing again. Otto Johnson’s Ranking: 27

BC: The phrase of the day: “he has potential” fits Holland. He has a lot of power and can field, but he has to make contact with the ball. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 24

Minnesota Twins’ Dakota Chalmers (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins’ Dakota Chalmers (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

No. 25-No. 21

No. 25: Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF

Level: Rookie

Age: 17

Hit: 50/Power: 50/Run: 55/Arm: 55/Field: 55/Overall: 45

It’s hard to judge a player who is so young, but the Twins’ newest international prospect has massive potential. A cannon for an arm, excellent speed, and power potential, the Twins signed Rodriguez for $2.5 Million. It’s a big risk, but if Rodriguez comes close to his potential it could be a huge win for the Twins.

OJ: The Twins have a long history of being successful in international signings (Jorge Polanco, Miguel Sano, Max Kepler, Eddie Rosario, and Jose Berrios come to mind), so i’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. Otto Johnson’s Ranking: 26

BC: A 17 year-old who signed for a lot of money. He is well-rounded, but very raw. I expect him to climb up the rankings over the next few years. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 26

No. 24: Dakota Chalmers, RHP

Level: AAA

Age: 23

Fastball: 60/Curveball: 65/Changeup: 45/Control: 40/Overall: 45

Dakota Chalmers is the owner of the best off-speed pitch in the Twins’ minor league system. His curveball has a spin rate of over 3,000, something major league teams love. He even has a fastball to match. Why isn’t he higher? His changeup is unimpressive and his control isn’t excellent. On the flip side, if that gets sorted out, he could be a star.

OJ: He could be a legitimate ace. His stuff is excellent. His curveball is unhittable. If only he could get that control down. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 19

BC: I am not as optimistic as Otto is. Chalmers has been up and down in the system for a while. He will make it someday, but how good will he be? That’s the question. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 25

No. 23: Misael Urbina, OF

Level: Rookie

Age: 17

Hit: 55/Power: 45/Run: 60/Arm: 50/Field: 55/Overall: 45

Another 17-year-old with lots of potential. He is extremely fast, and plays strong defense. He could develop into a .300 hitter and maybe even a 15 homer/15 stolen bases guy. But that’s a long way off, so the Twins have to wait and see.

OJ: I think Urbina has a higher ceiling than Rodriguez does. I could easily see Urbina turning into a high impact guy, but I think it’s too far off and a lot could happen. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 24

BC: The other 17 year-old on our list. Urbina could be our CF of the future if Buxton goes to free agency. Expect him to climb. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 19

No. 22: Gabriel Maciel, OF

Level: High A

Age: 21

Hit: 50/Power: 30/Run: 65/Arm: 50/Field: 60/Overall: 45

Want to go fast? Gabriel Maciel is a speed demon. He makes contact all over the diamond and is a fantastic outfielder. He will never hit for a lot of power, but he can make good contact. He has never hit under .280 and regularly steals 20 bases over 100 game seasons. His ceiling is close to Ben Revere with five homers a year instead of one.

OJ: Maciel is a decent hitter and could really develop into a really good center fielder. He won’t hit for power, but you don’t need to at his position. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 18

BC: Maciel can run and field with the best of them. His power will never come around. Will his hitting lack because of it? Brandon Copley’s Rank: 27

No. 21: Cole Sands, RHP

Level: AA

Age: 22

Fastball: 55/Curveball: 50/Changeup: 55/Control: 55/Overall: 45

Cole Sands is a solid, but not standout, pitcher. In his first pro season, Sands pitched really well, moving through three levels and keeping his ERA below 2.70. He has really strong control and a competitive spirit, but he lacks the stuff to be at the front of a rotation.

OJ: Cole Sands is like Josh Winder with slightly better stuff. Sands will likely reach the rotation for a few spot starts as a fifth guy when there are injuries, but his ceiling is really low. On the flip side, his floor is really high. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 23

BC: A decent all around pitcher with good control and a solid changeup. His lack of a slider will hurt him though. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 22

Minnesota Twins’ Jorge Alcala (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins’ Jorge Alcala (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 20-No. 16

No. 20: Yunior Severino, 2B

Level: A

Age: 20

Hit: 45/Power: 50/Run: 45/Arm: 55/Field: 50/Overall: 45

One of the prospects that was let go when the Atlanta Braves were penalized in 2017, the Twins were quick to scoop him up. He, like so many others near the bottom of this list, have a lot of potential. He struggles with plate discipline and may be running out of time to become the impact player he was expected.

