Article: 2018 MLB Draft Day 3 Thread

[Andrew Thares]

So far in the 2018 MLB Draft, the Twins have selected four college hitters, two college pitchers, two high school hitters and a high school pitcher. The third and final day of the draft gets underway at 11 am CT. The picks will be coming in fast, as rounds 11-40 will be completed.Some notable recent Twins picks from these later rounds include Jason Kubel (12th round, 2000), Zack Granite (14th round, 2013), Danny Valencia (19th round, 2006) and Trevor Hildenberger (22nd round, 2014).

 

Going back a little further you can find one of the greatest players in Twins history, as Kent Hrbek was drafted in the 17th round of the 1978 draft. Also, Eddie Guardado was a 21st rounder in 1990 and Corey Koskie was a 26th-round pick in 1994. The draft was scaled back to “only” 40 rounds in 2012.

 

Here are the Twins' picks from Day 1:

Round 1: Trevor Larnach, OF, Oregon State

Round 2: Ryan Jeffers, C, UNC Wilmington

 

Info on the follwing players is included in our Day 2 thread.

Round 4: DaShawn Keirsey, CF, Utah

Round 5: Cole Sands, RHP, Florida State

Round 6: Charles Mack, SS/3B, Williamsville East HS (NY)

Round 7: Josh Winder, RHP, Virginia Military Institute (VA)

Round 8: Chris Williams, C, Clemson

Round 9: Willie Joe Garry Jr., OF, Pascagoula HS

Round 10: Regi Grace, RHP, Madison Central HS

 

And here are today's picks. This will be updated as the day progresses.

 

Round 11, 334th overall: Michael Helman, 2B, Texas A&M

 

Michael Helman spent two seasons playing for Hutchinson Community College before transferring to Texas A&M for his Junior season. Helman had a .369/.451/.526 slash line with six home runs and 17 doubles, while going 12 for 14 on stolen base attempts this year for the Aggies.

 

Round 12, 364th overall: Jon Olsen, RHP, UCLA

 

Jon Olsen missed about a month of the 2018 season after suffering a scary injury from taking a line drive off his face. However, he came back and pitched well for UCLA this season. Over the last two years combined at UCLA, Olsen has a 2.69 ERA with 108 strikeouts and 39 walks over 113 2/3 innings pitched. Olsen also earned a spot on the 2017 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team where he pitched well to the tune of a 2.61 ERA over 10 1/3 innings.

 

Round 13, 394th overall: Trevor Casanova, C, Cal State Northridge

 

Trevor Casanova is the third college catcher the Twins have selected in their first 12 picks of the draft. This year was Casanova’s lone year at Cal State Northridge after transferring between two different schools beforehand. This year Casanova had a .345/.405/.480 slash line and threw out 23 of 49 potential base-stealers from behind the dish.

 

Round 14, 424th overall: Erick Rivera, OF, Escuela Superior Urbana

 

The Twins are hoping to continue their luck with Puerto Rican born players by selecting Erick Rivera in the 14th round. As an outfielder, Rivera profiles more as a corner outfielder than he does in center, though with his arm he could have potential to stick in right. Offensively, Rivera projects to add more power as he matures, which will complement his uppercut swing nicely.

 

Round 15, 454th overall: Kody Funderburk, LHP, Dallas Baptist

 

Kody Funderburk is a two-way player for Dallas Baptist. As a hitter, Funderburk had a slash line of .304/.429/.584 with 13 home runs and one stolen base. On the mound Funderburk made 14 starts this season, but had just a 6.84 ERA over 50 innings pitched. Command seems to be the issue with Funderburk on the mound as he did strikeout 53 batters but also walked 31.

 

Round 16, 484th overall: Anthony Tuionetoa, RHS, Baldwin HS

 

Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa is a two-way high school player out of Hawaii. This spring Tuionetoa was name the Hawaii All-State position player of the year as well as the state tournament most outstanding player award. However, Tuionetoa’s future is probably on the mound where he features a low-to-mid 90’s fastball along with a splitter and a curveball.

 

Round 17, 514th overall: Erik Cha, LHP, Cal State Fullerton

 

Erik Cha is a left-handed relief pitcher out of Cal State Fullerton. Last year out of the bullpen Cha threw 26 innings over 17 relief appearances and had a 4.85 ERA. This season, Cha only had nine relief outings but had a slightly improved 3.86 ERA. Cha isn’t a guy that will strike out many hitters as he has collected just 16 over 35 1/3 career innings in college.

