The Minnesota Twins signed two long term extensions for
current big leaguers back in 2019. One of them was given to German left
fielder, Max Kepler. He’s unlikely to be going anywhere, but the same can’t be
said for right fielder Eddie Rosario. With just one open outfield spot, the
organization has at least three corner talents to generate a plan for.
Now able to call the 2020 Major League Baseball year, last
season, it comes with the reality that top prospect Alex Kirilloff made his
debut. Surprisingly, he did so in the final game of the year, an elimination
tilt against the Houston Astros during the Wild Card round of the Postseason.
In making that debut however, it was the second appearance from one of
Minnesota’s premier corner outfield talents.
Brent Rooker beat Kirilloff to the big leagues. Prior to a
season ending injury, Rooker impressed during his first seven major league
contests. He posted a hearty .960 OPS and three of his six hits were of the
extra base variety (with one leaving the yard). As was the case during his
minor league days however, he did post an empty walk tally with a 5/0 K/BB
ratio. It’s not that Rooker can’t be an OBP guy, but there’s a lot of swing and
miss to his profile as well.
Rounding out the trio of talented options is Trevor Larnach.
Another first round selection, the former Oregon State Beaver is knocking on
the door in his own right. He too isn’t considered a centerfield candidate, but
he’s also the least like to move to first base or designated hitter. The bat
power is elite, and Baseball Prospectus had him as a top 50 prospect heading
into 2020. He owns an .853 professional OPS and was at .842 in just over 40
Double-A games during 2019. Despite the lack of minor league season, his
abilities are advanced, and he should be an option early in 2021.
What Minnesota does to handle this trio could be one of the
most important decisions in their immediate future. It already appears as if
Alex Kirilloff has seen his last days in a minor league uniform, and Brent
Rooker did nothing to warrant a step back either. Kirilloff could open as Minnesota’s
left fielder to kick off 2021, and Rooker’s role expands if Nelson Cruz is not
retained. How Larnach fits will be interesting to see, but you can bet he’s ready
to kick that door in.
Derek Falvey and Thad Levine will likely always need to have
a strong backup plan for if and when Byron Buxton’s aggressive style lands him
on the shelf. Until that happens though, none of these guys are players solely
needing to come up and sit. LaMonte Wade Jr. and Jake Cave are both great
backup options, but neither is the horse you want to tie a buggy too. The Twins
have a group of corner guys ready to take over, and how they deploy them all is
a narrative worth watching.
Rooker, Larnach, and Kirilloff couldn’t have less similar
backgrounds being separated by accomplishments at the collegiate and high
school level. They’ve all turned heads on a pro field though, and you can bet
than Minnesota will be looking to make that a constant reality at Target Field
for many years to come.
