The ongoing series of 2014 Fantasy Profiles continues, this time with Twins prospect Byron Buxton. I will be looking closer at MLB’s top prospects all offseason, as well as throughout the season, focusing on players who will have a real Fantasy impact on the 2014 season.
When the top prospects got released, or continue to get released from sites and writers across the world, no one is at all surprised to see the Twins No. 1 prospect Byron Buxton at the top.
There is nothing more exciting to baseball fans and writers than Buxton right now. He is drawing comparisons to Mike Trout in Baseball America.
Buxton wowed in his first professional season, and although chances of a call-up prior to September, if at all in 2014, are slim.
All eyes will be on Buxton this season. Expectations are high, and his ceiling is just as high.
Prospect Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins
Prospect Byron Buxton was ranked the No. 1 overall prospect by Baseball American for 2014. Photo by Paul Hadsall
What We’ve Seen So Far
Drafted second overall in the 2012 draft by the Minnesota Twins, Buxton raised plenty of eyebrows in 2013. Reaching High Class A last season, his numbers dipped ever so slightly — so slightly that it was insignificant.
In brief, in first season of play in the minors, he showed his amazing defensive ability, as well as his fantastic speed, swiping 55 bases between both stops in Class A. His power grade 3 of 5, (according to MLB.com scouting grades) also flashed with him hitting 12 home runs between both levels.
With the comparisons to Trout seeming rather risky and lofty when made originally, Buxton has done nothing to sway scouts from those comparisons so far. He is a legitimate five-tool player, with plenty of room to grow physically and mentally. His power, body and tools will follow right along.
Buxton’s Prospects Going Forward
Buxton will be honing his skills and impressing scouts and fans even more in Double-A and Triple-A in 2014. The Twins could likely use Buxton this season, but there is no rush and the Twins will take their time to ensure he is really ready for the call.
He likely won’t be in Target Field until 2015, but who knows, if the injury bug hits the Twins outfield, he may get the call late in 2014. A potential trade involving Josh Willingham could also shake things up enough to see Buxton late in 2014.
Buxton projects out to be a five-category player once he hits the majors, with speed, power potential, the ability to get on base and hit for high average. His defensive ability is phenomenal, and he should have no issues remaining in center field for most of his career.
He profiles to be a .290 hitter, with 20-plus HR potential, 20-plus SB speed and, as mentioned, elite defensive abilities.
If you are drafting in a keeper, or dynasty league he needs to be on your radar, and you need to be willing to draft early. In a dynasty league I am participating in this year, he actually went in Round 4.
Redraft league owners — if you have a deep enough bench – should be excited about his potential to have an impact, even if it is only a month or two in 2014, as it justifies a very late pick in 2014.
Keep your eyes peeled for even more 2014 Fantasy Profiles for Prospects, and be sure to get ready for my draft strategy series coming soon. Thanks for reading!
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