The 2018 Kernels Were Loaded with MLB Talent

[Cody Christie]

Just four years ago, the Twins organization had one of the minor league's most talented rosters. Now, those players have started to produce at the MLB level. Here's a look back at that team.

Not all of these players are going to play at an All-Star level, but the amount of talent on this roster is hard to ignore. From hitters to pitchers, the 2018 Kernels had it all. 

2018 Kernels Hitting Prospects
Many top position players on the 2018 Kernels have made their big-league debuts in the last two seasons. Players included on that list are Akil Baddoo, Ryan Jeffers, Alex Kirilloff, Trevor Larnach, and Ben Rortvedt. Baddoo's big-league success has come in a Tigers uniform after being selected in last winter's Rule 5 Draft. Last season, the outfielder hit .259/.330/.436 (.766) with 40 extra-base hits and a 113 OPS+ in 124 games. Luckily, the other names on the list are still in the organization. 

Jeffers has proven his defensive value over the last two seasons, even when his bat struggled at times. During the 2020 season, his framing skills ranked in the 90th percentile. Kirilloff exhibited his strong hitting talent in his rookie season, but a wrist injury sapped his power. He had surgery, but he should return to form in 2022. Larnach had an up and down rookie campaign, and many still believe he can develop into an above-average big-league hitter. Like Jeffers, Rortvedt has some solid defensive skills that can make him a surprising help to the team moving forward. 

Two of the team's top prospects also spent time with the 2018 Kernels. Jose Miranda is coming off a breakout season where his stock is rising more than any other Twins prospect. The former number one overall pick, Royce Lewis, had knee surgery last spring and missed the entire 2021 season. Many national rankings have dropped him from their top-100 lists because of the development time he has missed the previous two seasons.

On that 2018 team, Miranda and Kirilloff tied for the team lead with 13 home runs. Lewis had 23 doubles, and Baddoo added an eye-popping 11 triples. As 19-year olds, Baddoo and Lewis both added 22 or more steals. Kirilloff had a team-best .999 OPS, and Baddoo led the team with 183 total bases. Baddoo's final numbers were truly impressive. He hit .243/.352/.419 (.770) with 44 extra-base hits, 83 runs, and 24 stolen bases. 

2018 Kernels Pitching Prospects
There have been six pitchers from the 2018 Kernels that have already made their big-league debuts on the mound. Bailey Ober and Randy Dobnak are the two that figure to most prominently help the 2022 Twins. Ober is penciled into the starting rotation on the heels of a tremendous rookie season. Ober's expectations are high, but there might be some sophomore struggles to overcome. Dobnak signed an extension last winter and produced his worst professional season as he tried to pitch through an injury. Jovani Moran figures to get an opportunity in Minnesota's bullpen, especially with his dominant change-up.

Brusdar Graterol, a teenager at the time, was still a starter in 2018. Minnesota traded Graterol to the Dodgers for Kenta Maeda, and he has transitioned to a reliever role at the big-league level. The Rangers claimed Edwar Colina off waivers from the Twins earlier this offseason. He had multiple procedures on his elbow last year, and Minnesota took him off their 40-man roster. Johan Quezada made three appearances with the Marlins in 2020, and he is currently on the Cardinals' 40-man roster. 

Two of Minnesota's top pitching prospects, Jhoan Duran and Blayne Enlow, also pitched for the 2018 Kernels. Duran was limited to 16 innings last season before being shut down with a strained elbow. Now, he needs to prove he can be healthy and get back on track in 2022. Enlow had Tommy John surgery in June, which has pushed him down Minnesota's prospect rankings.

Dobnak led the team in innings pitched, and games started while posting a 3.14 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. Colina was still a starter, and he had a 2.48 ERA with team-high 95 strikeouts in 98 innings. Moran led the team with a 14.2 SO/9, but he also struggled with 5.5 BB/9. Dobnak won 10 games, while Balazovic, Ober, and Colina were all credited with seven wins. 

Cedar Rapids made it to the semifinals of the Midwest League playoffs in 2018 before falling to the Cardinals MWL affiliate. However, this roster will have long-lasting impacts at the big-league level. 

Which former Kernel is going to have the best MLB career? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

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[Doctor Gast]

Great team with great expectations. Sorry to see the Twins give up on Baddoo, Colina and Graterol. Was Wells on that team?

[Rosterman]

Elizabethton, which was the short season stop for so many of these players in 2017, has quite a current alumni list going into the six summers since.

 

Colina was 20 (3-5, 3.34). Griffin Jax was an old 22 (0-3, 3.86). Bailey Ober, 21 (2-2, 3.21). Randy Dobnak, 22 (2-0, 2.39). Huascar Ynoa, only 19 (0-1, 5.20) and traded to the Braves where he pitched in the majors in '22. Jovani Moran, 21 (3-1, 0.36). Charlie Barnes, 21 (2-0, 1.19). Brusdar Graterol, 18 (2-4, 3.92).

 

Bryan Sammons and Melvi Acosta still remain Twins pitching prospects.

 

Rickey Ramirez was on the team, taken last year by the Orioles in the Rule 5. Calvin Faucher was traded to the Rays. Moises Gomez is in the Seattle system, Ryley Widell is in the Dodgers system. Juan Gamez is in the Cubs system. 

 

Jose Miranda was 19, Brent Rooker 22, and Akill Baddoo 18. Baddoo was lost in the Rule 5 and made the majors with the Tigers.

 

Mark Contreras, Wander Javier and Andrew Bechold are still considered Twins prospects. Jordan Gore was a 22-year-old shortstop who is still a Twin prospect, now as a bullpen arm.

 

Trey Cabbage signed with the Dodgers in the off-season.

 

20 others who were searching for the dream are no longer in any minor league system, although a couple played indy ball last season.

 

Pretty good odds that over half of the players on that low-level team would still be playing after five years in organized ball, many drafted the previous season.

 

[roger]

To answer your question, I would say Mike Trout.

[dxpavelka]

Still looking for an answer to my Randy Dobnak question.  Has there ever been an undrafted college senior get to the big leagues quicker than Dobnak?

[The Mad King]

Good article!!

[nclahammer]

I think Alex Kirilloff can become the Minnesota Twins version of "Kirill the Thrill."   I look for a breakout season from Alex at the plate.