It’s been a rough year for Minnesota, it started with the death of Prince, and just snowballed from there. The Twins were awful, finishing with the worst record in the majors by 9 games. The Vikings crapped out after beginning the season with so much promise. Jose Berrios is not quite the ace the Target Field faithful were dreaming on, and Atmosphere, though still entertaining, has seen better days. Well Minnesota, it’s 2017 and I’m going to continue to pile on. Sorry…. While the system looks bare, it should be mentioned that the Twinkies have graduated a group of elite prospects over the last few seasons in Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton, Max Kepler, and the aforementioned Berrios. Unfortunately, none of them have provided elite returns, as of yet. So what’s left in the pipeline oh Prospect Jesus, please tell us? Yes, my children, there ain’t much. Yup, Prospect Jesus uses the word ain’t, he’s a man of the people. As for immediate impact there are a handful of useful bullpen arms, and some back end starters, but the really exciting prospects are at minimum a year away, sometimes more in first rounder Alex Kirilloff’s case. Minnesota is truly a team that needs to re-tool the farm with so many of their young talented players already on the big league club. So sit back, put your feet up, and get up to date on the Top Minnesota Twins Prospects. Can you dig it?
Tier 1: Specs On The Beach
Potential stars. Consensus T100 prospects with premium fantasy ceilings.
Stephen Gonsalves, LHP | Age: 22 | ETA: 2017 | 2016 Level: AA/A
The 2013 4th rounder had a breakout season in 2016, going 13-5 with a 2.06 ERA, a 10.0 K/9, and a .179 BAA. The thin athletic, 6’5 lefty has a smooth delivery and clean mechanics, though he does land awkwardly on his plant foot. There’s good swing and miss stuff, and a lot of weak contact. In fact a look at Gonsalves batted ball profile against, shows he gets as much bad contact as anybody. Inducing popups at a 12.2% rate, paired with an unusually low line drive rate of 15.3%. That tells me very few batters are squaring up Gonsalves. His arsenal consists of a low to mid 90’s fastball, that plays up due to his deceptive arm slot, a sinking change up that terrorizes righties, and a curveball he uses effectively to keep hitters off balance. There’s not a lot of hype around Gonsalves, particularly for a player with the production he’s provided, but he’s one this Prospector would look to own.
Tyler Jay, LHP | Age: 22 | ETA: 2018 | 2016 Level: AA/A+
The 6 overall pick in the 2015 draft was a college closer at Illinois, and a good one at that. The Twins seeing his 4 pitch repertoire, and stuff have decided to develop him as a starter, and who could blame them? After all they passed on Andrew Benintendi to draft Jay. The lefty possesses two double plus pitches in his fastball and slider, the heater works in the mid-90’s, while the slider is an off the charts out pitch with Dracula bite. He mixes in an above average hook, and an average change. He works consistently low in the zone, generating grounders at a 51% rate. Due to his slight build, and relief history, there are serious durability concerns as he was shutdown at the end of the season with neck inflammation. The upside here is a fantasy number two with strikeout upside, while the floor is high leverage reliever.
Tier 2: Floorboreds
Lacking the “star” upside. They might have some warts, but their ETAs are on the horizon.
Nick Gordon, SS | Age: 21 | ETA: 2018 | 2016 Level: A+
I know you’re waiting to be impressed by the offspring of former closer, and long time big leaguer Tom Gordon, and brother of speed king Dee Gordon. Then I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Lil Brother is a bore. He’s a hit tool first guy, with little speed, and little power. He’s the type of player that will rate high on real life lists, and more than likely will be a solid everyday infielder in the bigs. But for fantasy there’s just not a lot of upside. He should be owned in leagues where 200+ minor leaguers are rostered, but I wouldn’t be waiting on a stud.
