Minnesota Twins 2019 Top 30 MLB Prospects Midseason Update

Image credit: Alex Kirilloff (Photo by Mike James/Four Seam)

UPDATE: The Twins Top 30 now includes moves made through the July 31 trade deadline.

Despite Royce Lewis’ slow start in his return to high Class A Fort Myers, the Twins’ system stil boasts two of the best prospects in the game. Only the order has changed. Alex Kirilloff has recovered nicely from a wrist injury that took a chunk of his season and has performed well in his first taste of the upper levels.

Behind those two, Minnesota also holds a trio of high-end righthanded pitching prospects Brusdar Graterol, Jordan Balazovic and Jhoan Duran. Balazovic and Duran have raised their stocks considerably this season, and Graterol, though injured, has shown the same kind of stuff that put him on the map two seasons ago.

There is considerable depth in the system as well, from Dominican Summer League standout Misael Urbina to MLB-ready lefty Lewis Thorpe. With a system like this, the Twins should be well-positioned to acquire impact reinforcements at the deadline.

1. Alex Kirilloff, OF

The most skilled hitter in the Twins’ system, Kirilloff has performed well in the Double-A Southern League despite being one of its youngest players and having his season truncated by a sprained wrist.

2. Royce Lewis, SS

Lewis has the highest ceiling in the system, but his progress has stalled somewhat in a return to high Class A. His complicated swing mechanics give scouts concern about his ability to hit high-level pitching.

3. Brusdar Graterol, RHP

Although he is dealing with a shoulder impingement, Graterol has shown a quality three-pitch mix fronted by a fastball that regularly touches triple-digits. He backs it up with a heavy sinker and a plus slider.

4. Jordan Balazovic, RHP

One of the biggest risers in the minor leagues, Balazovic has seen the quality of his fastball and breaking pitches improve, which has led to impressive numbers in Class A. The next step is improving his changeup.

5. Keoni Cavaco, SS

Cavaco was one of this year’s true pop-up guys in the draft and is lauded for his big-time power as well as a strong throwing arm and above-average tools across the board. The biggest question he’ll have to answer is whether he’ll hit quality pitching.

6. Jhoan Duran, RHP

Duran has one of the most powerful arsenals in the minors. He mixes a triple-digit, four-seam fastball, a low-90s splitter and a low-80s curveball. He’ll need to throw more quality strikes to remain a starter.

7. Trevor Larnach, OF

One of Oregon State’s two first-round picks in 2018, Larnach has been praised as one of the best hitters in the high Class A Florida State League. He’s worked to improve his power to the pull side and could wind up as a classic corner outfield slugger.

8. Ryan Jeffers, C

The Twins are pleased with what they’ve seen from Jeffers defensively, and he’s shown plenty of power in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League. He is currently one of just eight hitters on the circuit with double-digit home runs.

9. Blayne Enlow, RHP

Further physical maturity has led to more missed bats and more ground balls, which earned Enlow promoted to high Class A. He’s also done an excellent job separating his curveball and slider into two distinct pitches.

10. Matt Canterino, RHP

11. Matt Wallner, OF

12. Luis Arraez, 2B

13. Brent Rooker, OF/1B

14. Gabriel Maciel, OF

15. Misael Urbina, OF

16. Wander Javier, SS

17. Lewis Thorpe, LHP

18. Nick Gordon, SS

19. Jorge Alcala, RHP

20. LaMonte Wade Jr., OF

21. Edwar Colina, RHP

22. Spencer Steer, SS

23. Yunior Severino, 2B

24. Chris Vallimont, RHP

25. Luke Raley, OF

26. Gilberto Celestino, OF

27. Akil Baddoo, OF

28. Stephen Gonsalves, LHP

29. Johan Quezada, RHP

30. Randy Dobnak, RHP

Rising

RHP Jordan Balazovic has been dominant at both levels of Class A ball and earned a berth in the Futures Game. He’s one of highest-rising prospects in the sport.

Falling

RHP Jorge Alcala, who was acquired last year from the Astros, has scuffled badly in his first taste of Double-A. He’s struggled with big innings and home runs.

SS Wander Javier has looked quite rusty in his return after missing all of 2018 with a labrum injury. Javier did have a four-hit game on July 15. Unfortunately for him, that was one more hit than he had compiled in his other 12 games this month.

Hurting

OF Akil Baddoo had Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow and will be out until some point next season.

LHP Stephen Gonsalves is battling forearm soreness but is slated to start a throwing program soon.

OF Luke Raley will miss the rest of the season after having ankle surgery.

OF Alex Kirilloff missed a chunk of time early in the season with a sprained wrist sustained on an awkward swing.

Graduated

IF/OF Willians Astudillo has bounced back and forth between Minnesota and Triple-A Rochester, earning enough playing time in between to leave the world of prospects.

RHP Kohl Stewart has made a handful of appearances for the Twins this year, including a pair of spot starts.

RHP Ryne Harper made his big league debut and has carved out a regular role in the Twins’ bullpen.