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Minnesota Twins: Top 10 Rookie-Eligible Prospects for 2018

By Benjamin Chase

DETROIT, MI - MAY 11: A detailed view of a Minnesota Twins Baseball Cap and All Star Logo in the dugout prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 11, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. The Twins defeated the Tigers 4-3. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MAY 11: A detailed view of a Minnesota Twins Baseball Cap and All Star Logo in the dugout prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 11, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. The Twins defeated the Tigers 4-3. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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8. Alex Kirilloff, OF

Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 11/9/1997 (20)
2017 teams/levels played for: none
2017 Stats: none

Info: Kirilloff is the toughest placement on lists this offseason. After an incredible 2016 season with Elizabethton following being drafted #15 overall where he hit .306/.341/.454 with 7 home runs in just 55 games.

Kirilloff ended his 2016 season due to swelling in his throwing elbow and spent the offseason doing rehab work before finding that he had to have Tommy John surgery this spring anyway. He ended up missing all of the 2017 season.

The son of a coach, Kirilloff has a picturesque swing that is able to produce bat speed throughout the zone as well as putting loft under pitches throughout the zone as well.

What Kirilloff showed so well in 2016 that led to him making the fringes of top 100 lists last offseason was his quality defense in the outfield along with an accurate, strong arm from the outfield. The question that keys his placement is where he will end up defensively now after the surgery.

If Kirilloff is able to stick in the outfield, his bat that projects as a good average, 20-25 home run bat would be a quality spot, but if he’s relegated to first base, even with very soft hands that he’s shown thus far at first, that level of production is not going to be as highly regarded.

Kirilloff should be headed to low-A Cedar Rapids, but where he plays defensively will be the thing to watch with him. He could move very quickly if his bat doesn’t show any rust from the year off.

7. Brent Rooker, 1B/OF

Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 11/1/1994 (23)
2017 teams/levels played for: advanced rookie Elizabethton Twins, high-A Fort Myers Miracle
2017 Stats: .281/.364/.566, 261 PA, 18 HR, 2 SB, 27/68 BB/K

Info: The Minnesota Twins definitely like Rooker. After drafting him in the 38th round and nearly getting him to sign in 2016, the Twins were happy to get Rooker in the CBA round after he had an incredible season with Mississippi State, tearing up the SEC.

Rooker is built like a linebacker, standing 6’4″ and listed 220 pounds, though it would not surprise if he carries more than that, and all in “good weight”. With that build, he has an above-average level of foot quickness, even though he has average to below-average speed.

His power is what will accelerate Rooker’s path to the big leagues

His power is what will accelerate Rooker’s path to the big leagues, however, not his speed. Rooker has developed a keen eye at the plate, discerning pitches very well and using a lofted swing to generate power, though that does lead to some swing and miss in his game.

Where Rooker’s defensive home will be is yet to be seen. He’s got the speed and arm to be an average left fielder, but the Twins have worked with Rooker on his ability around the first base bag, and reports have him with some promise of above-average ability at first.

Rooker worked his way all the way to high-A in his first pro season, and he will likely open his first full professional season already in the upper minors, on the fast track to find his way to the Twin Cities by 2019.

Next: #5 and #6

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