With all of that praise coming from around major media outlets, I wanted to do something similar, yet different, in that I would field a team of Twins prospects. For each position on the field, I want to list who I believe is their best player at that position, or someone I’m interested in seeing play in 2020 regardless of ranking. I’m also not including anyone that has any MLB experience, because they’ve already made it to the big leagues. So without further ado…
Stay healthy; learn the 1B position; make better decisions on when to steal.
ETA
2021 is a realistic goal so that he can be an option at both 1B and OF. He might have been a candidate to be a flier at 1B in 2020, but the signing of Josh Donaldson pushes Miguel Sano over to 1B for the time being.
Increased many offensive statistics; struck out less; stole more bases
What he needs to do
Work on his defense; show more patience at the plate
ETA
2021 is probably when he makes his Twins debut, and it might be a mid-season one at that. The Twins have some depth and options to use. However, if Blankenhorn can do what he needs to do, he may force himself into a role next season.
Torched AFL pitching; he played better defense when he got up to AA
What he needs to do
Take the next step in his progression and prove the doubters wrong in his abilities
ETA
2021 is a decent timeline, but that’s assuming he carries over his AFL performance into the new season. He was my number 1 ranked prospect in my Top 50, he’s a potential 5 tool player, and he’s got the potential to be quite special.
Struck out only 54 times in 483 plate appearances; hit 26 doubles
What he needs to do
Utilize his good swing; get on base more
ETA
2022 is a crap shoot, because with Josh Donaldson onboard, Miranda is nowhere close to the player he is. Another position on the field may be Miranda’s calling. Right now, 3B is a weak position within the Twins‘ organization.
2021 if he can put it all together. He’s got the power tools, but to be more than just a power bat, he needs to recognize pitches, stay away from the bad ones, and spread the ball around the field.
Started the year in Rookie (though he finished 2018 in A) and soared up to AA; his counting numbers in that many innings are ridiculously great; accomplished those stats while being incredibly tall and a soft tosser
What he needs to do
Continue this dominating run and succeed in Triple A; stay healthy as his past has been plagued with injuries
ETA
2021 is more likely with the odd Dobnak-like run to a 2020 spot start or two.
(3.24 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) 150 SO, 41 BB, 94 H, 127.2 IP
What he did
Stretched out into longer inning outings in 2019; he improved with Minnesota’s A+ team (post-trade) in comparison to Miami’s A+team (post-trade); he’s got an interesting mix of two sliders.
What he needs to do
Limit his walks and continue to stretch himself by pitching a lot of innings.
ETA
Late 2021 or 2022 as a refined, long inning pitcher.
Dave Funnell covers the Minnesota Twins minor leagues for Prospects1500. Located just south of Toronto in the city of Hamilton, he's an hour away from Buffalo (and the Bisons). He's been a fan of baseball his entire life and doesn't have a favorite team, which hopefully gives way for objectivty in analysis. Dave is in multiple keeper fantasy baseball leagues and is active on Twitter at @sportz_nutt51.
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