There are no fantasy stars here, unless you want to count the Twins' valuable trove of prospects. A handful of players from this team should be helpful in 2015, though.
(Note: When a player's fantasy draft status is mentioned - e.g., "he's an SP4" - the number is based on 12-team mixed leagues.)
ALSO SEE: TEAM PREVIEWS ARCHIVES
Key additions: OF Torii Hunter, SP Ervin Santana
Key losses: None
Projected Lineup
The SS/CF spots aren't locked, as it's possible that Eduardo Escobar could play short, with Santana moving to center and Hicks to the bench or the minors. Jordan Schafer could be in the CF mix, too ... Santana was a nice surprise last season, and even though he probably won't bat .319 again, he would be a decent, late-round fantasy SS. Unfortunately, his early ADP has him going in Round 11, which is way too high ... Dozier's first half was MUCH better than his second in 2014, but he's still one of fantasy's best six or seven second basemen ... Mauer should improve. But as a 1B-only, why is he better than, say, James Loney? ... Vargas hit 26 home runs between the minors and majors last season, but he's a DH-only in most fantasy formats. He's draftable as an endgame option ... The 39-year-old Hunter is a better fantasy player than real player at this point, and could be your OF5 ... Do you need a .250-hitting, 15-homer guy at the hot corner in the last round? Plouffe fits that bill ... If Arcia's offseason hand injury gets resolved, he could hit 30 home runs, and his BA will probably improve ... Regular playing time is your only argument for drafting Suzuki as a second fantasy catcher ... From the Hicks/Escobar/Schafer mix, only Schafer brings any potential fantasy value, as he stole 30 bases in part-time roles last season.
Projected Rotation
CL: Glen Perkins
Nothing about Hughes' 2014 suggests a fluke, so why is he carrying an ADP of SP45? Bargain! ... Santana has had a sub-4.00 ERA in four of the last five seasons. He doesn't strike out a ton of batters, but he'll be a streaming option in pitcher-friendly Target Field ... As for the remaining three starters - blech. Maybe you can take a shot at Gibson and his ground-ball arsenal in an AL-only league. Otherwise, these guys are not good.
Perkins is being drafted behind 17 other closers in the early going, probably because people are worried about the forearm injury that ended his season a bit early. He's a nice value at that point, as there aren't 10 closers better than him.
Sleeper: Arcia, who has big-time power. He hit 20 homers in 103 games last season. Click here to get a more detailed explanation.
Top prospects
Byron Buxton, OF - Buxton is arguably baseball's best prospect, and could push for a promotion to Minnesota during the second half of 2015. He's the whole fantasy package, folks.
Miguel Sano, 3B - Sano missed all of 2013 due to Tommy John surgery, but it sounds like all is well now. His power potential is as good as anyone's.
Alex Meyer, SP - The 6'9" Meyer walks too many batters, but strikes out plenty as well. If he starts strongly, he could replace Milone in the rotation.
Kohl Stewart, SP - Stewart is only 20, so he's a few years away from Minnesota. Great stuff, but didn't miss enough bats last season. He's baseball's No. 36 prospect, according to MLB.com.
Jose Berrios, SP - Berrios rocketed through the minors last year, starting in A ball and eventually reaching Triple A for a late-season start. He's slightly ahead of Stewart (No. 32 overall) on the MLB.com prospect list, and could push for a promotion late this season despite not turning 21 until May. FanGraphs says that "scouts rave about his athleticism, makeup and work ethic."
Nick Gordon, SS - Gordon was the fifth pick in last year's draft. He's not as fast as older brother Dee, but projects as a better hitter.
ALSO SEE: TEAM PREVIEWS ARCHIVES
