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Minnesota Twins Draft Review

More photos » Tony Gutierrez - AP

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Scott Baker, drafted in the second round in 2003. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Rounding out the AL Central Draft Reviews with the Minnesota Twins.

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Minnesota Twins Draft Review
1) Alex Wimmers, RHP, Ohio State University: Perfect Twins pick. Solid fastball at 90-93, good breaking ball, best changeup in the draft, sharp control, athletic.

2) Niko Goodrum, SS, Georgia HS: Switch-hitter, lots of athleticism, good speed, should develop some power. Rather raw and will probably end up in the outfield, but I like him as tools guys go.

3) Pat Dean, LHP, Boston College: Strike-throwing lefty with 88-90 fastball, good assortment of breaking balls, but a history of some elbow problems this spring.

4) Eddie Rosario, OF, Puerto Rico HS: Unusually polished for a hitter from Puerto Rico, has some power potential, excellent strike zone judgment, draws constant Bobby Abreu comparisons. Would have gone two rounds higher if he' d had more exposure. Great pick.

5) Nate Roberts, OF, High Point University: Illinois high school product went to college down south. Roberts hit 19 homers, stole 36 bases, and drew 53 walks this year. He swings from the left side, and I think his tools are underrated due to his background.

6) Logan Darnell, LHP, University of Kentucky: Lefty with 90+ fastball, interesting slider and changeup, but a shaky track record in a pro-hitting environment. Might have a better chance against wooden bats.

7) Matt Hauser, RHP, University of San Diego: Senior closer with average velocity, but it works well due to sharp command of his splitter.

8) Lance Ray, OF-1B,  University of Kentucky: Mixed track record, but has some potential as a power hitter.

9) Kyle Knudson, C, University of Minnesota: Defensive specialist, but lack of consistent hitting success kept him from earlier rounds. Profiles as backup.

10) J.D. Williams, SS, Florida HS: Good tools, somewhat raw, future position could be anywhere in the middle infield or outfield.

FOUR OTHERS OF NOTE: 12-Steven Maxwell, RHP, Texas Christian; 13-Ryan O'Rourke, LHP, Merrimack College; 14-DeAndre Smelter, RHP, Georgia HS; 18-David Gutierrez, RHP, University of Miami.

COMMENT: I like the early slots of this draft a lot: Wimmers, Goodrum, Rosario, and Roberts were all on my personal preference list, and offer a nice mixture of polish and tools. I have some concerns about Dean's health, and the later round picks are a bit spotty, but overall I think this is a solid effort. If they somehow convince Smelter to forgo Georgia Tech, they would add a high-upside arm as well, but my guess is that he's unsignable. All in all, a classic Twins list: polished pitchers, athletic hitters. I did a real-time Shadow Draft for the Twins, which I will analyze when all the real teams are done.

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I love the Nate Roberts pick

I’ve been trying to get his name out on here for a bit, the kid put up sick numbers, albeit against weaker competition in the Big South. He also though was hurt through most of the season, so it would have been interesting to see what he could have done at 100%. He may not have the upside as some top picks but I would think he could project as a 4th OF at worst.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 12, 2025 2:49 AM EDT reply actions  


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