Trent Oeltjen

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #29 prospect in 2004
  Some Twins scouts rate Oeltjen ahead of Alex Romero. Minnesota started following him in Australia when he was 15. He had Tommy John surgery a year later and is now fully recovered. Romero has more power potential, while Oeltjen is a classic line-drive hitter. His swing is loose and fluid, and he puts the ball in play. The Twins think he'll show more gap power as he fills out his athletic frame, and they've likened him to Michael Ryan, a pure hitter who developed plus power well into his career. Oeltjen has quick hands and generates good bat speed, keeping the bat head in the zone for a long time helping him handle lefties and righties alike. He needs to draw more walks so he can take fuller advantage of his plus speed. He has solid instincts on the bases and in the outfield. Oeltjen's arm is below average, the same as it was before his elbow was reconstructed. He needs a full season at each level and will spend 2004 in high Class A.
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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #18 prospect in 2003
  Scouting director Mike Radcliff and international scout Howard Norsetter first saw Oeltjen at an Australia tournament when he was 15 and fell in love with his bat. In a year and a half, Oeltjen has blossomed into the top Australian position prospect in the system, while the Twins also have high hopes for Aussie pitchers Brad Thomas, Grant Balfour, Josh Hill and Mike Nakamura. Oeltjen has a loose, classic stroke with line-drive power. He has good control of the bat head in the zone and makes consistent contact. He has added strength to a lean frame since signing, growing a couple of inches and putting on about 25 pounds without sacrificing his plus speed. He had Tommy John surgery before he signed, leaving his arm strength as his weakest tool. He shows solid fundamentals on routes in the outfield. He's ready for full-season ball and will play in low Class A at age 20 this year.
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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #26 prospect in 2002
  Considering their tight budget, it's a testament to Twins scouts that the organization has been successful internationally. Oeltjen leads a group of promising young Australians-- which also included hard-throwing righthander Joshua Hill and Paul Mutch--who made their pro debuts in 2001. Oeltjen is a lean, athletic player who already has added more than 20 pounds since signing. He has a fluid, line-drive swing, good bunting skills and above-average speed. He had Tommy John surgery at the age of 16, so his arm is below average, but he makes up for it with solid defensive skills. Despite their efforts, the Twins have yet to produce a top position prospect from Australia. Oeltjen has the tools to be the first.