Minnesota Twins: 2020 Preseason Top 30 Prospects
By Otto Johnson
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