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As Nick referenced, prospects like Royce Lewis are getting the raw deal to start 2022. Players on the 40-man roster have been locked out by the MLB, including Jordan Balazovic, Jhoan Duran, Cole Sands, Josh Winder, and Jose Miranda. These players will have to continue training on their own until MLB lifts the lockout, which can be a challenge since many had to work on their own during the 2020 campaign.
By all accounts, the lockout won't impact the start of the minor league season. In fact, Triple-A teams recently announced an increase in games from 120 to 150. Minnesota's Double- and Triple-A affiliates are both scheduled to start their season in the first full week of April. Each of the players below will figure significantly into the Saints or Wind Surge roster, and they have something to prove at the start of 2022.
Austin Martin, SS/OF
Martin is widely considered Minnesota's top prospect as he is the organization's highest-ranking prospect on national top-100 lists. One of Martin's most significant concerns during his professional career has been his lack of power. In college, he destroyed the ball with a 1.007 OPS, but that total has dropped by over 200 points since turning pro. Last season, he changed his swing and dealt with a hand/wrist injury, decreasing power for up to 12 months. Minnesota's coaching staff can continue to work with Martin on his swing adjustments to bring back some of his missing power. With Lewis and Miranda not available, he will be the star attraction at Triple-A.
Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP
Woods Richardson was pushed to Double-A last season as a 20-year-old, and he was over 4.5 years younger than the average age of the competition. He posted a 5.91 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP in 15 appearances, so there is room for improvement. His appearances were limited because he also was a member of Team USA in the Olympics, but he never made an appearance in Tokyo. A delayed start to the season allows Minnesota's coaching staff more time to work with Woods Richardson since he is a newer addition to the organization. Now entering his age-22 campaign, he will get a second shot at Double-A to prove that his 2021 numbers were just a blip on the radar.
Matt Canterino, RHP
Like many of Minnesota's top pitching prospects, questions surround Canterino and his health after some positive signs in 2021. Draft picks from Rice, where Canterino attended college, have a history of arm injuries due to overuse in college. His stock rose significantly last season after spending the 2020 campaign improving his changeup to go along with his dominant fastball. Last season, he was limited to 23 innings, and he has yet to pitch more than 100 innings in one collegiate or professional season. Canterino needs to prove his injury concerns are behind him, so he can start building up his innings total. Minnesota needs starting pitchers, and the delay may allow Canterino to solidify his place in the team's long-term plans.
Which prospect do you feel benefits the most if MLB's season is delayed? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.
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