Ranking the Minnesota Twins First Round Picks of the Last Decade
By Kasey Kuhrts
Number 9: Minnesota Twins select Levi Michael 30th Overall in 2011
Coming in next on our list is middle infielder Levi Michael from North Carolina. We have Levi above Jay in our rankings because being a bust as the 6th overall pick is worse than being a bust at 30. But like Tyler Jay, Levi Michael never played an MLB game with the Twins, or anyone else.
In his final year at North Carolina, Michael batted .289 with 14 doubles, five home runs, and 48 runs batted in. Michael showed versatility, as he started many games at third, second, and shortstop over his three years at North Carolina.
After being selected, Michael started his professional career in the Florida State league, and played two full seasons in 2012 and 2013 with the Fort Myers Miracle. Michael spent the majority of the 2014 season in Fort Myers as well, but played 15 games in AA, batting .340 in limited action.
In 2015 and 16, Levi spent both full seasons in AA, and never came close to the .340 batting average again. After being a full time starter in AA during the 2017 season, Michael was promoted to AAA after hitting .264 with six home runs in 88 games.
After failing to make the major league roster after spring training in 2018, Michael was released from the Twins. He did sign with the Mets shortly after being released, and played in their AA and AAA systems in 2018.
Michael spent the 2019 season in the Giants organization, again playing in AA and AAA. He was released after the season.
However, the story might not be over for Michael. He was a Non-Roster invitee this spring with the Minnesota Twins, but due to COVID-19, the spring was cut short, and Michael didn’t have a chance to make an impression on the coaching staff.
Overall, Michael has been a decent minor league player, in 758 career minor league games, Michael holds a .258 career average, with 41 home runs, and 285 RBI’s.
Now, what could have been if the Minnesota Twins didn’t selected Levi Michael? Mikie Mahtook was selected with the very next pick in the draft. Now Mahtook isn’t great, but has a career .235 batting average in 291 MLB games with the Rays and Tigers.
However, Jackie Bradley Jr., Michael Fulmer, Trevor Story, and Blake Snell were all drafted after Michael in the supplemental first round.