Fernando Romero, RHP | Age: 22 | ETA: 2018 | 2016 Level: A+/A-
A small righty with a big fastball, I should love this guy, no? Well I really don’t, and I tell you why. He’s more of a thrower than a pitcher, and I don’t see that changing. Romero’s fastball flirts with triple digits and he’s aggressive in going after batters, but too often tries to strikeout everybody. Looks like a reliever to me based on size, pitchability, and mechanics.
Daniel Palka, OF | Age: 25 | ETA: 2017 | 2016 Level: AAA/AA
After slugging 63 homers over the last two seasons in the minors, Palka could be on the cusp of providing some much needed pop to the Twins lineup. He’s an older prospect at 25, but as we saw with Adam Duvall last year, power breakouts can come from older prospects. There’s a lot of swing and miss in his game, and there’s no plus tool outside the power, but if he sees enough at bats, 20+ homers is totally obtainable. I like Palka, and would be fine taking a flier on him in 16+ team dynasty leagues, with fingers crossed for an off the radar breakout.
Kohl Stewart, RHP | Age: 22 | ETA: 2018 | ETA: AA/A+
The most exciting thing about Stewart is the fact that he was almost the successor of Johnny Manziel as the Texas A&M quarterback. He’s an extreme groundball pitcher with control issues, and non-existent strikeout upside. He was the third pick in the draft back in 2013, so there’s pedigree. Maybe somebody in your league buys into that, don’t be that guy. Treat Stewart the way Johnny Football treated his professional football career, forget about it. He can touch 96 with the heater, and the Twins believe he’s still learning to pitch despite his age. He’ll have to make major strides in the control and swing and miss departments to be on my dynasty radar though.
Adalberto Mejia, LHP | Age: 23 | ETA: 2017 | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA/AA
Acquired from the Giants at the trade deadline last year for Eduardo Nunez, Mejia brings a back end of the rotation profile with improving swing and miss stuff. Prior to the trade Mejia was an interesting lefty in the Giants system, a good position to be in, as lefties tend to flourish in the comfy confines of AT&T Park. Upon the trade to the Minnesnowta, Mejia took some lumps in AAA and a short stint in the majors. There’s no projection left in Mejia, as what you see is what you get. He mixes a low 90’s fastball with an above average changeup, and an average slider. His solid control should guide him to a shot at a rotation spot coming out of the spring. Should only be on your radar for the deepest of formats, or any league where pitching depth is paramount.
Others: J.T. Chargois, Nick Burdi, Pat Light, Felix Jorge, Zach Granite
Tier 3: Long Shot Lolitas
Sexy ceilings, but these youngsters also come with risks and distant ETAs
Alex Kiriloff, OF | Age: 19 | ETA: 2020 | 2016 Level: Rk
My favorite prep hitter in the 2016 draft, Kirilloff brings a unique package for a teenage bat. He’s a particularly polished hitter with above average power and a plus hit tool. Due to his strong wrists, and hands, his bat speed plays up due to his compact lefty swing. Won the Appy League MVP slashing .306/.341/.454 with 7 homers, and more runs (33) and RBIs (33), than strikeouts (32). Shows the ability to hit to all fields, and should continue to develop power as he matures. Kid can hit, nuff said.
Wander Javier, SS | Age: 18 | ETA: 2020 | 2016 Level: DSL
He’s yet to come stateside so, I’m going off scouting reports and grainy video, but Javier looks to be the highest upside player in the system. Then again, it’s almost like any outcome is possible. His reported skillset is across the board tools with hit tool, power, and moderate speed. Slashed .308/.400/.654 with a couple of dongs in the Dominican Summer League, he’s one to dream on.
Travis Blankenhorn, 2B/3B | Age: 20 | ETA: 2019 | 2016 Level: A-/Rk
A lefthanded hitter with a quick bat, and advanced approach for a player a year out of high school. Blakenhorn has a plus hit tool with power projection that could see him develop into a 20 home run hitter. Hit 10 homers last season across two levels, and if you check out his spray charts the homers were to all fields. His natural hitting acumen will carry him throughout the minors, as at present he has no true position.