 

Round 18, 544th overall: Andrew Cabezas, RHP, University of Miami (FL)

 

Andrew Cabezas combines an excellent low 90’s fastball with some arm-side run along with a devastating wipeout slider to give him a strong two-pitch mix. He used this combo well out the Hurricane bullpen in 2017 striking out 80 batters in just 62 2/3 innings all with a low 2.15 ERA. This year Cabezas was thrust into a starting role where his numbers took a dip striking out 79 over 75 innings with a 3.96 ERA, all while seeing his walk rate jump from 8.6 percent to 13.2 percent.

 

Round 19, 574th overall: Austin Schulfer, RHP, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

 

After splitting time as both a starter and a reliever during his first two years in college, Austin Schulfer transitioned into a full-time starting role for his junior and senior years at Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After a solid junior campaign, Schulfer took a big step forward the spring with an ERA of 2.96 over 91 1/3 innings pitched. Schulfer’s strikeout and walk numbers looked good as well, as he struck out just shy of nine batters per nine and walked just 2.75 batters per nine.

 

Round 20, 604th overall: Seth Pinkerton, RHP, University of Hartford

 

After taking over the closer role in 2017, Seth Pinkerton thrived there this season with 11 saves and a 2.02 ERA. Pinkerton is a guy that could give you a couple innings if you asked him, as he threw 35 2/3 innings in just 25 relief appearances. After having not so great strikeout and walk numbers in 2017, Pinkerton took a big step forward this year striking out 34 while only walking 13.

 

Round 21, 634th overall: Gabe Snyder, 1B, Wright State University

 

Gabe Snyder is a four-year starter at first base for the Wright State Raiders. Snyder saw his offensive numbers increase steadily throughout his college career, capping it off this year with a .359/.425/.668 slash line and 15 home runs. For a first baseman, Snyder is actually a pretty good athlete. During his four seasons at Wright State Snyder went 45 for 52 in stolen base attempts.

 

Round 22, 664th overall: Jacob Blank, RHP, Augustana (SD)

 

Jacob Blank has dominated the Division II ranks over the last couple of seasons, including leading the Augustana Vikings to the D2 National Championship this year. In 2017, Blank was named the D2 National Pitcher of the Year after he posted a 0.78 ERA with 86 strikeouts and just 15 walks over 69 innings pitched. He followed that up this year with a 1.98 ERA over 81 2/3 innings to go along with 100 strikeouts and 11 walks.

 

Round 23, 694th overall: Albee Weiss, C, Cal State Northridge

 

Albee Weiss is the second catcher that the Twins have taken out of Cal State Northridge today. However, unlike Trevor Casanova, Weiss has spent most of the last two seasons as either a left-fielder or a designated-hitter. What the Twins are drafting with Weiss is his power potential as he finished the regular season tied for fourth in the nation with 20 home runs. If Weiss can stick behind the plate he gives the Twins another power hitting catcher in this class, if not Weiss could still have the potential to make it as a corner outfielder.

 

Round 24, 724th overall: Michael Davis, 3B, Texas Tech

 

Michael Davis has primarily played in the middle-infield over the last couple of years at Texas Tech, but did see some time at third base early on in his college career. At the plate, Davis is more of an on-base percentage guy, though he did start to show some power this year hitting 11 home runs after hitting just 11 combined in his first three seasons at Texas Tech. You will get a good chance to watch Davis in action this weekend as Texas Tech is hosting Duke in one of the eight NCAA Super Regionals.

 

Round 25, 754th overall: Laron Smith, C, Foothills Composite

 

Laron Smith is a catcher that comes to us from the Canadian high school ranks. Smith has been a third baseman throughout much of his high school career, but the Twins like what they see from him behind the plate and took him as a catcher. Smith was also a member of the Canadian Junior National Baseball Team this past year where he played in the Dominican Summer League.

 

Round 26, 784th overall: Brian Rapp, RHP, Boston College

 

After spending his first two seasons at Boston College as a relief pitcher, Brian Rapp took over in a starting role during the 2017 campaign. His first year as a starter wasn’t the best as he had a 4.90 ERA and struck out 56 while walking 33 over 71 2/3 innings. 2018 was a bit of a different story for Rapp as he led all of the Boston College starters with a 3.57 ERA and rose his strikeout total to 74 while throwing 70 2/3 innings. The walks were still a bit of a concern for Rapp, however, as he allowed another 37 free passes.

