Original Published Date: April 18, 2014

Updated: June 9, 2014

The Minnesota Twins have gotten off to a decent start to the 2014 season and are still hanging around as we approach the midway point.  They added Kendrys Morales to the roster and he should provide some much needed punch to the lineup as there isn’t much offensive depth in the minors.  On the pitching side, Alex Meyer could add some real help to the rotation as soon as the end of June after the Super 2 cut-off passes.  Will that be enough to push the Twins over the top?  Not likely, but they could make it interesting.  That said, it’s the next couple of years that shows the real promise.  That’s when Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario, Jose Berrios should start to make their way to the Twin Cities.

1. Next in Line Infield Prospects

• Edward Nunez (2B/SS/3B, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low – PROMOTED: 5/9/14
  
• Danny Santana (SS, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low – PROMOTED: 5/5/14
  

Notes: There’s no impact players in the upper-minors who could contribute to the Twins infield in 2014.  Former Yankees castoff, Edward Nunez has speed but his defensive abilities are below average and that’s prevented him from seeing consistent playing time.  Danny Santana profiles as a utility player.

2. Next in Line Outfield Prospects

• Chris Parmalee (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low – PROMOTED: 5/9/14
  

Notes: If Byron Buxton would have started the year healthy, there was a chance he would have seen playing time in Minnesota this year.  Now, it’s highly doubtful.  Chris Parmalee has shown flashes but profiles as a bench player.  If Aaron Hicks can just modify his approach, it would sure help the Twins at the major league level.  The ceiling for Hicks is still Carlos Gomez but the realistic ceiling is well…Aaron Hicks.

3. Next in Line Pitching Prospects

• Scott Diamond (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Trevor May (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Alex Meyer (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: High

Notes: How’s that revamped pitching staff working out for the Twins?  Collectively the team has posted a 4.50 ERA and ranks 28th in the major leagues.  The Phil Hughes acquisition has turned out to be fantastic and Kyle Gibson is looking like the mid-rotation starter that his arsenal suggested.  After that, it’s brutal.  Is there help in the pipeline?  Alex Meyer has the highest upside with a plus arsenal and improving command. Trevor May has a back-of-the-rotation profile who could provide strikeouts.  However he pitches up in the zone and is homer prone in addition to have below-average control.

4. Next in Line Relief Prospects

• Ryan Pressly (RHP, Triple-A)  – Fantasy relevance: Low