Follow Prospects Worldwide on Twitter: @ProspectsWorldW
**Right below is the Twins Risers and Shiners list simplified. Scroll further down for FULL Future Grades, Role, ETA, and summaries on EACH PLAYER ranked on this list! Tons of 2021 Statistics on each player as well! Some player highlights, future outlooks and more enjoy!**
**These will exclude any 2022 draft picks due to the teams already being posted prior to the 2022 Draft**
| Rank | Player | Position | How Acquired |
| 1 | Vinnie Pasquantino | 1B | 11th Round – 2019 Draft |
| 2 | Nick Pratto | 1B | 1st round: 2017 Draft – 14th Overall |
| 3 | Carter Jensen | C | 3rd Round – 2021 Draft |
| 4 | Asa Lacy | LHP | 1st round: 2020 Draft – 4th Overall |
| 5 | Frank Mozzicato | LHP | 1st round: 2021 Draft – 7th Overall |
| Risers | |||
| 1 | Tyler Gentry | OF | 3rd Round – 2020 Draft |
| 2 | Luca Tresh | C | 17th round – 2021 Draft |
| 3 | Brennon McNair | SS | 11th Round – 2021 Draft |
| 4 | Nick Loftin | SS | 1st round: 2020 Draft – 32nd Overall |
| 5 | Samad Taylor | OF | Trade with Blue Jays |
1. Vinnie Pasquantino 1B | Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA)
24-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 6’4″ | 245 lbs. | ETA: 2022
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 55 | 60 | 60 | 20 | 40 | 6 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .300 | .394 | .563 | .957 | 24 | 6 | 0 | 12.5% | 12.5% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .263 | 154 | 8.0% | 33.9% | 23.3% | 42.8% | 46.8% | 25.0% | 28.2% |
Scouting Report:
The Royals made Pasquantino an eleventh-round selection back in the 2019 draft. The big 6’4” first baseman has been one of the fastest rising prospects in baseball. The Royals saw enough in the minor leagues to promote him to the big leagues. Pasquantino has a great hit tool that should carry both excellent contact and above average power in the big leagues. His success at the plate stems from a patient approach and an elite eye. Pasquantino has an excellent understanding of the strike zone that should help him succeed against more intense competition.
Pasquantino already has well below average speed that will likely only continue to get worse with age. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for with his glove. Pasquantino is not going to be the best fielding first baseman you have ever seen, but he profiles to be above average defensively. With a potentially elite bat and an above average glove, Pasquantino figures to be a mainstay in the Royals lineup for years to come!
Written By: Matt Heckman (@Heckman_Matt115)
2. Nick Pratto 1B | Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA)
23-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 6’1″ | 215 lbs. | ETA: 2022
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 35 | 55 | 70 | 40 | 60 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .265 | .385 | .602 | .988 | 36 | 12 | 5 | 28.8% | 15.2% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .337 | 156 | 12.9% | 30.8% | 22.9% | 46.2% | 46.9% | 25.3% | 27.7% |
Scouting Report:
Pratto, the 14th-round selection in 2017 is a bit of a late bloomer but as of 2020 is starting to make good on his promise as a first rounder. In 2021, Pratto hit 36 home runs and was 2nd in all of minor league baseball in extra base hits. The only question remaining on Pratto’s development is whether or not he will hit enough to reach his power hitting first baseman profile. The 2017 first rounder is most known for his plus-plus defense and plus arm as a first baseman that will dazzle fans as the best first baseman since Eric Hosmer departed. Overall, I see a solid contributor in the middle of the order who could challenge for multiple gold gloves at first base and be a key piece for a Kansas City rebuild going forward.
Written By: Jake Wood (@woodbat28)
3. Carter Jensen C | Columbia Fireflies (A)
18-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 6’1″ | 210 lbs. | ETA: 2025
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 50 | 55 | 55 | 45 | 60 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .281 | .388 | .404 | .792 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 29.9% | 14.9% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .123 | 115 | 27.1% | 44.4% | 27.8% | 27.8% | 40.5% | 27.0% | 32.4% |
Scouting Report:
This is one of the more bold players on this list but Carter Jensen has considerable upside on both sides of the ball. Jensen has a lofty swing and good barreling abilities producing solid raw power. His hit tool is average and while he has good barrel control, his swing-and-miss going forward could cause some issues. Defensively, he’s quick, athletic and comes with a plus arm from behind the plate. In closing, Jensen has all the tools to become a staple in the Royals lineup for a while. While the catching position is known to be weaker hitting wise, Jensen will have power and good defense to top everything off. Royals fans should take notice of Jensen.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
4. Asa Lacy LHP | Northwest Arkansas Naturals (AA)
23-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 6’4″ | 215 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| FB | CB | CH | SL | Control | Role |
| 70 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 40 | 5 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 52 | 14 | 14 | 5.19 | 1.58 | 33.3% | 17.3% | 0.87 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 19.0% | 4.7 | 33.3% | 27.8% | 38.9% | 46.8% | 23.9% | 29.4% |
Scouting Report:
The Royals found a top of the rotation pitcher in Lacy when they took him with the fourth overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. He repeats his mechanics on the mound and hits 98 on the mound. What Lacy lacks is command and he can leave his fastball up in the zone making it hittable. There’s some deception in his delivery making his changeup look filthier. If Lacy can stay healthy, he should be at the top of the leaderboard in strikeouts regularly, but walks will come with him. The stuff is real, but the former Texas A&M star does come with a lot of risk.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
5. Frank Mozzicato LHP | Columbia Fireflies (A)
19-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 6’3″ | 175 lbs. | ETA: 2024
| FB | CB | CH | Control | Role |
| 55 | 70 | 50 | 45 | 5 |
Scouting Report:
This lefty was one of the surprise picks of the 2021 draft and if he can manage his control he has legitimate potential in the future. He had one of the best curveballs in the draft and so far his curveball is his best pitch due to it’s late bite. His fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90’s and plays as a good weapon. His changeup has good fade but it’s still a work in progress but has some definite potential. The development of a fourth pitch is key here for Mozzicato. Limiting walks and getting his control in check are the big problems so far for Mozzicato. Currently in 2022, he has 39 walks in 48.1 IP as that translates to an 18.1% walk rate. Once he can sure up his control, he’ll be a good weapon for the Royals.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
Risers:
1. Tyler Gentry OF | Northwest Arkansas Naturals (AA)
23-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’2″ | 210 lbs. | ETA:
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 45 | 50 | 55 | 50 | 55 | 4 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .259 | .395 | .449 | .844 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 29.6% | 15.6% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .190 | 135 | 9.6% | 43.2% | 23.2% | 33.7% | 53.1% | 17.7% | 29.2% |
Scouting Report:
The former Crimson Tide had mixed results with A (Adv) in 2021. Pluses are he showed an ability to get on base via walk with 15.6% BB% and .395 OBP. The strikeout percentage was a problem as a 29.6% K% is high, and because he posted a higher ground ball percentage versus the flyball percentage, his power capabilities were not on full display. 2022 will be an opportunity for Gentry to improve the mechanics in his swing to hit the ball in the air more. If he can accomplish this, to go along with average speed, and good glove and arm strength to play center or right field, will only increase his chances of boosting his value to the Royals future outfield.
Written By: Patrick Joyce (@PJoyce29)
2. Luca Tresh C | Quad Cities River Bandits (A+)
22-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’0″ | 195 lbs. | ETA: 2024
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 45 | 55 | 55 | 35 | 50 | 4 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .226 | .293 | .358 | .652 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 25.9% | 8.6% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .132 | 75 | 15.2% | 36.1% | 16.7% | 47.2% | 52.6% | 15.8% | 31.6% |
Scouting Report:
Luca Tresh was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 17th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of North Carolina State. While Tresh has never hit for average, he does have the ability to barrel up the ball and crush pitches over the fence. His swing isn’t as compact as I’d like to see it, and there are swing-and-miss concerns, so don’t expect him to put up high batting averages. He is a defensive first catcher, and possesses an above-average glove, but with Carter Jensen in the way, Tresh will most likely serve as his backup with the big-league squad and fill in as a DH when his power is really needed.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
3. Brennon McNair SS | ACL Royals (Rookie)
19-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’1″ | 185 lbs. | ETA: 2025
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 55 | 45 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 4 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .323 | .432 | .548 | .981 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 23.1% | 7.7% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .226 | 160 | 28.8% | 45.5% | 18.2% | 36.4% | 29.2% | 37.5% | 33.3% |
Scouting Report:
McNair was an 11th round pick in 2021 and he comes with good upside on both sides of the ball. He is hit over power and puts up consistently good at-bats. While his eye at the plate is good, he does have a major tendency to swing at breaking balls in the dirt and not adjust during an at-bat. However, once he starts learning to adjust and take those breaking balls, his hit tool should shine. For his power, it’ll be below average but the mixture of speed and contact is legitimate. In the end, McNair has showed he would be a good top of the order bat when he’s fully matured.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
4. Nick Loftin OF | Northwest Arkansas Naturals
23-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’1″ | 180 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 50 | 40 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 4 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .289 | .373 | .463 | .837 | 10 | 11 | 2 | 14.6% | 10.2% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .174 | 130 | 7.0% | 40.3% | 22.9% | 36.9% | 43.1% | 25.3% | 31.6% |
Scouting Report:
Loftin won’t dazzle anyone at the plate, but he is an above-average defender. At the plate, Loftin has more of a line drive swing with the ability to put the ball in the gap, rather than a homerun-oriented swing. Depending on where he ends up, Loftin has a chance to be a starter and keep up. The Royals have transitioned Loftin to center this season, so they could be trying to get the most out of him and pencil him in their future lineup with Witt rightfully taking short.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
5. Samad Taylor OF | Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA)
24-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’10” | 160 lbs. | ETA: 2023
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 55 | 45 | 55 | 60 | 50 | 4 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .294 | .385 | .503 | .888 | 16 | 30 | 8 | 29.4% | 11.2% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .209 | 141 | 13.2% | 39.1% | 14.5% | 46.4% | 39.9% | 27.7% | 30.5% |
Scouting Report:
The Royals Acquired Taylor from the Blue Jays for Whit Merrifield just before the 6 pm trade deadline this year. Taylor, has been kind of a late bloomer, especially in the power department. But he has a good blend of contact and speed that’ll surely make him rise and allow him to start getting more notice from fans and evaluators alike. He has a quick and compact swing and drives the ball to all fields. He’s a solid runner and will be a good base stealer for years to come. His pitch recognition must get better for him to become that top of the lineup force the Royals know he can be. On the other end, Taylor has some good upside and could see himself starting for the Royals going into the 2023 season.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
Follow us on Twitter @ProspectsWorldW
SUBSCRIBE To our YouTube channel! For amateur and Minor League prospects
