On July 31, when the Twins traded their only legitimate shortstop prospect in Tyler Ladendorf, I wrote the following:
Now here is where this trade could go from being good to great. The Twins were reluctant to part with Ladendorf. In a now related story, the Twins have been one of the leading candidates to sign top Dominican prospect Miguel Angel Sano who also plays shortstop. If the Twins signed Sano to make up for the loss of Ladendorf then I would be extremely happy. Sano has an extremely high ceiling, much higher than Ladendorf's.
Yesterday the Twins announced that they signed shortstop Miguel Angel Sano. Sano is from the Dominican Republic. He is only 16 years old, and people have said they've never seen a kid with his power at that age in the Dominican. The sky is the limit for this kid. He was the top international prospect this year and the Twins got him.
The Twins signed him for $3.15 million dollars. That sets the monetary record for an amateur Latin position player signing. Sano will debut in the GCL Twins rookie team. Joe Mauer's brother will be his manager. Sano says his goal is to be in the majors in two years. That is highly unlikely, but it's not like the Twins have quality shortstops blocking the way.
This is such a huge signing for the Twins on so many levels.
First of all I think he instantly becomes the top Twins prospect. That might be overreacting, but he will definitely be in my top 5 when I start doing my top 50 Twins prospect list during the offseason (which I am very excited to write up).
Second, he fills a huge organizational need, that of middle infield. He might not stick at shortstop, but we shall see.
Sano also is the first big Latin American talent the Twins have signed in recent memory. They haven't been good at scouting the Dominican Republic, so hopefully this marks the beginning of a new trend.
Sano caps off a huge year for the Twins in acquiring top level talent. This year the Twins drafted the supposed 2nd best pitcher in the amateur draft in Kyle Gibson. The Twins also signed the most highly touted European prospect ever, outfielder Max Kepler. And they also shelled out $750K for Dominican shortstop Jorge Polanco.
I haven't agreed with all of Bill Smith's moves, but acquiring those four has increased the stock of the lower minor-leagues very nicely.
