Is Billy Amick the Minnesota Twins' Long-Term Solution at First Base?

[Cody Schoenmann]

Image courtesy of David Malamut (photo of Billy Amick)

Since Rocco Baldelli took over as Minnesota Twins manager at the beginning of the 2019 season, first base has been a revolving door. C.J. Cron patrolled the position in Baldelli's first year, hitting .253/.311/.469 with 25 home runs and an admirable 101 wRC+. Miguel Sanó occupied the position for two seasons thereafter. Since Sanó's departure, José Miranda, Alex Kirilloff, Donovan Solano, and Carlos Santana have rotated through the spot.

In mid-February, Twins decision-makers signed Ty France to a one-year, $1-million non-guaranteed contract to become the club's next full-time first baseman. The 30-year-old veteran has already delivered value on that investment, with a sturdy 105 wRC+ in 145 plate appearances. Yet, given the significant spending restrictions this ownership group has placed on the front office and France's shaky recent track record, France will likely depart Twins Territory after his 2025 campaign.

That being the case, the club will presumably be scouring the trade and free-agent markets to acquire another veteran first baseman on a short-term deal this offseason. While this method of roster construction has sufficed since Sanó's departure and would be a sound approach, the organization would happily welcome a long-term solution at the position. Interestingly, Billy Amick could be just that.

Taken with the 60th selection in the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of Tennessee, Amick performed well over 77 plate appearances at Low A last season, hitting .222/.351/.413 with 14 hits, three doubles, three home runs, 12 walks, and a 122 wRC+. The 22-year-old has built on that impressive inaugural campaign this spring, hitting .342/.475/.447 with 26 hits, six doubles, 15 walks, and a 168 wRC+ over 99 plate appearances at High-A Cedar Rapids. Contact and strikeout concerns exist in Amick's hitting profile. Yet, he has hit well at every level he's played at, lending weight to the idea that he could overcome these shortcomings as he progresses through the high minors.

Given that Amick was a high draft pick who played collegiate baseball at Clemson and Tennessee for three seasons, he is expected to perform well in the low minors. The former Volunteer could soon earn a promotion to Double-A. In the field, Amick has netted playing time at the following positions:

• First base - 71 innings
• Third base - 103 innings

Amick primarily played third base with Clemson and Tennessee, and was announced as a third baseman when selected by the Twins in the draft. It's unsurprising that they've kept him at the hot corner most of the time. However, one of his most significant shortcomings in college was his defense at third base.

According to FanGraphs's Eric Longenhagen, Amick is a "flub-prone third baseman with mixed arm and accuracy [whose] range and hands [are] both below average." Minnesota already has promising third basemen Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee on the 26-man roster. Also, Carlos Correa could slide to the hot corner as his career progresses. Taking that into consideration, along with the fact that fellow young, defensively superior infield prospects Rayne Doncon, Kaelen Culpepper, and Brandon Winokur are also receiving opportunities at third, there is reason to believe the organization could eventually elect to move Amick off the position.

Moving off a position higher on the defensive spectrum would be a negative for Amick and his future value. However, like most organizations, the Twins don't have a highly ranked first base prospect at any minor-league level. If Amick can continue to thrive at the plate while demonstrating adequate defense at first base, the former second-round pick could become the club's first long-term solution at the position this decade.

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[Doctor Wu]

Way too early to even think about this idea. Amick is certainly a possibility at that position. But long-term solution? Not so sure about that. Gotta get him called up first to even start that discussion. 

[Patzky]

Dude. If they payed Farmer, they can pay France.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

Honestly France could become a midterm solution.  Amick could become a longterm solution,  as of today I think there is 1 player that is more likely right now,  and that is McCusker.  Yes they would have to work on 1st base technique,  but 1st base will likely be his long term home in a few years,  while his bat can continue to mash. 

[Doctor Gast]

Yeah, from the beginning, Amick was never a 3B option. Most definitely, 1B is his only option, but being the Twins' long-term option at 1B is a long shot, especially since it's early & with so many promising options in the past that the Twins have failed to develop. 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Sure. Let's continue the discussion of possible roster spots in 2029.

[bean5302]

I find his line last year in low-A unimpressive for a 2nd round all bat college hitter, he's still in the low minors, his BABIP is .500 and his ISO is a very poor .105.

[saviking]

Would love for someone to solidify first base from inside the organization. 

[LambchoP]

He's looked good this year, but it's way too early to be making calls like this. I think Lewis might be the better long term option at first base. Maybe Mccusker, if he can hit big league pitching well enough and if either of these guys can play a good enough first base....

[Mark G]

This organization breeds every infield position BUT 1st base, and it has been going on for a long time.  First base and catcher seem to be our bugaboos, mainly because it is hard to develop a really good long term catcher, and we look at the first base position the same way we look at DH; just rotate people in and out, occasionally signing a 1 year stop gap.  