Akil Baddoo, OF | Age: 18 | ETA: 2020 | 2016 Level: Rk
Could you have a more badass name? He’s got a kill and a bad in his name, and if you spit it out real fast it sounds like you’re saying kill a bad dude. You scared brah? Well not to fear, the 2016 2nd rounder out of Salem HS in Conyers, Georgia is an exciting power/speed prospect that the scouts love. He’s said to have already added some muscle to his athletic frame, and some evaluators see him projecting more as a powerful and athletic corner guy, than speedy centerfield type many envisioned at the time of the draft. Was outside my top 50 first year player draft prospects, but if you slipped him between 40-50 I’d be with it. Mentioned Akil on my appearance with Razzball Podcast last summer.
Luis Arraez, 2B | Age: 19 | ETA: 2019 | 2016 Level: A
A single hitting machine with little power or speed, Arraez while not exciting for fantasy deserves a mention after winning the Midwest league batting title at 19. He’s all hit tool, almost to an extreme, but his hitting production is such that you should at least be generally aware of anyone who hits .345 at 19.
Lewis Thorpe, RHP | Age: 21 | ETA: 2020 | 2016 Level: N/A
He’s Australian, he hasn’t pitched in years, but he could be on his way back this year. He has upside, which is why the Twins have remained optimistic that Thorpe can return to his pre-TJ form, and eventually reach his mid-rotation ceiling.
Ben Rortvedt, C | Age: 19 | ETA: 2021 | 2016 Level: Rk
A catching prospect with some pop, and good makeup. How hype do you want me to get over a catcher? If there’s one to get hype about, Rortvedt’s not a bad choice. He’s blessed with excellent bat speed, and easy power from the left side. Long term his ceiling is bat first everyday catcher with 20+ homer pop.
Others: Trey Cabbage, Jermaine Palacios, Lachlan Wells, Lewin Diaz
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where would these guys rank when compared to each other:
almanzar SD, nova HOU, arrozarena STL (these 3 in your top 55 1st year), tatis SD, tejada TEX, long CIN, galindo CUBS. probably going P/MI or MI/P coming up here soon. lists have gotten close enough to go team needs time over marginal gains in overall player value.
ok here’s two more, see if anything is out of whack. SD’s based around fangraphs, OAK’s from minor league ball’s. tools in OAK’s from MLB.com.
SD (ona/quantrill/paddock/morejon and anybody else obvious gone). i know you’ll have almanzar ahead of j.rosario since both are this year first draft guys, but i don’t know how almanzar relates to tatis.
1. tatis MI (listed as 3B in fangraphs though, longenhagen’s admits his metrics are high on tatis’ hit tool) 50/60 (raw P)/50 (game P)/40. ETA a long time he’s 17
2. j.rosario OF 60/50 (both)/55
3. mason thompson SP/RP 60 (F), 55 (CU), 50 (CH), 50 (command, rather than control used here), and i know you don’t share his ratings as otherwise he wouldn’t likely be behind lauer/c.perez/zuech/puckett which you’ve said.
4. reggie lawson SP/RP 55 (F), 60 (CU), 50 (CH), 50 (command)
5. he sticks almanzar here (but i’ve moved the 3 MI lower than he had), even with similar tools to what you’ve indicated
6. hudson sanchez/potts CI 50/50/45 (clearly you aren’t high on this guy as he’s a 2016 1st rounder, but not anywhere in the top 60ish 1st year
7. gabriel arias MI 55/40/55
8. luis urias MI 65/35/45 (18)
9. asuaje MI 55/35/50 (16)
10. phil maton RP 70 (F), 50 (SL), 40 (CH), 50 (CU), 50 (CM) logenhagen’s metrics seem to run higher on all players than mlb.com’s in general here.
