Twins 2024 Draft Class Reaction, Preliminary Updated Prospect Rankings

With the 2024 MLB Draft coming to a close, I take a look at the new class of Minnesota Twins prospects and offer my thoughts. I also did a knee-jerk reaction update to my most recent Twins prospect list to include these new players. While there are things I would have done differently, the quartet of Kaelen Culpepper, Kyle DeBarge, Billy Amick and Dasan Hill built a strong foundation and I can see reasons why the Twins feel they can develop those players.
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[@User-b9q2z]

Amick at 60 seems like one of the best steals of the draft. He could be a top 10 bat in the class

[@Adaman135]

Those highlighted “early” picks are some really good finds

[@timothymachler5054]

Yeah, actually crazy to see!

[@Henry-zt9cn]

I love your analysis and you cover our teams farm system better than any other KZbinr. If you started a podcast I'd be a daily listener!

[@mikethevike2539]

100%

[@TomFroemming]

Thank you!

[@iwannatalktosampson5852]

Amick my favorite hitter they picked not a fan of any of the other hitters on day 1 love the pitcher just wish they would of went pitcher at 21 and or 33

[@Sean-ki6qi]

My initial impression after reading scouting reports on Culpepper and DeBarge was that they were very similar players; guys who are not real big, but great athletes that have really good contact skills and don't project for a lot of power at the MLB level. I had the same thought you did, that the Twins seemed to be targeting players who they think they can alter their swing to generate more power, and who better to do that with than players who have strong contact skills already? So we'll see if it works out, but they definitely leaned into their development strategy with these picks.

[@JamesCalabrese930]

Love your show-the best

[@JamesCalabrese930]

I love all of the first 4 picks

[@Pjokes65]

It would definitely be interesting to get an inside view on what the FO was hearing as far as other teams’ plans for picks too. If they knew they wanted KC but had heard that another team was going to take him before 33 that certainly could change the decisions

[@TomFroemming]

It’s kinda funny to me they feel the need to smokescreen and hide their tracks so as to not uncover who they really like. Culpepper said he wasn’t even sure if the Twins liked him and Sean Johnson confirmed they tried to lay low. Just shows how many layers there are to this and how much thought and care goes into it. And that’s just what they let us in on after the fact. You’re right, it would be fascinating to get more of an inside view.

[@JamesCalabrese930]

Great analysis

[@Prunesquallor]

I was commenting that DeBarge reminds me of Tanner Schobel right as I heard you make the comp, though I do think DeBarge seems like the better player all-around from what I've seen, and I think he might be a bit underrated because of his size. Overall not the most exciting draft for the Twins, especially compared to last year's draft, but you never know who will be the next Zebby Matthews or Ryan Jeffers. Really excited to see how Dasan Hill develops.

[@jasonbartels7524]

I am not blown away by any of these guys, but like that we went college players with contact. I know there has been a lot of questions by prospect evaluators recently of how serious to take college power bats, as they seem to feel its like the PCL in that regard. But, contact is contact, so nice that we got 2 (maybe 3) guys that don't have questions there. All 3 can be moved around too. Could see Debarge as a CF too. Seems like we have had less success with the HS bats overall. Just take the best college guys you can early and bet on HS kids later.

[@TomFroemming]

Yes, I meant to talk about that offensive environment and kinda forgot. That probably played into the Twins appearing to target guys who had some success in wood bat summer leagues.

[@robertharrie4513]

There are also a lot of players that are drafted as SSs that end up playing at other positions. SSs are often the best player on their respective team

[@mahtomedi1997]

I’m at two familiar with the baseball draft, but it seems like they did a good job based on little I’ve heard!!!!!!!

[@JWickyJr13]

Really excited for Ferrer's bat. He played with some serious swagger that kind of reminded me of Royce. I think it'll translate well to the bigs.

[@lucascofell4680]

I like Culpepper but I think Vance Honeycutt got overlooked quite a bit. That said, I don’t know that the twins were the organization to help him cut back on the swing and miss/decision making. Overall, not a bad class. There’s not one name I’m super pumped about but I think there’s a lot of guys who have a chance to contribute down the line.

[@zacklandy2599]

Tom I'm really excited for this time next season when 3 of our 9 day 3 college pitchers are put in your top 15 prospects for tearing up AA after adding 5 mph to their fastball

[@TomFroemming]

Take it to the bank!

[@JamesCalabrese930]

A Plus draft

[@User-b9q2z]

I was really hoping we'd take Jared Jones on day 3. He didn't even get drafted but has 40 homer potential. Even if he doesn't offer anything else, who cares that late in the draft. Personally I'd have taken him on day 2 but I'm biased towards power

[@briann2790]

You'll never be happy with an actual draft if you put multiple months of enjoyment into learning about the players. I'm that way with the NFL and NBA drafts. I can actually enjoy the MLB draft, though.

[@TomFroemming]

For sure, it’s easy to really get invested in some guys you like and then feel let down when your team passes on them.

[@JamesCalabrese930]

Is Cavaco done

[@Mdwest9572]

Done with the Twins anyway, released and signed with Houston to be a pitcher now