The Minnesota Twins currently have one of the greatest farm systems in all of baseball. They’ve also witnessed the graduation of some very exceptional talents. MLB Pipeline has been publishing rankings for 20 years, and a former Twins star stands out above the others.
Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer called best catching prospect
Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis have covered baseball prospects for decades. Their involvement with MLB Pipeline dates back to 2004. They’ve seen it all with the Minnesota Twins and every other team in Major League Baseball. They have never seen somebody quite like Joe Mauer, though. Mayo reviewed the 34 lists published by MLB Pipeline and put together a lineup including the best prospect at each position. Catcher was the Twins’ newest Hall of Famer.
“We’ll keep an eye on Adley Rutschman’s performance, but I can’t pass up our first No. 1 prospect and the only one to date who has been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Six All-Star selections, five Silver Sluggers, three batting crowns, three Gold Gloves, an MVP award, and a.306/.388/.439 line.”
Joe Mauer’s 55.2 bWAR is barely above his 53.5 fWAR. Of course, such figures are debatable, but what matters is his first ballot enshrinement in Cooperstown. That’s a high bar to cross, and Rutschman will strive to achieve it throughout his career.
What other Minnesota Twins could make MLB Pipeline’s future lineup?
Joe Obviously, an all-time lineup will include many players who will eventually be inducted in Cooperstown. That’s a high hurdle to clear, yet there is a spot in MLB Pipeline’s all-time lineup. That comes at second base, and the Minnesota Twins have a few options.
Ozzie Albies, of the Atlanta Braves, presently occupies the role. His 21.5 bWAR is not particularly impressive (Byron Buxton has 24.1 bWAR), but he is only 27 years old. Of course, Albies will continue to produce as a major leaguer, and the standard will rise. Minnesota, on the other hand, has some young studs who could contribute to the total in the future.
Brooks Lee quickly stands out as a great talent with the potential to have a career similar to Albies. The hit tool is solid, and he can play second base. If the power manifests itself like it has, the sky may be the limit to his future. Luke Keaschall is also a top 100 talent at this stage, and 2024 first-round pick Kaelen Culpepper may move across the diamond.
