Twins' Kirilloff (Elizabethton 2016), Larnach (Elizabethton 2018) score invites
Fresh off their first American League Central division title since 2010, the Twins are about to get a look at the next wave of reinforcements in Fort Myers.
Fresh off their first American League Central division title since 2010, the Twins are about to get a look at the next wave of reinforcements in Fort Myers.
Minnesota extended non-roster invites to Major League Spring Training to No. 32
Kirilloff retains his high prospect status despite an up-and-down season of his own. The left-handed slugger hit .283/.343/.413 with nine homers for Pensacola in 2019. He was limited to 94 games by wrist injuries, which likely played a role in cutting his offensive production after he led the Minors in extra-base hits in 2018. When healthy, Kirilloff is a plus hitter with above-average power. His primary experience has been as a right fielder, but he also made 35 starts at first base in 2019. If he remains at the cold corner, there will be even more pressure on the 22-year-old's bat.
Rounding out the list of recent Twins first-rounders, Larnach -- the 20th overall pick in 2018 -- will build off a promising first full season when he arrives in Major League camp. The former Oregon State star hit .309/.384/.458 with 13 homers in 127 games between Fort Myers and Pensacola. Seven of those 13 homers came over 43 games at the higher level, showing that Larnach's power should increase the farther he gets from the pitcher-friendly Florida State League. The left-handed-hitting outfielder has the potential for above-average hit and power tools, while his 40-grade speed should keep him in right or left.