OJ: Severino has never had a full season to show his skills, but he needs to show more to move up the prospect list. The Twins won’t be patient forever. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 22

BC: He hasn’t put a lot together yet. That doesn’t mean he won’t. He has a lot of potential to become an every day piece. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 17

No. 19: Jorge Alcala, RHP

Level: MLB

Age: 24

Fastball: 65/Curveball: 45/Slider: 55/Changeup: 45/Control: 40/Overall: 50

This will likely be Alcala’s last appearance on prospect rankings, as he will graduate and lose prospect status. Alcala has a heater that touches 98 with some movement and a strong slider to pair together. With his control issues, lack of a third pitch, and the Minnesota Twins not needing another starter, it looks like Alcala will stick to the bullpen for now (which may be a good thing).

OJ: Now that Alcala will be in the bullpen full-time, he’ll be able to throw more of his fastball and curve and worry less about his weaker areas. He’s going to be a killer set-up man. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 20

BC: Alcala has a fastball that plays at the highest level. If he can learn control, he could profile as a closer someday. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 18

No. 18: Edwar Colina, RHP

Level: AA

Age: 22

Fastball: 65/Slider: 55/Changeup: 40/Control: 45/Overall: 50

Edwar Colina has the fastest pitch in the system with Brusdar Graterol off to Los Angeles. He routinely touches triple digits and offers a nasty slider as a great second pitch. Unfortunately, Colina doesn’t have a usable changeup, or great control of his pitches. If the changeup and control develop, he might stay a starter. Otherwise, the Twins have a future closer in the wings.

OJ: Colina reminds me a lot of Aroldis Chapman. Fireball as a fastball, vicious slider, and no changeup. I don’t think Colina makes it as a starter, but he’ll dominate in the bullpen. Otto Johnson’s Ranking: 15

BC: His fastball and slider are there, but he is missing a good off-speed pitch and control. He’ll stick as a reliever. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 20

No: 17: Travis Blankenhorn, 2B, 3B, OF

Level: AAA

Age: 23

Hit: 45/Power: 50/Run: 45/Arm: 50/Field: 50/Overall: 50

Travis Blankenhorn’s value mainly comes from his ability to defend four positions. Marwin Gonzalez, Chris Taylor, and Ben Zobrist all would be good comparisons. Blankenhorn can’t hit exceptionally well, posting okay batting average numbers at every stop, but he’s developing a bit of power stroke, so don’t be surprised if the utility man arrives sooner than expected.

OJ: I don’t think he’s great at anything, but he could easily take over for Marwin Gonzalez and do well. If he steps up his hitting, he could do pretty well. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 21

BC: His power is transitioning well, and his super utility abilities should open up a spot on the big league roster for him sooner than later. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 15

No. 16: Akil Baddoo, OF

Level: High A

Age: 21

Hit: 50/Power: 50/Speed: 65/Arm: 40/Field: 50/Overall: 50

Akill Baddoo went through a lost season in 2019, fighting through injuries and only playing in 29 games. Injuries have been an issue for the outfielder, taking away almost all of his arm power. However, he can still run, and he’s shown power and hitting in the past, so it’s not over yet. But it’s getting close.

OJ: I don’t want to give up on Baddoo yet. But he’s running out of time to prove that he is more than just a speedster. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 13

BC: Baddoo has the speed to play center field, but his poor arm hurts his value. His above average tools elsewhere keep his potential up. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 21

Minnesota Twins’ Nick Gordon (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins’ Nick Gordon (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

No. 15-No. 11

No. 15: Nick Gordon, 2B, SS

Level: MLB

Age: 24

Hit: 55/Power: 35/Run: 55/Arm: 55/Field: 50/Overall: 50

The Minnesota Twins selected Nick Gordon with the fifth pick in the draft in 2014, and Gordon has slowly moved through the system, hitting solidly for average (with no power) and playing good defense. Gordon finally looks like he’ll be ready to make the jump to the majors as a backup/utility guy after having another solid season in Triple-A.

