Minnesota Twins: Top 10 MLB Draft Prospects to Go After at No. 8
By Otto Johnson
Minnesota Twins Draft Prospect No. 6: Gavin Cross, OF, Virginia Tech
The only true outfielder on this list and a player that was projected to land in Minnesota early on in the process is Gavin Cross. A consensus Top 10 player, he’s one of the best college hitters in the class and has the potential to be a star in the outfield.
On offense, he has a solid left-handed swing that offers the potential to swing for above-average contact and power. On defense, he’s got a solid arm and good mobility. He has a high floor with all the tools to be a really good outfielder who could move extremely quickly through the organization.
If the Twins were to go with Cross, they could be getting a really good player, but running the risk that he might be just solid. Regardless, Cross would be a good addition to the organization and his floor makes him worth a Top 10 pick.
Minnesota Twins Draft Prospect No. 5: Jace Jung, 2B, Texas Tech
The younger brother of the Texas Rangers’ No. 2 prospect Josh Jung, Jace Jung is an elite hitter with a ton of power, great contact skills, and a fantastic ability to get on base and limit strikeouts. The big issue for Jung is his lack of speed, arm strength, and fielding instincts.
Where does he play in the majors? He can’t stay at third with his arm, shortstop’s out of the question, and first and second are questionable. He’s still a clear-cut Top 10 pick in my mind, because that bat will play, but do the Twins think they can find a defensive home for him? That’ll be the big question with Jung.
Minnesota Twins Draft Prospect No. 4: Cam Collier, 3B, Chipola JC
One of the most intriguing prospects in the 2022 Draft Class, Cam Collier (son of former utility man Lou Collier) is just 17 years old but has monster potential. After getting his GED and heading to Chipola Junior College a year early, he’s established himself as a high-upside first round pick.
His bat is his selling point, with his strong frame, bat speed, and beautiful left-handed swing generating great contact. He doesn’t have elite power, but there’s power potential there as he gets older with that swing.
His incredibly strong arm and smooth glove make him a natural at third base, but he could just as easily be a corner outfielder if a team wanted to develop him there. He won’t make the majors any time soon, but he has tremendous upside.