Minnesota Twins: 2020 Preseason Top 30 Prospects
By Otto Johnson
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