The Next Twins Prospect Promotion

It would be Lewis.  Canterino next.  Absolutely nothing against Steer but with Urshela and now Miranda to go with Arraez there's not really a clear a pathway yet for Steer. 

Lewis however, even with Correa could still play OF and if the bat to ball skills continue, Lewis could be very much like Buxton...if he stays healthy, and PLAYS, he's going to do good things.  I wouldn't mind seeing Canterino up and pitching out of the pen.  I'd use him in low stress innings and just kind of bring him along slowly. 

At some point, since he's pitched so few innings these last couple years you've got to believe they will shut him down.  But I'd like to see how that "STUFF" plays up in the big leagues and handle him with care.  

I agree that a Royce Lewis promotion would on come with bad news-a Carlos Correa injury. Please, baseball gods, keep them both healthy and playing shortstop every day.

Not a prospect, but my guess is that Devin Smeltzer will get called up. He'd have to be added to the 40 man roster, but I'm rooting for him. 

I'll get the ball rolling  ...

Royce Lewis  certainly  would be my choice  but he needs to establish his game before a promotion  ...

I wish they would play him in the outfield  like he did in the AZL league  which he won mvp of the fall league  in 2019  ....

He's athletic enough and might find an earlier opening in the outfield if Correa stsys

I think an outfield of Lewis, Buxton and Kepler would be amazing both defensively and offensively.  The Twins would have three players that could play center out there.  All three can hit for power as well as steal bases if needed.  If there is no room in the infield he looks good in the outfield to me.

If they believe Canterino's arm can hold up I wouldn't be surprised if the Twins used him in the pen this year.  He is going to be on an innings limit and it looks like his stuff will play if gets his pitches under control.  He could really help the pen start to look more elite IMO.

I am a big Steer believer.  Not sure where he and Jullien fit right now and if the Twins continue to do well I wonder if they end up trade bait.  Will have to wait and see how the season goes but Steer would be a good option if ever needed this year.

If we agree that Correa will be gone after this year, I would keep Royce at SS in the minors until the end of the year then bring him up for a playoff push. He needs the development there and it looks to me he absolutely could be our opening day starting SS next year. With this good start his floor at short is Polanco. If Correa goes on the IL bring Royce up then.

The next opening on the MLB roster will be when we have to add a 13th position player.

*If* we are ok with Celestino being our 4th outfielder, which is looking better, we have a bench of Sanchez, Gordon, and Celestino, with our main DH being Arraez. So, a catcher, middle infielder, center fielder, and corner infielder.

We could add a corner outfielder. If Kirilloff is ready, great. If not, who do we bring up for that? Do we give that spot back to Garlick?

Or, if 5th outfielder seems a little excessive, maybe we go with another infielder, so Lewis. But then he won't have playing time unless Gordon and Urshela have theirs cut.

Good problems to have options. We can wait out injuries to Sano and Kirilloff, and we don't have to rush top prospects. We can even develop likely MLB bench players like Celestino and Gordon appropriately. I guess that's my question: who do we groom next for the bench?

If things continue the way they are I see no reason it would not be Lewis.  Yes, his normal position is SS, but he can play OF or 3b.  His bat is doing great, and reports are he has been good at SS, but I think next injury at MLB level, unless it is a catcher will be Lewis coming up. 

I always expect a pitcher - Cano?  Nothing changes as much as the rotation and bullpen. 

Interesting question.  Lewis appears to be the next man who should be called up.  But call ups will be determined in part by position of need.  Another factor that will play into it is when he is called up is there a spot for him to play most games, ie, not sit on the bench.  

Cannot say how pleased I am that he is doing so well.  Seems to be confirming what we all thought/hoped for back when he was drafted.  Should the rumors be true and Correa really wants to stay with the Twins, they are gonna have to find another spot for Lewis to play.  With Polanco at second and hopefully Miranda at third, outfield remains the only answer.  