I truly hope this guy develops and gives us several decent years.  If we just can't develop a good first baseman, then trade for a long term solution, but I do hope Billy can succeed.

[nicksaviking]

No power, no speed, sketchy defense. With that profile, having success like Luis Arraez (who had a pretty low ceiling despite the fun batting average) is the exception, not the rule. A Willians Astudillo or Mickey Gasper is more likely.

If this team isn't aiming higher than France or Amick, that probably means the Twins still have the same owners. And Amick is still in A ball, so we're probably talking about two years from now, which would be disappointing.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

Here's a college guy who is playing ok in the low minors.  Let's anoint him with future stardom, or at least put that millstone on him. . .  Let the guy play!

Amick may (or may not) be a fine player someday, but this is WAY too far out to really be concerned about right now.  At the moment France seems to be doing the job pretty well, and is probably resignable (at a raise) for next year.  Let's see how he finishes the year and see how others in the system develop. 

[thelanges5]

I’ve posted this idea previously and think it’s a good idea. AA will be a good test for him and if he continues maybe he gets there mid-season.
 

McCusker may be another option for 1B although he hasn’t spent any time there. 

[Mike Sixel]

Got to promote him to AA this year, and move him to first. He's never playing third in the majors. Like keeping Martin at short for no reason..... keeping this guy at third makes zero sense. 

[Cody Schoenmann]

1 hour ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

Sure. Let's continue the discussion of possible roster spots in 2029.

Amick could reasonably be in the majors next season. 

[NYCTK]

8 minutes ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Amick could reasonably be in the majors next season. 

It's technically possible, but like bean said, I will pump the breaks on the anointment of the guy with a 0.100 ISO as our next great first baseman. Until he shows some power, I have no interest in seeing him at AA. 

[awmonahan]

I'm not seeing a compelling argument for him at 1B yet. If he performs at AA soon, maybe we can reconsider. For now, he's simply performing better than Aaron Sabato. 

[jorgenswest]

7 minutes ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Amick could reasonably be in the majors next season. 

I really don’t see it. He has no home runs and an ISO of .105. If anything I think he was better at the plate last year. He struck out less and had more power in a park that depresses power numbers. I don’t think he has done enough to merit a call up to AA this year. His OBP is fueled by a bunch of singles thanks to a .500 BABIP and 6 HBPs. 

[KBJ1]

Amick is a "flub-prone third baseman with mixed arm and accuracy [whose] range and hands [are] both below average."  And this led us to draft him in the 2nd round?? Shouldn't a college age player be a proven HR masher to be taken that high?

Who was that late round 1B/3B pick last year that played for a small west coast school? How is he doing?

[bean5302]

15 minutes ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Amick could reasonably be in the majors next season. 

LOL, what?? I think it'd be fair to disclose any close personal relationships to Amick here, man.

[bean5302]

5 minutes ago, awmonahan said:

I'm not seeing a compelling argument for him at 1B yet. If he performs at AA soon, maybe we can reconsider. For now, he's simply performing better than Aaron Sabato. 

No he's not better than Aaron Sabato.

a22 A+, Amick vs. Sabato
.342/.475/.447 OPS .922 wRC+ 168 15.2% BB, 26.3% K, .105 ISO, .500 BABIP
vs.
.253/.402/.613 OPS 1.015 wRC+ 166 19.6% BB, 33.0% K, .360 ISO, .297 BABIP

[KBJ1]

Amick is a "flub-prone third baseman with mixed arm and accuracy [whose] range and hands [are] both below average."  And this led us to draft him in the 2nd round?? Shouldn't a college age player be a proven HR masher to be taken that high?

Who was that late round 1B/3B pick last year that played for a small west coast school? How is he doing?

Jay Thomason - from Air Force Acadamy. Doing well in the FSL league. 82 AB, 6 Hr, 6 doubles ops 1000 + stolen bases. Why is he still there? Right now he looks like a guy who should be in AA ball soon. 17th round pick. You telling me Amick is better??? One has to wonder.

[CRF]

WHO?

[Fire Dan Gladden]

24 minutes ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Amick could reasonably be in the majors next season. 

Reasonably?
Is that because he has shown to be MLB ready with a whole 71 innings played a 1B and 180 MiLB at bats?
Is it his superior reputation as a fielder?
Is that because the Twins have shown a propensity to rush position players through the minors?

Please... explain the reasonableness of a guy in the low-minors with sketchy defense having any chance of being a Twins 1B next year.

[amjgt]

Thanks for the article. This type of article is one of the reasons I'm a Gold Caretaker. Shining light on players that don't get a ton of light shone on them. 

Nobody is predicting anything for Amick even though some of the odd replies make it seem that way. They click on articles that they know they won't care about, just to comment negatively about them. Strange behavior. 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

9 minutes ago, amjgt said:

Thanks for the article. This type of article is one of the reasons I'm a Gold Caretaker. Shining light on players that don't get a ton of light shone on them. 

