Ranking the Twins Top-5 Speed Tool Prospects

[Cody Christie]

Bryon Buxton might be the fastest player in the Twins organization, but other prospects are close to chasing him down. Here’s how the team’s top prospects rank when it comes to speed.5. Misael Urbina, OF

Current/Future Speed: 60/50

Urbina was the Twins top international signee back in the 2018 and he has continued his physical development since joining the organization. He currently comes in at 6-foot-0 and 175 pounds, which is stocky when it comes to the speed tool. Most scouting reports peg him as being a plus runner and he has shown the ability to steal bases and play terrific outfield defense. He has yet to make his debut in a stateside league, but that will likely change in 2021.

 

4. Keoni Cavaco, SS

Current/Future Speed: 60/55

When the Twins drafted Cavaco, his athleticism was something that saw him rise quickly into the first round. He flashed plus speed entering the draft and those skills translated to his first professional season. According to reports out of the instructional leagues, Cavaco spent last year’s shutdown working on his conditioning and physical make-up. Now he is leaner this should only help his athleticism. It’s also scary to think what that could mean for his plus running skills. His body is going to continue to grow, and this can lead to him to losing some speed. The Twins are going to try and keep him at shortstop, but his size might result in a shift to third base.

 

3. Gilberto Celestino, OF

Current Speed: 60/60

Celestino is a name Twins fans will get very familiar with in the coming years, especially since Byron Buxton’s future is up in the air. Celestino can be the heir apparent to Buxton since the team’s current centerfielder only has two more years of team control. Celestino’s stock has really taken off since coming to the Twins as part of the Ryan Pressly deal. He uses his speed to exhibit plus range in the outfield and he can play all three outfield positions. As gets more experience, his ability to steal bases should improve and he continues to add speed as he has grown into his body. Out of the players on this list, he has the best chance to keep his current speed ranking long-term.

 

2. Will Holland, SS

Current/Future Speed: 65/60

Holland fell to the Twins in the fifth round of the 2019 Draft, but it might have been a blessing in disguise for the organization. He dropped in the draft because of a poor performance during his junior season at Auburn and his pro debut didn’t go much better. His speed helps him on both sides of the ball as his physical tools allow him to play shortstop and second base. Currently, Holland might be the fastest player in the organization because the top player on this list will be out for all of 2021. He has worked with his swing throughout the minor league shutdown, so he has plenty to prove when the new season gets underway.

 

1. Royce Lewis, SS

Current Speed: 70/60

Twins fans may have gotten spoiled with Buxton as he is one of the fastest players at the big-league level. Lewis might not be quite at the same level as Buxton, but he still has blazing fast speed (see Tom’s highlight video below). His recent knee injury might be cause for concern because he might lose a step or two as he recovers. Even considering his injury, he is head and shoulders above the rest of the players on this list when it comes to speed. His best runs times from home to first are under four seconds and there are few players that can do that in professional baseball.

How would you rank these players? Does someone else make the list? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

 

OTHER POSTS IN THIS SERIES

 

-Hit Tool Prospects

-Power Tool Prospects

 

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[TouchEmAll]

RL is impressive young man...

https://www.mlb.com/news/royce-lewis-staying-positive-after-acl-surgery

[Doctor Gast]

I like speed and how they use it. Speed contributes to offense and defense. A good core. Wish Lewis a speedy and complete recovery. Expect great things from him. Can't wait for him and Celestino to come up.

[mikelink45]

Speed is a tool that can play well in the playoffs when the bats get stifled by a dose of the best pitchers.  

[BeanM.D.]

Isn't Gabriel Maciel supposed to be plus plus speed as well? 

[Major League Ready]

 

Isn't Gabriel Maciel supposed to be plus plus speed as well? 

 

Fangraphs has him at 70/70. He seems like a guy who could jump up in the rankings if he develops a little more pop. Kind of a switch hitting Ben Revere. This is going to be a really interesting season to follow Twins prospect. There are lots of guys like Maciel who could start knocking at the big league door.