Roundup: Twins taking Lewis, Larnach to camp

The Twins are taking a pair of Top-100 prospects to Major League camp this spring.

No. 17 overall prospect Royce Lewis and No. 80 Trevor Larnach received non-roster invitations to Spring Training on Monday, Minnesota announced. Fellow Top-100 prospects Alex Kirilloff (No. 26) and Jordan Balazovic (No. 97) will already be on the Major League side as members of the 40-man roster.

This will be Lewis' third non-roster invitation since the Twins made him the first overall pick in the 2017 Draft. The 21-year-old was last seen struggling in the Minors with a .236/.290/.371 line, 12 homers and 22 stolen bases between Class A Advanced and Double-A in 2019. However, he rebounded nicely that autumn, capturing Arizona Fall League MVP honors with a .353/.411/.565 line over 22 games. Minnesota also seemed pleased with his progress at last year's alternate training site, and it's that upward trajectory that keeps him in the overall ranks.

The 21-year-old still possesses plus-plus speed and the potential to show a plus hit tool and above-average power. His primary position throughout his career has been at shortstop, but he also saw time at second, third and center field during his time in the AFL. The Twins' recent signing of Andrelton Simmons likely means Lewis would need to break through at another position anyways if he has hopes of seeing the Majors in 2021.

This will be Larnach's second trip to the Major League side of Spring Training. The 2018 first-rounder out of Oregon State produced a .309/.384/.458 line with 13 homers, one triple and 30 doubles between Class A Advanced and Double-A in his first full season. Like Lewis, he participated at the 2020 alternate site in St. Paul. The 23-year-old slugger can show an above-average hit tool and power from the left side, and while he's limited to a corner outfield spot, his 55-grade arm can be of use from the grass, especially in right.

Lewis and Larnach are likely candidates to open the 2021 season with Triple-A St. Paul in its first year as an affiliated club.

No. 8 Aaron Sabato, No. 11 Matt Canterino, No. 21 Jose Miranda and No. 28 Josh Winder were the other ranked Twins prospects to receive non-roster invitations on Monday.

Minnesota pitchers and catchers are slated to have their first workouts in Fort Myers, Florida this Friday. Full-squad workouts begin on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Braves invite Waters, Langeliers: Atlanta announced it is bringing along No. 35 overall prospect Drew Waters and No. 73 Shea Langeliers to its Major League camp as well this spring.

Waters will be two years removed from his strong 2019 season in which he won the Southern League batting title with a .319 average over 108 games for Double-A Mississippi. The switch-hitting outfielder finished with a .309/.360/.459 line, seven homers and 16 stolen bases between there and Triple-A Gwinnett during that campaign. Waters participated in the 2020 alternate site but did not crack the Majors. He is considered a plus runner with a good glove and arm from the grass, though Cristian Pache's presence will likely push him to a corner.

Langeliers' strengths also lie on the defensive side at catcher. The 2019 ninth overall pick out of Baylor draws raves for his arm behind the plate as well as for his blocking and receiving. He has the potential to be average with the bat, and that package gives him a chance to provide good production from the catching spot in the Majors. Langeliers hit .255/.310/.343 with two homers over 54 games for Class A Rome during his one campaign in the Minors.

The Braves also invited No. 5 Braden Shewmake, No. 11 Freddy Tarnok, No. 12 Michael Harris, No. 13 Trey Harris, No. 16 Daysbel Hernandez, No. 17 Victor Vodnik, No. 18 CJ Alexander, No. 19 Bryce Ball, No. 24 Thomas Burrows and No. 27 Logan Brown.