 

Round 27, 814th overall: Hunter Lee, RHP, High Point University

 

The MLB Draft Tracker has the Twins taking High Point senior Hunter Lee as a pitcher, however, I don’t see any records of him pitching at High Point, so I am just going to assume this was either a mistake, or the Twins have something up their sleeve.

 

Until then, let’s talk about Hunter Lee the second baseman who has put together a pretty good career at High Point. Lee has been a starter for all four years at High Point, and while his freshman season wasn’t anything to write home about, he has been excellent since then. This year Lee has accumulated a .338/.460/.531 slash line. Another great thing about Lee is he has actually drawn more walks in his college career than times he has struck out.

 

Round 28, 844th overall: Austin Hale, C, Stetson University

 

Many thought that the Twins might take Stetson pitcher Logan Gilbert if he fell to them in the first round. While that didn’t come to fruition, the Twins ended up grabbing Gilbert’s battery mate at Stetson in Austin Hale. Unlike most of the other college catchers the Twins have taken during this draft, Hale receives most of his praise for what he does behind the plate and not as much for what he does with the bat. Hale is yet another Twins pick whose college team is still alive in the NCAA Baseball Tournament as Stetson will travel to Chapel Hill to take on UNC this weekend.

 

Round 29, 874th overall: J.T. Perez, LHP, University of Cincinnati

 

After breaking out with a 3.16 ERA in his first year as a starter in 2016, Perez regressed during his junior year with a lackluster 4.42 ERA. However, Perez had a bounce-back season this year putting up a 2.81 ERA across 93 innings. Perez isn’t a guy who will strike out many hitters, having struck out just 202 batters in 283 1/3 career innings at Cincinnati. Control seems to be the strength of Perez as he has walked just 2.76 batters per nine in his career.

 

Round 30, 904th overall: Seth Halverson, RHP, Heritage Christian Academy (MN)

 

With their 30th round pick the Twins took one of the top prep arms in the state of Minnesota in Seth Halverson. Halverson has an electric fastball that can get into the mid 90’s at times along with a decent curveball. It is highly unlikely that Halverson will sign with the Twins, however, as he is committed to play ball at Missouri, and a high schooler with Halverson’s talent should be able to raise his stock before he is able to re-enter the draft in 2021.

 

Round 31, 934th overall: Zach Neff, LHP, Mississippi State University

 

Zach Neff spent his first three-seasons of college baseball pitching for Austin Peay where his performance wasn’t anything special, as he never had an ERA below 5.76. However, after his junior year Neff transferred and is now a relief pitcher for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. This year, in 24 appearances (including 2 starts), Neff has a 3.24 ERA and 35 strikeouts over 41 2/3 innings pitched. Neff is the final of four Twins draft picks whose college team who will be playing this weekend in the NCAA Super Regionals.

 

Round 32, 964th overall: Ryan Holgate, OF, Davis HS (CA)

 

Ryan Holgate is just another name in the extensive line of good hitting prospects produced out of California. As his career continues Holgate will need to keep up his success with the bat as his future as anything more than a first baseman or designated-hitter is questionable. Holgate will mostly likely pass on whatever offer the Twins make him and begin his college career with the University of Arizona.

 

Round 33, 994th overall: Denny Bentley, LHP, Howard College

 

Denny Bentley is a sophomore left-handed pitcher out of Howard College in Texas. Since Howard is a junior college, Bentley is eligible to enter the draft even though he is just a sophomore. The numbers for Bentley this year weren’t great. In 13 starts, Bentley pitched 64 2/3 innings with a 7.24 ERA and struck out just 56.

 

Round 34, 1,024th overall: Dylan Stowell, RHP, California Baptist University

 

Dylan Stowell had himself a terrific college career at California Baptist University. After pitching well in limited innings during his first two seasons, Stowell broke out in 2016 with a 1.52 ERA and 81 strikeouts over 82 2/3 innings on his way to earning the Division II West Region Pitcher of the Year award. Stowell missed all of 2017 with an injury but came back strong again this spring with a 2.47 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 83 2/3 innings.

 

Round 35, 1,054th overall: Tanner Howell, RHP, Dixie State University

 

Tanner Howell took over closer duties out of the Dixie State bullpen this year. Howell is a reliever that can give you a few innings as he pitched 45 innings in just 18 appearances (2 starts). Overall, Howell had six saves and a 4.20 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 13 walks.

