Minnesota Twins: Ranking the Top 5 Prospects We should See in 2022
By Otto Johnson
Minnesota Twins Prospect No. 2: Jordan Balazovic (No. 3 Prospect)
2021 Stats: 20 G, 20 GS, 97 IP, 5-4, 3.62 ERA, 1.402 WHIP, 102-38 K-BB
The Minnesota Twins’ top pitching prospect and the pitcher they expect to turn out the best is nearing the majors after his fifth season in the minor leagues. Jordy Blaze got a late start to the season due to injury, but he’s been very solid since.
As his nickname suggests, Balazovic has a stellar fastball, but he compliments that pitch with a strong slider and a steadily improving changeup. His command and control are both excellent, as he limits walks and racks up strikeouts. 2021 hasn’t been his best season, but it’s been close enough to normal that there isn’t real concern.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Twins open the year with Balazovic in the rotation to start the year if he has a strong Spring Training, but again, the most likely outcome here is to start the season in Triple-AAA (A rotation of Balazovic, Duran, Winder, Sands, and Strotman would look really nice to start the year).
If the Twins look to compete next year and sign three veterans to compliment young arms Bailey Ober and Joe Ryan, expect Balazovic to make it to the bigs early next season with the other four sure to follow.