The Minnesota Twins head into the 2024 MLB Draft with a crucial decision at pick 21. While pitching depth is always a need, the recent graduations of prospects like Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee have opened the door for a potential impact bat. Here’s a look at three intriguing college hitters who could be wearing Twins pinstripes on draft night:
Minnesota Twins Mock Draft: Three Intriguing Bats
1. Carson Benge, OF, Oklahoma State: Benge is a pure hitter with a smooth, polished swing. He boasts a career .342 average with a knack for finding the gaps. Not only an above-average power threat, Benge projects to be a high-average outfielder with on-base skills in the mold of Max Kepler. He’d add much-needed depth to the outfield and could contribute quickly in the lower minors.
2. Billy Amick, 3B, Tennessee: Amick is a well-rounded offensive force with a balanced approach at the plate. He combines good power with a strong batting eye, putting up a .306 average and 23 home runs in his junior season. While questions remain about his ability to stick at third base long-term, his bat could play at any position. Amick fills a need for a potential long-term answer at the hot corner or could provide a potent bat at first base as someone who’s played all over during his college career.
3. Walker Janek, C, Sam Houston State: Janek offers a unique combination of power-hitting and defensive prowess behind the plate. He mashed 17 home runs this season while showcasing a strong throwing arm and solid receiving skills. Janek could be a fast riser on draft day, and the Twins might be tempted by his potential to develop into an All-Star catcher. However, his offensive approach may need refinement, and there’s always the risk of a catching prospect not translating his hitting success to the pros.
The Minnesota Twins’ choice will ultimately depend on their long-term vision. Benge offers a safe, reliable option with quick potential impact. Amick provides upside with a swing that could translate to power production. Janek is a high-risk, high-reward gamble on a potential future star. Regardless of whom they select, the 2024 draft offers the Twins an exciting opportunity to add a talented young hitter to their system. It’s tough to scout out a good mock draft with teams drafting this far down the board, but these appear to be guys who may be available when the Minnesota Twins are on the clock this weekend.
The 2024 MLB Draft
Unlike most professional sports drafts, the takes place mid-season, typically in July. This year’s draft is Fort Worth, Texas, from July 14-16. 615 picks will be made over 20 rounds wit🐽h the Clevel🤪and Guardians kicking things off with the 1st overall.
The draft itself is a much larger affair compared to other leagues. Traditionally, it spanned a whopping 40 rounds, allowing teams to select a vast pool of amateur talent. However, the recent collective bargaining agreement (2019) saw a reduction to 20 rounds with the addition of compensatory picks for teams losing free agents. This shift aims to streamline the process and encourage a focus on high-ceiling prospects. I’m assuming no one has attempted to do a full 40-round mock draft in the past, but I’ve been wrong before.
The MLB Draft boasts a rich history dating back to 1965, serving as a crucial mechanism for stocking the farm systems of all 30 major league teams. Past drafts have delivered iconic names like Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, and Alꦐbert Pujols, highlighting its potential to unearth future superstars. The Minnesota Twins themselves have enjoyed success with draft picks like Joe Mauer and Byron Buxton, and they hope to continue that tradition with their selection at pick 21.
With the draft clock ticking, the pressure is on for the Twins to make a strategic choice. Benge, Amick, and Janek all offer intriguing skillsets, and the team’s decision will shape their future offensive firepower.