11. jose rondon MI 45/30/50 (17)
12. michael miliano SP/RP 60 (F), 60 (CR), 50 (CH), 55 (CM) this guy barely turned 17 and isn’t in fantrax nor baseballreference, but over the moon for him at fangraphs.
13. buddy reed OF 45/40 GP/ 55 RP/ 70 (19)
14. nick torres OF 50/45/40 (17)
15. austin allen C 45/50/20 (18)
OAK: (puk, holmes, n.ruiz, lazarito gone)
1. d.gossett SP/RP 55 (F), 55 (CU), 45 (SL), 50 (CH), 45 (CT) (17)
2. logan shore SP/RP 55 (F), 45 (SL), 60 (CH), 55 (CT) (18)
3. daulton jeffries SP/RP 60 (F), 50 (CU), 50 (CH), 55 (CT) (19)
4. m.schrock MI 55/40/50 (18)
5. b.maxwell C no tools i can find but at 26 blew up in triple, minorleagueball speculates it could be for real
6. h.fillmyer SP/RP 60 (F), 50 (CU), 45 (CH), 45 (CT) (18)
7. j. brugman OF 45/50/50 (17)
@goodfold2: That looks about right, I might bump Schrock up a spot or two.
Yeah, I read about Miliano in Logenhagen’s chat. Pretty exciting player.
@Ralph Lifshitz: somebody else did too, schrock just went in early 3rd.
Say you REALLY like Delvin Perez, what is the absolute earliest you would take him in a dynasty supp draft?
Also, I have started catching up on your prospect pods and holy S, you guys have been absolutely amazing. Thanks so much
@Matt: I would say 7th.
So maybe Gordon can be like Brandon Crawford or Elvis Andrea level guy?
@Alex: Yeah I think Crawford is possible. He’s not going to have Andrus speed, but more pop.
God what a load of crap, for a rebuilding team their minor league system is garbage.
Well talking about the Twins I’ve had an offer from a Berrios owner: Berrios for 1st round minor league pick (1.10 or 1.11). All the new draftees will be in the draft like Mighty Maitan, Rutherford etc. But I don’t think I’ll get anyone amazing at 10 or 11. So would you make the switch for Berrios (can we just call him Berries?) or have you soured that much on Berries?
@Swfcdan: I like Berrios but that’s a real price tag that I wouldn’t touch
@Ralph Lifshitz: Who would you rather have that realistically will go at 10/11 then? The guys I like will prob be gone in the first 5-6 picks.
As another option what about Dan Norris for a pick? Finally started to deliver late last year and delivered a nice K rate.
The advantage I’m looking at is I’m getting MLB ready guys with upside, for players often years away. And I feel people are too quick to write off “failed” or forgotten prospects like these guys for the next shiny new toy.
@Swfcdan: Yeah, I thought you said two picks. If it’s just one then do it. I prefer Berrios to Norris.
@Ralph Lifshitz: I did say “or” haha, alright cool beans think I’ll do it.
You think it was just mainly nerves and new environment that did Berrios in then? His AAA stats were as dominant as ever when he went back down. Think he starts in the bigs out of ST and puts up a better line this time?
@Swfcdan: I think he does start in the rotation as long as he looks solid in the spring. An 8.02 ERA can’t get much worse, but I could see a low 4’s ERA. He was so young at 21-22 last season.
Didn’t see Lewin Diaz on the list, what are your thoughts on him? I know he’s far away, but with no real 1B prospect ahead of him, Mauer almost done, and Park and Vargas probably not the answer, could he be the Twins 1B of the future, and a good dynasty stash in the late rounds this season? I could see him as a great power/average guy…
@Richard Davis: He’s listed as the last name in the others section but he’s on my radar and like him. Should make the writeup next offseason, and won’t go unnoticed this year if he rakes.
and smart work on making that dynasty a money one, less likely for people to completely punt for only prospects. how do the yearly payouts work with that many owners too? better competition. is that one do the same ridiculous weirdness like JB’s where real life trades directly immediately affect your players? i’ve yet to hear one actual defense of how that makes any sense at all. pretty sure from your comments you agree with that one too.