2 minutes ago, roger said:

Interesting question.  Lewis appears to be the next man who should be called up.  But call ups will be determined in part by position of need.  Another factor that will play into it is when he is called up is there a spot for him to play most games, ie, not sit on the bench.  

Cannot say how pleased I am that he is doing so well.  Seems to be confirming what we all thought/hoped for back when he was drafted.  Should the rumors be true and Correa really wants to stay with the Twins, they are gonna have to find another spot for Lewis to play.  With Polanco at second and hopefully Miranda at third, outfield remains the only answer.  

Do you really think the Twins will sign a 10 year $300+m deal? Do you think Correa and Boras are open to a discount? I don't see it at all and I don't want the Twins to sign that kind of deal for anybody. Royce for starting SS next year! My 2¢.

If Lewis is for real and Correa opts out after the season, the future would look very bright, especially if Martin and the young pitching is for real. If Correa decides to stay and even agrees to an extension, Polanco becomes a very attractive trade piece (I say Polanco because of the love for Arraez on this site).

He got passed by a few guys on their way to the bigs, but I would really love to see Balazovic have an outstanding year and be an option for a call-up if needed.

25 minutes ago, wabene said:

Do you really think the Twins will sign a 10 year $300+m deal? Do you think Correa and Boras are open to a discount? I don't see it at all and I don't want the Twins to sign that kind of deal for anybody. Royce for starting SS next year! My 2¢.

I don't know what to think about Correa, other than recent reports that he really likes it here and would be open to a longer term deal.  As for the specifics you mention, none of us know what might happen just as none of us thought there was any possibility he would be playing shortstop for the Twins at the start of this season.

Forget OF. Move Lewis to Firstbase and then fastrack to Target Field. Sano has refused to be coached on hitting to all fields. Trade for a prospect. 

we have to all hope Correa opts out for a long term contract....that means he was healthy and had a good year.....same spot as I have been with this contract all along....best for the twins if this is only a 1 year deal....the longer it goes..means he has underperformed...and we are stuck with an asset that isn't worth what he is being paid.  

I love seeing Royce Lewis doing so well and it gives me a lot of hope for his future. But I also think it would be best for him to stay at AAA for now and get reps. Pitchers will without doubt try to adjust to him and it will be better for him to make the counter adjustments at AAA rather than the majors. I believe the Twins share that opinion unless a longer-term injury to Correa (please not!) forces their hand. That would make him unlikely to be the next call up. 

Steer is a possibility though the Twins seem to have a lot of infield depth in front of him. We know how quickly that can change, though. 

But I would still guess on a pitcher. You always need more of those. I absolutely love Matt Canterino and I'm probably higher on him than most. If we assume Duran stays a reliever, I think Canterino has the highest upside of any SP prospect in the Twins organization. But the Twins seem to be determined (smartly) to closely monitor his innings and I would like seeing him as a reliever in the big leagues right now and then get stretched out next year. 

As a dark horse candidate, I wonder if Ronny Henriquez might get a shot in the bullpen at some point. Obviously depends on his performance, but he is already at AAA and on the 40-man roster and he certainly has the stuff to do it, if the Twins needed an additional reliever. 

You neglected to mention Duran making the club and being impressive out of the pen. He converted his first save opportunity last night during Miranda's debut.

1 hour ago, wabene said:

If we agree that Correa will be gone after this year, I would keep Royce at SS in the minors until the end of the year then bring him up for a playoff push. He needs the development there and it looks to me he absolutely could be our opening day starting SS next year. With this good start his floor at short is Polanco. If Correa goes on the IL bring Royce up then.

Yes, it all seems to depend on Correa, and he holds the option. Lewis is our shortstop next year if he leaves. If he stays, then we are still in a situation of great uncertainty because of his second-year option, but will need to find a place for Lewis if he continues to develop as he has recently.

Assuming current levels of production, Lewis will be up this year. The only questions would be when and where.

If the Twins are not in contention come the trade deadline (which hopefully is not the case) or Correa is certain to opt out (so even if we are in contention), then Correa will likely be moved. In that case, Lewis is the starting SS the remainder of the year.

