Counting Down the Best International Prospect Additions in Recent Twins History

[Jamie Cameron]

With the international signing window set to open on Jan. 15, let’s take a look at some of the Twins’ best international prospect signings in modern history and examine how they’ve performed on the international market in recent seasons.

Image courtesy of © Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

4. Miguel Sanó 8.1 fWAR (1 fWAR average) over 8 seasons, peak 2.7 fWAR
Sanó was the most famous international prospect signed by the Twins in recent history, commanding a then-record $3.15-million bonus in 2009. Sanó put together some outstanding offensive spurts for the Twins, including a memorable 18-home run, 149 wRC+ 80-game debut in 2015. He never surpassed his 2.7 fWAR peak, however, and limited defensive value and off-the-field controversy colored his time with the organization.

3. Luis Arraez 6.6 fWAR (1.65 fWAR average) over 4 seasons, peak 2.7 fWAR
Arraez signed out of Venezuela for a mere $40,000 in 2013. From a simple return-on-investment perspective, he’s close to the top of the list. A fan favorite who averaged a 119 wRC+ in four seasons in Minnesota, Arraez remains one of the best pure hitters in MLB. In addition to his contributions to wins through his play, he netted the organization a significant asset in Pablo López, who has already accrued 7.8 fWAR for the Twins and will be going into his third season anchoring the rotation in 2025.

2. Jorge Polanco 15.4 fWAR (1.54 fWAR average) over 10 seasons, peak 4.0 fWAR
Polanco garnered a $700,000 bonus out of the DR in 2009. Polanco logged 832 games in a Twins uniform over 10 seasons. In only two of those seasons was he a below-average hitter. He cranked 112 home runs, added 181 doubles and carried a 109 wRC+ in nine full seasons with the Twins. A fan favorite, Polanco was undoubtedly one of the best international prospect signings in recent Twins history.

1. Max Kepler 18.6 fWAR (1.86 fWAR average) over 10 seasons, peak 3.9 fWAR
Kepler was signed for $750,000 out of Germany in the 2009 international signing window. Despite being a league-average hitter, he brought a ton of value on defense, logging 1,072 starts for the Twins, mostly in right field. He hit 161 home runs and belted 205 doubles in a Twins uniform. While he was offensively mercurial, he’s probably the most valuable international prospect investment the Twins have made in the last 20 years.

While Minnesota has added value through other international prospects, including those not signed by the organization (such as Jhoan Durán), it’s been a while since a home-grown international prospect was an everyday player for the organization. The Twins will be hoping that changes soon, with Emmanuel Rodriguez likely to debut in 2025.

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[Trov]

International signings are about as big of crap shoot you can get. You look at a 16 year old and bet they will become something.  Sometimes you hit, more often you miss.  What is crazy is that Sano, Poloco, and Kepler all were the same signing year. 

Many times the top rank international prospect rarely is the best that comes out. Sure we wished we would hit more, but many teams are in same boat. 

[gman]

The biggest hiccup for International free agents seems to be getting passed A ball. Many do well in the DSL, but once they get to Florida they just seem to disappear. I'm hoping Ramon Barinas can have a major impact on the overall results.

[AftonTwinsFan]

Kind of crazy that 3 of the 4 all signed in the same year.  If it wasn't for the 2009 class, the international signings would be pretty bleak.