@Sinkhole Demayo: Yeah IT WAS THAT LEAGUE. I couldn’t deal with those crazy forced trades, and the remaining members decided to throw those out and start over, but keep the same rosters. So short answer is no, not any longer. We really simplified everything. So the game name is basically taking over an MLb organization as GM and you have free reign. Only restriction is 8 of your 40 players must be from your real life organization.
@Ralph Lifshitz: i have no idea why anybody would ever even think to write something like that into their constitution, or join a league like that. what is your payout structure in yours now that it’s a money league?
@Sinkhole Demayo: I’m going to put a few up for a vote, and let the group pick.
@Ralph Lifshitz: that’s a good idea too.
i’m guessing bort only left off that catcher list from you and Halp’s podcast due to his much longer ETA. assuming i don’t care about that where’d he fit into the catcher group of:
okey, stubbs, mercedes, rice. gotta assume he’d be near top of that.
@Sinkhole Demayo: Yeah there are a few guys like that. Bort will be right there in the front. Another one is Shedric Long from the Reds. He just popped in my radar after reading his glowing reports in Fangraphs.
@Ralph Lifshitz: s.long appears to be a 2B by the time he comes up though (unless he comes up like this year maybe), does appear to have awesome tools set though.
@Sinkhole Demayo: Yeah my mistake he’s a 2nd baseman.
@Ralph Lifshitz: still though, where’d you move long into your CIN list if it came out today
Hey, Ralph. Loving the previews and the podcast! What are your feelings on Berrios going forward? I have him in a deep keeper league (18 teams, keep 17-20) and am debating between him and a handful of other pitchers for my last 2-3 spots:
Berrios
Reynaldo Lopez
Dylan Bundy
Matt Moore
Jake Odorizzi
Joe Musgrove
Amir Garrett
Thanks!
@Gibby: What kind of a team do you have? Are you competing? If so I’d keep Bundy, Moore, and Odorizzi. If you’re rebuilding I’d keep Bundy, Berrios, and Musgrove.
I like Berrios to rebound this year, might be a worthy flier.
@Ralph Lifshitz: Thanks, man. I should compete – it’s a H2H league with weekly lineups and I did well in the regular season last year before flaming out in the playoffs. We go with big rosters but small weekly lineups (9 bats, a 4-5 man rotation, and 1-2 relievers) and the guys above would be like SP5-7 for me.
Too bad on Gordon. He looked great at AFL but he we can wish on him becoming Altuve
@Alex: He’s a good real ball player, but he’ll have to find some speed to even approach Altuve’s floor.
I’m surprised to see Rortvedt instead of Mitch Garver. He looked OK last year, is closer to the majors, and even got a blurb in the prospect section of the Baseball Forecaster this year.
@Miketron: Yeah, I think he’s a real life prospect, but no real fantasy tools. Rortvedt looks like a fantasy asset long term.
@Miketron: fangraphs has garver ranked just behind rort but say he’s got backup risk and at best low end regular. garver will likely get at bats this coming year of course. he’ll probably be easy to get in AL only leagues and if starting will be a punt play.
@goodfold2: Yeah he’s a JAG at best.
Ralph –
I know the following is a bit of a mish mash, but please rank the following … Gonsalves, Erick Fedde, Steven Brault, Robert Gsellman, Luis Perdomo.
And, who do you like more at this moment, Yohander Mendez or Thomas Szapucki?
Thanks!
@Racehorse: Sure Gsellman, Fedde, Gonsalves, Perdomo, Brault
I’d take Mendez at the moment but I love Szapucki.