OJ: Nick Gordon has finally made the majors. He’ll play smart baseball and hit well. Not exciting for such a high pick, but perfect for the Twins’ bench (or trade bait). Otto Johnson’s Rank: 17

BC: He’s ready to become an every day middle infielder, but will he have that opportunity with the Twins? I don’t think so. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 14

No. 14: Gilberto Celestino, OF

Level: AAA

Age: 21

Hit: 50/Power: 40/Run: 55/Arm: 55/Field: 60/Overall: 50

Gilberto Celestino was well on the way to a disappointing season after struggling through the first two months. He turned it on in the second half, showing serious improvement in almost every aspect. He’s always been a great defender, but his bat looked like it might be catching up. The only question is: which Celestino will we see? The defense-only stud? Or the future two-way star?

OJ: I’m not ready to believe Celestino’s breakout second half just yet. We’ll see how he performs in 2020 before I can move him too far up the list. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 16

BC: The top center fielder in the system. His fielding ability and arm are MLB ready. His bat is also coming around. Expect to hear about him more in the future. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 13

No. 13: Matt Wallner, OF

Level: A

Age: 22

Hit: 45/Power: 55/Run: 40/Arm: 65/Field: 50/Overall: 50

Minnesota boy Matt Wallner used to be a reliever, and it shows. He can hit 95 with his fastball, but his arm from right field is the best defensive tool in the Minnesota Twins’ system. He can’t run well, and his hitting approach could use some tuning, but he has strong power and could be the right fielder of the future.

OJ: Wallner has all the tools to be a very good right fielder (power, arm, field), so hopefully his hometown team can help improve his hitting. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 14

BC: A corner outfielder with a fantastic arm and plus power. He has some stuff to work on, but has intriguing upside. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 16

No. 12: Lewis Thorpe, LHP

Level: MLB

Age: 24

Fastball: 55/Curveball: 55/Slider: 45/Changeup: 50/Control: 55/Overall: 50

The only left-handed pitcher on our list, Thorpe will likely lose his prospect status by the time the rankings come out again. Thorpe helped the Twins to a playoff berth last season and is expected to do so again this season. He manages his stuff extremely well, and could be a starter, but it looks like the team has him ticketed as a high leverage reliever for right now.

OJ: I think his ceiling is as a middle of the rotation starter, but the Twins need him to be a reliever, so I think that’s what he’ll be for right now. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 12

BC: He has MLB experience, a fantastic curveball, and great control. Expect him to compete for a spot now. He looks like a future No. 3 starter. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 12

No. 11: Blayne Enlow, RHP

Level: High A

Age: 20

Fastball: 50/Curveball: 55/Slider: 50/Changeup: 50/Control: 50/Overall: 50

Blayne Enlow has a really solid pitch mix, and the fact that he’s still very young is a positive sign. He originally was supposed to be all about his stuff, but has developed into a pitcher who knows how to use what he has. He doesn’t have an extremely high ceiling (he’s probably a No. 3 Starter), but his floor is crazy high (No. 4 or No. 5 Starter.

OJ: I think Enlow may end up pitching for the team for a long time. He’s smart and knows how to beat hitters with the solid stuff he has. He’ll be a rock. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 10

BC: Enlow has an excellent curveball and is well rounded. Expect him to become a top 3 starter down the road with upside potential. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 11

Minnesota Twins’ Ryan Jeffers (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins’ Ryan Jeffers (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

No. 10-No. 6

No. 10: Brent Rooker, OF, 1B

Level: AAA

Age: 25

Hit: 50/Power: 65/Run: 50/Arm: 50/Field: 40/Overall: 50

The oldest player on this list, Brent Rooker has the most power of any player in the system. He can hit thirty homers in a season and can hit for a decent average. However, Rooker’s biggest issue is his inability to play defense. No matter which spot you play him in, his defense is a negative. DH is probably the best option, but will he play DH for the Twins or someone else?

