Minnesota Twins: 2020 Preseason Top 30 Prospects
By Otto Johnson
No. 5-No. 1
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
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
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
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
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