 

Round 36, 1,084th overall: Zac Taylor, OF, University of Illinois

 

Zac Taylor began his college career by playing his first two seasons at the University of Houston. After sitting out 2017 due to the NCAA transfer rules, Taylor made his debut for Illinois the year. Taylor’s batting average wasn’t all that pretty at .226, however after drawing his fare share of walks and hitting 10 home runs, Taylor finished the season with a .761 OPS. I wouldn’t be surprised if Taylor decides to return to Illinois for his final year of eligibility.

 

Round 37, 1,114th overall: Luke Ritter, OF, Wichita State University

 

At Wichita State, Luke Ritter was teammates with not one but two of the top offensive prospects in Alec Bohm and Greyson Jenista who were taken 3rd and 49th overall respectively. Despite this it was Ritter who lead the Shockers with a .341 batting average this year. While Ritter isn’t the power threat of Bohm nor the speed threat of Jenista, Ritter did show a little of both hitting 6 home runs and going a perfect 6 for 6 on stolen base attempts this year.

 

Round 38, 1,144th overall: Dylan Thomas, RHP, University of Hawaii

 

Dylan Thomas has pitched just two seasons for the University of Hawaii after redshirting his freshman year. Those two years, however, have been lights out. Thomas was named to the Freshman All-American team after tallying nine saves and a 2.01 ERA in 2017. He followed that up this year with a 14 more saves and a 1.85 ERA. In total, Thomas has struck out 63 and walked just 9 over 61 1/3 innings.

 

Round 39, 1,174th overall: Bryce Collins, RHP, Hart HS (CA)

 

The Twins went back to the California high school well with their 39th round pick Bryce Collins. Collins has electric stuff with a low 90s fastball and two plus breaking pitches. Collins flashed that stuff this spring with a 14-strikeout no-hitter. The Twins don’t have much of a chance to sing Collins here as he will likely go play in college for the University of Arizona.

 

Round 40, 1,204th overall: Tyler Webb, SS, University of Memphis

 

Tyler Webb played his freshman season at Galveston College before transferring to Memphis for the 2017 season. Webb had a strong first year at Memphis but took a bit of a step back this year has he hit just .274/.348/.396 with one home run and seven stolen bases. I would expect Webb to return to Memphis for his senior season to try and raise his stock entering next year’s draft.

 

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[Squirrel]

Typically, how many of these picks sign?

[rdehring]

 

Typically, how many of these picks sign?

They normally sign about 25 players.  Assuming they sign their Top 10, that means 15 from the group of 11-40...or about 40%.  That will include almost all of the many college seniors.

[gunnarthor]

The Twins might have enough savings to nab a 4th round talent or two today. I also hope they look at the Puerto Rico players. None were drafted yet this year but with the hurricane ****ing everything up down there, those kids probably didn't have a lot of baseball time. There's talent on that island and we've scouted it heavily in the past. Nab a few of these kids and hope that they break out.

[Tom Froemming]

The highest pick the Twins were unable to sign last year was 11th rounder Gabriel Rodriguez. out of Puerto Rico. He went to Miami-Dade College instead, a JUCO, and hit .317/.420/.460 as a freshman. The next highest guy who didn't sign was 14th round pitcher Cade Smith, a Canadian who went and pitched for Hawaii instead. He had a 4.62 ERA and zero regrets, I'm sure

[ThejacKmp]

My big hope is that they draft some guys with great names.

[NapoleonComplex]

 

My big hope is that they draft some guys with great names.

 

Owen Sharts is still available.

[NapoleonComplex]

I really like the Michael Helman pick. Leads Texas A&M in nearly every offensive category. According to his bio, clear athletic talent running through the family.

[d-mac]

Michael Helman, just scouting his stats- he slashed .366/.453/.511 in 235 ABs in his first year in the SEC. Also put up a 1:1 BB/K ratio, hit six home runs and stole 12 bases in 14 attempts.

 

Sollid pickup, but he may be a candidate to return for his senior year, as he was at the JUCO level his first two seasons and may improve his draft position with another year starting in the top baseball conference.

[ThejacKmp]

Jon Olsen? C'mon Twins. That name is so boring it doesn't even bother with the h in John.

[NapoleonComplex]

Jon Olsen. Doesn't bother with an H and is the E type of Olsen. He is going to stir up many Minnesota style arguments.

[NapoleonComplex]

There ya go ... Trevor Casanova. 

[d-mac]

 

There ya go ... Trevor Casanova. 