OJ: Rooker’s power is excellent. Nothing else is even above-average. I don’t think he’ll make it to the majors for the Twins, likely being traded elsewhere. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 11

BC: Rooker is a good hitter with excellent power. He will hit a lot of bombas if he can get his footwork down at first base or a corner outfield spot. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 8

No. 9: Matt Canterino, RHP

Level: Rookie

Age: 22

Fastball: 55/Curveball: 50/Slider: 60/Changeup: 45/Control: 55/Overall: 55

Matt Canterino was the second round pick for the Minnesota Twins in 2019. He has a solid four-pitch mix with a plus fastball and plus slider. The Twins are bringing him along slowly because he has a lot of innings on him already. However, with strong control, solid pitches, and lots of polish, Canterino could shoot through the system. Puckett’s Pond sat down with him earlier this year.

OJ: I really think Canterino can be special. He won’t be an ace or a star, but he’ll be a very good starter if that changeup continues to develop. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 8

BC: Canterino has high upside starter potential, but his leg mechanics are worrisome when translating to pitching from the stretch. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 10

No. 8: Wander Javier, SS

Level: A

Age: 21

Hit: 45/Power: 50/Run: 55/Arm: 55/Field: 60/Overall: 55

Wander Javier has always had a very high ceiling, ever since he was signed by the Twins in 2015. Unfortunately, injuries have wiped out a lot of key development time. Javier’s glove and running are already MLB shortstop ready. Now the Twins must wait and see if his bat catches up.

OJ: Javier has Fransisco Lindor level potential. But to reach it, he has to stay healthy and make up for a lot of lost time. I’m not sure he will. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 7

BC: A lot of injury setbacks. His arm is still fantastic. Javier has limitless potential, but he is still very raw. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 9

No. 7: Ryan Jeffers, C

Level: AA

Age: 22

Hit: 45/Power: 55/Run: 30/Arm: 55/Field: 60/Overall: 55

Ryan Jeffers has made huge strides since being drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2018. His defense and arm are already MLB ready. His power could amount to 25 homers a year. He could make the jump to be Mitch Garver’s backup within the year. If the hit tool improves, don’t be surprised if the two start to split time. Read more about Jeffers here.

OJ: Jeffers could be a top 20 catcher in this league now. If his hitting develops, he could be in the top 10. Otto Johnson’s Ranking: 9

BC: He fixed his questionable defense and can hit for power. Will his contact come around in time? He’s the next man up behind the plate. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 6

No. 6: Keoni Cavaco, SS

Level: Rookie

Age: 18

Hit: 50/Power: 55/Run: 60/Arm: 55/Field: 55/Overall: 55

The Twins’ first round pick in 2019, Cavaco is an extremely raw, but very athletic, and with the right development could develop into a five-tool player. His running, arm, and defense are all there, and his power is developing nicely. The only question is whether his hit tool rises to the same level.

OJ: If Keoni Cavaco starts to hit for average, he will be a top 15 prospect in the minors. If he develops properly, he will be a star. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 6

BC: Covaco is a five-tool player and will hit the majors someday, but he has some issues to work through on his swing mechanics before he is ready. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 7

No. 5-No. 1

Minnesota Twins’ Jhoan Duran (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins’ Jhoan Duran (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Jhoan Duran, RHP

Level: AA

Age: 22

Fastball: 65/Curveball: 50/Splitter: 60/Changeup: 40/Control: 50/Overall: 55

Jhoan Duran had a strong 2019, with 136 strikeouts over 115 innings. He used a 98 mph fastball and an excellent splitter to baffle hitters. His changeup needs work, and his curveball isn’t perfect, but he has more potential than any other pitcher in the system. He has the ceiling of an ace and a pretty high floor, so Duran will be someone to watch going forward.