It’s getting to the later rounds of our dynasty Minor League draft. 4 picks left and I’d like to go 2 arms and 2 bats. Arms I’m considering are Kaprielan, Buehler, Sixto Sanchez, Gohara, Fried & Kilome. Bats are trickier cause it’s thinned right out. Thinking Josh Lowe of one and a complete lottery ticket with the other in one of Lara, Rondon or Wilkerman Garcia. Is there any deep sleeper bat you really like? And which 2 of those arms mentioned would you take? And yes any spect on a Top 100 list is long gone.
@BM: I’d go Buehler and Fried. All those arms are good though.
Lara and Rondon are both solid ones. Did Heath Quinn already go?
@Ralph Lifshitz:
No Quinn still available. Quinn & Josh Lowe might be who I target then. Looked into Reynolds too from the Giants, but not sure of his actual fantasy upside
Again, Thanks Ralph.
Good stuff, I am of course talking of your summary rather than the Twins system.
@Another Dan: lol yup!
Sheesh. Not looking good in the minors for Minnesota. Unfortunately, aside from the guys you mentioned and the oft-dangled-as-trade-bait Dozier, they don’t have much to offer to restock the farm. Passing by Benintendi doesn’t bode well for their potential drafts either (though Kiriloff does look solid), unless Tyler Jay turns into a bonafide ace. I’m close enough to Rochester to be able to see them at least once per season, but with Sano/Kepler/Berrios/Buxton/Polanco all up on the big team, there’s not much left to see.
Honestly, they could succeed if they could add pitching from moving Dozier (say, for DeLeon plus another piece, maybe Toles?) and see good development from the young guys listed above.
Separately, in the 30 team league, is that a money league? I’d be interested to pick up the Yanks there, but I don’t play for moneys. Let me know, Ralph.
@Tweak: I agree wholeheartedly. Twins need to draft well and sign some more solid internationals.
It is a pay league $50 per team.
@Ralph Lifshitz: Alright then, thanks anyway.
I know he had too many ABs to count as a prospect here, but I think Jorge Polanco gets really overlooked on the Twins. Frankly, I’m surprised that there hasn’t been much hype for him yet. He’s my sneaky last pick sleeper this year (not in RCL now!). As a 22yo rookie, he hit .282 with a repeatable .328 BABIP. Between AAA and MLB (595 PA), he had 56 runs, 13 HRs, 66 RBI and 9 SB. He plays all over the infield, but is lined up for SS and plays reasonable defense. I know it is a bit of a stretch with prorating numbers, but Jose Ramirez as a comp is not out of the question.
Assuming Kepler, Sano, Buxton all improve, what do you think of him going forward? Also, any support for Zack Granite developing into anything more than SAGNOF?
@Tweak: He could be their answer to Nunez now. Yes he seems like Ramirez is a good comp if all goes well and he sees enough at bats. He’s not a bad last round flier.
Nah, I think Granite is a cool name and a SAGNOF guy.
Looking to replace two owners in the Razzball 30 team league.
Yankees and Royals are available. Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll send all the info.
@Ralph Lifshitz: I’ll take the Yankees..
@Malicious Phenoms: I’ll take the Yankees.
@Ralph Lifshitz: I’ll take the Yankees..
@Ralph Lifshitz: I would take the Royals.
Tell me I’m crazy but, would you keep either Bregman or Dahl in a keep forever no contract league over Max? My thinking is We may have seen Max from the mountain top vs two up and comers. Who do you prefer between Bregman and Dahl? 6×6 OBP
@Chucky: Scherzer? I’d still keep max personally, he’s too good not to.
Hey Ralph! Was just offered a $9 Brantley for $4 ozuna and $3 judge in my keeper league. Seems like an overpay, but I’m not currently planning to keep ozuna or judge (favoring a $6 Khris as my last keeper).
What do you think about this one? Since I’m not planning to keep Judge or Ozuna, Brantley could be An interesting opinion to replace Khris as my final keeper if he’s looking 100 percent healthy in march…
@Duda Want to Build a Snowman?: If you’re not keeping either, and are intrigued by Brantley do it.