Nobody is predicting anything for Amick even though some of the odd replies make it seem that way. They click on articles that they know they won't care about, just to comment negatively about them. Strange behavior. 

Actually, I clicked on this article because it was different than most of the other stuff and I had heard very little of Amick. It was interesting to read about a decent offensive start by a low-level player.

The train ran off the rails when the author suggested that a defensively challenged 3B with 71 innings at 1B in A-Ball is even on the radar as a potential long term defensive 1B, then he doubled-down by saying he could reasonably be in the majors next year.

Yes, I have issues with the repetitive articles. Yes, I have issues with troll commentors that attempt to hijack articles. There are times when articles need to be defended and ultra-negative comments need to be addressed. This is not one of those times.

[bean5302]

2 hours ago, KBJ1 said:

...Jay Thomason - from Air Force Acadamy. Doing well in the FSL league. 82 AB, 6 Hr, 6 doubles ops 1000 + stolen bases. Why is he still there? Right now he looks like a guy who should be in AA ball soon. 17th round pick. You telling me Amick is better??? One has to wonder.

Amick aside, Thomason is hitting well this year despite struggling a bit at same level last year. A late round senior college pick struggling in lower A ball last year was going to put him off the radar. As a late round senior pick, Thomason is old in age and experience for a legit prospect in the FSL, though you'd have to expect he'll be promoted quickly if he continues to perform. 100 plate appearances is nothing, but Thomason has been consistently productive this year.

[jmlease1]

He's a college player who was a 2nd round pick, currently in High A. Long way to go before he becomes a serious option for "1B of the future", but there are some things to like about what we're seeing from Amick so far. He's doing everything we could really ask for him at the plate so far: taking walks and showing he knows the strike zone, making good contact, and showing decent pop at the plate. He hasn't been good at 3B, but he's not the butcher of cairo over there either, so it's reasonable to keep giving him innings over there. I'll be a little concerned that a guy whose hands are described as poor at 1B too, but so far he seems to be doing fine there and his range might help.

He's passing the test in A-ball. I'm not going to get mad about people being excited about a guy doing everything he's asked to do in the job he's at. I think the real challenge for him will be when he gets to AA, which he seems on track to do some time this season, which is a good place to be for a guy in his first full year as a pro.

The Sabato comp is interesting, though I would argue Amick is ahead of him right now in his development. Sabato really hit the wall when he made it to AA, and this year (at age 26, in his 4th attempt at the level) is the first time he's really hit at AA. Amick has more of a college track record to hang his hat on and has already gotten in about the same number of games in High A that Sabato did in his first pro season, so seems to be moving faster and more consistently already. But the real test for Amick is likely to come in AA when he faced more sophisticated and advanced pitchers.

Amick is an interesting prospect, and seems to be doing fine for a 2nd round pick. Hope he keeps up this fast start and earns a promotion to Wichita.

[Cody Schoenmann]

1 hour ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

Actually, I clicked on this article because it was different than most of the other stuff and I had heard very little of Amick. It was interesting to read about a decent offensive start by a low-level player.

The train ran off the rails when the author suggested that a defensively challenged 3B with 71 innings at 1B in A-Ball is even on the radar as a potential long term defensive 1B, then he doubled-down by saying he could reasonably be in the majors next year.

Yes, I have issues with the repetitive articles. Yes, I have issues with troll commentors that attempt to hijack articles. There are times when articles need to be defended and ultra-negative comments need to be addressed. This is not one of those times.

Amick had a 1.236 OPS over 192 plate appearances at Clemson his Sophomore year. He had a 1.026 OPS over 292 plate appearances at Tennessee his Junior year. He now has a 168 wRC+ over 99 plate appearances at High-A. He thrived at the plate against the best pitching in college baseball for consecutive seasons and is now hitting 68% better than league average in High-A. This isn't some random, obscure prospect that I picked out and randomly placed the "first baseman of the future title" on him. He is a top 12 prospect in a strong Twins system who could soon be in Double-A at 22 years old. The backlash this piece has received is unwarranted, imo.

[NYCTK]

32 minutes ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Amick had a 1.236 OPS over 192 plate appearances at Clemson his Sophomore year. He had a 1.026 OPS over 292 plate appearances at Tennessee his Junior year. He now has a 168 wRC+ over 99 plate appearances at High-A. He thrived at the plate against the best pitching in college baseball for consecutive seasons and is now hitting 68% better than league average in High-A. This isn't some random, obscure prospect that I picked out and randomly placed the "first baseman of the future title" on him. He is a top 12 prospect in a strong Twins system who could soon be in Double-A at 22 years old. The backlash this piece has received is unwarranted, imo.

He needs to hit for more power before he gets called up to AA. Until that happens, he's just a dime a dozen.

I also think it's ridiculous to posit that he's the 1B of the future, but all prospect talk is nearly always a bit silly. But I think the benefit of a site like this IS the highlighting of prospects like Amick. I think he's a perfectly fine prospect. Ya, never know.