OJ: If Duran develops a solid changeup, he will be a star for the Twins in the next couple years, and he could last with the team for a long while. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 5

BC: Duran has the potential to become an ace. His fastball and splitter are untouchable. He needs to develop a better changeup to stick as a starter. It’s too often pitchers like this end up in the bullpen because they can’t throw off-speed stuff. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 4

Minnesota Twins’ Trevor Larnach (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins’ Trevor Larnach (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

No. 4 Trevor Larnach, OF

Level: AA

Age: 23

Hit: 60/Power: 55/Run: 40/Arm: 55/Field: 50/Overall: 55

Trevor Larnach was one of the top hitters in the system last year, hitting .309 in two stops with 13 home runs over 127 games. He’s not fast, but he has a really strong arm, so he can stay in the outfield for as long as necessary. Larnach could easily wind up as a .300 hitter who can put up 20 homers a year.

OJ: Larnach doesn’t have a ton more upside than what he’s showing. His skills should translate well to the MLB, so look to see him in the majors soon, starting at the corner outfield spot soon. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 4

BC: Excellent hit, excellent power, a plus arm. What more could you want from a corner outfielder? Expect him to produce in the majors for a long time. He is as close to a sure thing as you can get. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 5

Minnesota Twins’ Jordan Balazovic (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins’ Jordan Balazovic (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Jordan Balazovic, RHP

Level: AA

Age: 21

Fastball: 65/Slider: 60/Changeup: 50/Control: 55/Overall: 60

Jordan Balazovic has a fantastic fastball with a lot of movement and a slider that elicits a lot of swings and misses. He had 129 strikeouts and only 25 walks in 93 innings last year, displaying excellent control of his pitches. He may not be guaranteed to be a No. 1 starter, but he has the floor of a No. 3 starter. Expect Balazovic to be an anchor of the Twins rotation for years to come.

OJ: Balazovic will be a fixture for the Twins for a long time. He is so good at placing his stuff and he knows how to keep hitters off-balance. He will lead the rotation for a long time. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 3

BC: Jordy Blaze absolutely blazes his fastball and slider past his opponents. He has great control. Even though he lacks a curveball, his floor is high and he profiles as a top two starter. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 3

Minnesota Twins’ Alex Kirilloff (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins’ Alex Kirilloff (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

No. 2 Alex Kirilloff, OF

Level: AA

Age: 22

Hit: 65/Power: 60/Run: 50/Arm: 50/Field: 50/Overall: 60

Alex Kirilloff has one the best swings in minor league baseball, but struggled last year, hitting .283 with only 9 homers in 94 games. Kirilloff needed to rebound quickly, and so far he has, opening with a fantastic start to Spring Training. His running, arm, and, field are all really solid, but it will be his bat that makes him a star.

OJ: I really think Alex Kirilloff will be a star in the league, hitting .300 with 25 homers. He won’t win any defensive accolades, but I think he’s a lock to be an All-Star. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 2

BC: As he has shown thus far in spring training, Kirilloff can hit with the best of them. Eventually he could move to first base, but in the meantime expect him to put up close to a .300 batting average and 30 home runs from the corner outfield. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 2

Minnesota Twins’ Royce Lewis (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins’ Royce Lewis (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Royce Lewis, SS

Level: AA

Age: 20

Hit: 60/Power: 55/Run: 70/Arm: 55/Field: 60/Overall: 65

No surprise to see Lewis atop these rankings. The former top overall pick still has all the skills that made him the first player off the board, solid power, awesome speed, and a great glove. His hitting was disappointing last season, but he’ll look to have a bounce-back year to hold his spot as a top prospect.

Lewis is still very young, so his hitting can still improve, and he worked with Josh Donaldson over the offseason (Donaldson also has a leg hitch) to improve his swing. At some point down the road, he may have to change his swing entirely, but he doesn’t have to change yet.

OJ: Royce Lewis still has all the potential in the entire world, but if his hitting doesn’t improve, he may never reach it. He’s shown that he’s willing to learn, which is good, so hopefully he can find his stroke and become the future All-Star he’s meant to be. Otto Johnson’s Rank: 1

BC: Lewis is living up to the hype of a No. 1 overall pick. He is all ears at spring training, and Josh Donaldson signing should rub off on his hitting with their similar leg kick. Lewis is a star in the waiting. Brandon Copley’s Rank: 1

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