 

Not Owen Sharts, but a plus name.

[Mill1634]

Catcher looks interesting. 21 walks in 223 AB's. Only 4 homers. Wonder how his defense is. Safe to say he is a free swinger.

[NapoleonComplex]

Included in his 2018 highlight recap gives me some hope he will stick at catcher.

 

"Threw out 23-of-49 base runners (46.9 percent) including 16-of-25 (64.0 percent) in Big West play."

[DocBauer]

Wasn't there a Raul Cassanova a few years back?

[Mill1634]

From perfect game:

 

Erick Rivera is a 2018 OF with a 6-0 180 lb. frame from Salinas, PR who attends Carlos Colon Burgos. Broad shouldered athletic build, plenty of room to get stronger. 6.81 runner, has outstanding outfield actions with elite level raw arm strength, big league carry on his throws and very accurate, charges hard and remains under control with solid footwork. Left handed hitter, has a short and direct inside swing path, hits out front with all all fields contact approach, has the strength to get the ball to jump off the barrel, level to downward swing plane, has power in his build that should develop in the future. Outfield tools and skills really stand out and has a chance with the bat. Signed with Broward CC.

[rdehring]

 

From perfect game:

 

Erick Rivera is a 2018 OF with a 6-0 180 lb. frame from Salinas, PR who attends Carlos Colon Burgos. Broad shouldered athletic build, plenty of room to get stronger. 6.81 runner, has outstanding outfield actions with elite level raw arm strength, big league carry on his throws and very accurate, charges hard and remains under control with solid footwork. Left handed hitter, has a short and direct inside swing path, hits out front with all all fields contact approach, has the strength to get the ball to jump off the barrel, level to downward swing plane, has power in his build that should develop in the future. Outfield tools and skills really stand out and has a chance with the bat. Signed with Broward CC.

As pointed out above, may be some diamonds in the ruff out of Puerto Rico this year.  Seeing he is going the JC route, may be able to sign him for the $125k slot or $50k-$100k over.

[d-mac]

Kody Funderburk- Plus, plus name. 

 

Intriguing two-way player out of Dallas Baptist. Interesting they took him as a pitcher- stats say he has some control issues. But solid triple slash with some power as a hitter: http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/profile.asp?ID=211989

[nicksaviking]

Another HS arm in round 16, Anthony Tuionetoa. Probably sign-ability issues but I do like HS kids!

 

Um, er, that didn't come out right.

[jud6312]

After round 23 they're up to 4 power hitting college catchers ... I think we've found their type.

[NapoleonComplex]

Raw power definitely seems to be the draft theme this year.

[gil4]

 

I really like the Michael Helman pick. Leads Texas A&M in nearly every offensive category. According to his bio, clear athletic talent running through the family.

The last 2B from A&M I remember the Twins drafting worked out pretty well (for a while.)

[jud6312]

Up to 6 catchers now. Is it just me or does that number seem a bit high given there's 10+ rounds remaining?

[rdehring]

Expec

 

Up to 6 catchers now. Is it just me or does that number seem a bit high given there's 10+ rounds remaining?

Expect they are trying to find one good one out of lots of 'em.  

 

Wondering if Gabe Snyder is any relation to Duke?  Wouldn't getting someone with that talent in the mid-rounds be a great find?

 

[Mike Sixel]

Expec

 

Expect they are trying to find one good one out of lots of 'em.

 

Wondering if Gabe Snyder is any relation to Duke? Wouldn't getting someone with that talent in the mid-rounds be a great find?

Not sure they can play them all.... But agree there is a numbers game here

[NapoleonComplex]

 

The last 2B from A&M I remember the Twins drafting worked out pretty well (for a while.)

 

We can only hope Helman's post-baseball life is much less eventful.

[Monkeypaws]

8 of the Twins 10 picks in the 20s are college seniors.

 

Like the dip into division 2 with Blank.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Kody Funderburk- Plus, plus name. 

 

Intriguing two-way player out of Dallas Baptist. Interesting they took him as a pitcher- stats say he has some control issues. But solid triple slash with some power as a hitter: http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/profile.asp?ID=211989

not a terribly popular last name. Wonder if he's related to Mark Funderburk

[caninatl04]

Not sure they can play them all.... But agree there is a numbers game here

Here is *a* way they could play them all. Six levels of minors x 2 catchers per level. Plus, at least one will quickly "demonstrate" that they cannot stick behind the plate.