If Correa is not moved, Lewis gets moved up at some point when the inevitable injury occurs.

Btw, if Lewis continues to play at this level, he could be the best choice in CF of disaster befalls us.

No mention of Martin. I hope he gets his chance this year too. 
 

1 hour ago, wabene said:

Do you really think the Twins will sign a 10 year $300+m deal? Do you think Correa and Boras are open to a discount? I don't see it at all and I don't want the Twins to sign that kind of deal for anybody. Royce for starting SS next year! My 2¢.

Did you really think the Twins would pay Correa 35MM to play SS? All signs I’ve seen point to Correa planning to be here for awhile. Signs coming from him. It doesn’t have to be 10 years. But yes, Lewis up sooner rather than later. There’s plenty of room for an immense talent like Royce.

2 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Assuming current levels of production, Lewis will be up this year. The only questions would be when and where.

If the Twins are not in contention come the trade deadline (which hopefully is not the case) or Correa is certain to opt out (so even if we are in contention), then Correa will likely be moved. In that case, Lewis is the starting SS the remainder of the year.

If Correa is not moved, Lewis gets moved up at some point when the inevitable injury occurs.

Btw, if Lewis continues to play at this level, he could be the best choice in CF of disaster befalls us.

No mention of Martin. I hope he gets his chance this year too. 
 

 

Nashville Twin. Does this mean that like me, you’re a Twins fan living in Nashville?

I think Lewis gets a shot at 3B before they decide to move him to the OF. He'd be very good at the hot corner.

That is a great article Ted! Very interesting read, stimulating and even exciting to read. I like Spencer Steer also. And Lewis has developed into a very exciting prospect with his total domination of AAA this year! Canterino I have hopes for but tempered a bit by his current brittleness and the walks. I’m a huge fan of walks for hitters but not so much for pitchers.

Congrats on writing a really fine article! It brightened up my day right at the start!

26 minutes ago, Greglw3 said:

Nashville Twin. Does this mean that like me, you’re a Twins fan living in Nashville?

Lived there for two years two years ago. My wife got cancer and we moved back to CA - we have a good setup in CA to maximize her chances to beat it. Two kids are there though!

I am in the position that IF the Twins extend Correa to say 8 year 240mil contract or what ever it is. Than either you trade Lewis for a haul OR you need push someone else out to make room for him and trade the other guy. The thing  is if others believe Lewis is a SS and will be a good SS long term his trade value might be better as a trade piece than an above average 3B or a skilled outfielder which are easier to come across. 

The Twins have been half-decent lately (giggle), so injuries or recovery are the most likely factor if the call-up is a position player. I still wouldn't be counting on Kirilloff until he shows he can hit with the wrist discomfort (which he hasn't done yet in limited play; .200 average on 2/10, both singles). Doesn't sound like the Twins are going to rush that either when they talk about Miranda getting a lot of at-bats.

Another outcome of being good; you just don't jump people straight from AA, so anyone in Wichita is more likely to go to St Paul. If Miranda can stick a while, I'd like to see Steer go to the Saints, and Encarnacion-Strand jump to the AA Wind Surge.

Don't want to see Lewis moved around as I'm pretty sure he is the everyday shortstop of our future. (While Correa is definitely showing his full value now on D and at the plate, the Twins simply aren't the type of franchise that can afford the ten year deal Carlos is seeking, especially with a younger, cheaper replacement in the system.)

The bullpen's early awfulness has been muted of late with a better sorting of roles, a few better outings, and lots of low-leverage mop-ups, but I suspect any non-injury need will be here. Moran will get a chance to stick, and while I think they have good 'non-prospect' options sitting in St Paul, Henriquez is intriguing as a prospect bullpen arm.

22 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Lived there for two years two years ago. My wife got cancer and we moved back to CA - we have a good setup in CA to maximize her chances to beat it. Two kids are there though!

Unfortunately there isn't a 'like option' to click on to tell you that I am praying for you and your wife.  Trust that God will be with her in the battle she is facing.