Who’s the Top Twins Prospect? Alex Kirilloff vs. Royce Lewis

It's close, Kiriloff has more power but I'd choose Lewis because of his athleticism. His ability to play the critical positions of SS and CF which is the Twins greatest need. I'm not worried about his stance, he has shown that he's able to make the necessary adjustments.

Prospect lists is all about high upside so Lewis is the answer.  But he still could never play a game in the majors. 

Were Kiriloff is at worst Delmon Young. 

I like both of them. For me it’s Kirilloff. He has a more consistent track record

Excited to see the growth Lewis will make in 2021. Kirilloff will have a very productive Twins career. We need more players like them.

Too hard to tell without a minor league season last year.

But offense rules all rankings, so I suppose I'll say Kirilloff because this stuff is all opinion and arbitrary anyway.

As long as defensive shifts stay legal, I take Kirilloff. Cody has posted his spray chart previously (a thing of beauty). Players who can hit to all fields with power, are going to be the only way to beat the shift.

For me, it's still Lewis...

 

But I've also been on record (on Twitter) as saying Kirilloff will win a couple of batting titles and an MVP. So, that's pretty good.

 

I also don't think there is a huge difference between Kirilloff and Larnach, prospect-status-wise. 

Does a potential Larnach/CF/Kirilloff outfield make retaining Buxton extra important, or does one end up at 1B?

It really depends on what you value more, offense or defense?  Offense Kirilloff is higher, but defense Lewis is.  Lewis is not only defense but his is more of a wild card on what kind of offense he will put forward.  Even if he cannot stay at short he should still play high level of defense and if he can be above average on offense he should be better overall.

I really like Kirilloff and expect big things from him.  However, he will be playing average defense at best from what I hear and so his bat will have to be extra special. 

Kiriloff is an everyday Major Leaguer in 2021 so...IMHO Lewis is the top prospect with Larnach clipping at his heals

I think you mean Kirilloff has a higher floor.

At this point I'd have to go with Kiriloff.  His bat is just much more consistent than Lewis.

And it remains to be seen just where exactly Lewis will end up defensively.

If Lewis had shown a little more consistent hitting ability this would be much tougher for me to judge.

And I agree with the idea that Larnach isn't really that far behind Kiriloff as a hitter.

Unless Kiriloff becomes a 1B-man exclusively  (and with Sano, Rooker, and Sabato that seems unlikely) and even as much as I like Kepler it's hard not to imagine Larnach and Kiriloff in the corner OF spots.  

Signing Buxton to an extension is very important in that scenario.

UNLESS:  

You make a trade for Trevor Story and sign him to a long term extension making him the Twins SS for the next 7-8 years.

In that scenario, Lewis takes over for Buxton in CF and the process of developing a SS for 5+ years from now begins.

Will Wander Javier EVER deliver on his promise ???

The other, similar option is making a trade for Baez.  Same scenario, different player that the Twins would need to be committed to playing at SS for 5+ years or more.

I think right now it's Kirilloff. He's passed the test at every level so far and looks to have an elite hit tool that's backed up with performance. Lewis has great athleticism and elite potential, but he hasn't locked into a defensive position yet and he hasn't unlocked his hit potential yet.

This is also probably the last time we talk about them this way, because Kirilloff is about to graduate from prospect status. While it's possible Larnach or Rooker beats him out for a starting position in the OF, he's the odds-on favorite to grab a corner OF slot. And I don't think he's gonna let it go once he lands it.

The only real knock against Kirilloff is health: he's been dinged a few times. Hopefully he's able to stay on the field and slash line drives at everyone and every thing. I can't wait to see him out there for the Twins.

I'm still high on Royce Lewis, but he's still got some work to do. He'll be back as #1 after this season as Kirilloff graduates. Hopefully the loss of last season's minor league games don't set him back.

Lewis could become special. But so could Kirilloff, although mostly because of his bat. Although Lewis' ceiling is higher and his defense certainly better, there is a much higher probability that Kirilloff reaches his ceiling than Lewis. So its AK for me.

For me, it's still Lewis...

 

But I've also been on record (on Twitter) as saying Kirilloff will win a couple of batting titles and an MVP. So, that's pretty good.

 

I also don't think there is a huge difference between Kirilloff and Larnach, prospect-status-wise. 

I tend to mirror this.  Especially the Kirilloff and Larnach similarities.  Larnach is just bigger.  Both will be very good bats in The Show.  Lewis' bat has me concerned, but his leadership traits are fantastic.

The only thing I'd disagree with though from the article is Kirilloff doesn't swing and miss as much as you mentioned Cody.  Yes, with power may come more swings and misses, but Kirilloff's plate discipline is one of the best to come up through our system in recent years.  Not Luis Arraez levels, but under 20%.

For me it is easily Kirilloff.  Because, since this is all opinions, I believe Kirilloff will be a star in the bigs even if he only plays average defense.  And even though I hope that Lewis' bat will begin to shine, as expected, I am not quite as confidant in that happening. Making him a defensive specialist.  Possibly even "Super Utility".  I know that sounds pessimistic and I don't actually believe it myself, but the point is that he needs to show that his bat can be ML average. But, on the other hand, he is young, and super athletic.  I do believe he will get there, hopefully very soon.

Looking forward to seeing Lewis in Wichita this tear. I'm sure Kirilloff will be on Twins roster.

If Lewis can’t stick at SS then he isn’t nearly as valuable. I also worry that he won’t hit in the majors with that swing.

If Lewis can’t stick at SS then he isn’t nearly as valuable. I also worry that he won’t hit in the majors with that swing.

He could be "nearly as valuable" as a CFer if he does not stick at SS.

He could be "nearly as valuable" as a CFer if he does not stick at SS.

Disagree. Center field is important but great shortstops are the most valuable position players. And this is assuming he will hit at this level

Not getting on board with either. Especially Royce. SSS for both, and to predict both are going to be studs...You don't folllow MLB. Kirloff may be a substandard defender where ever you put him. Lewis may not have a position. I know nothing about about prospects, but aside from his AZ Fall League 2 weeks Royce has done nothing to impress with the bat. I know Larnach, Rooker, and Jeffers are older, but that is the future. May sound crazy, but how I feel

I'm a big Kirilloff fan. But, Lewis is 2 years younger and has equal or superior raw power, along with vastly superior speed and general athleticism. He's had flashes of success (e.g., 2019 AFL, 2018 Cedar Rapids) despite his swing issues. 

Kirilloff does have a high-upside scenario, where he becomes an elite hitter. But I'm not sure how much more likely that is than Lewis figuring things out . . . 

Call me crazy, but I see Kirilloff's bat as a combination of Mauer & Morneau.  Great chance he could even end up at first base as well.

I am not a fan of Lewis so I'll take Kiriloff but I'm willing to give Lewis a shot. However, I would trade Lewis for an established star that I can control for at least 2 years or pitcher like Castillo

Lewis has the higher upside at a premium position. That may make him the best prospect to some, and that’s perfectly reasonable.

I think Kirilloff is more likely to succeed and stick at the major league level. There is no question about his ability to hit. There is with Lewis.