Each spring since 2007 — when the list was headlined by Matt Garza, Chris Parmelee, Glen Perkins and Kevin Slowey — I’ve published an annual ranking of the Twins’ top 40 prospects. During that time, the Twins’ farm system has gone through several distinct phases — rising, falling, rising, bottoming out, and being totally rebuilt under new leadership. They’ve had some great prospects over that span, but in terms of combining upside, depth, and positional diversity, this year’s group is as strong as any collection of Twins prospects in my 14 years of ranking them — even after this week’s trade of Brusdar Graterol, who was previously my No. 3 overall prospect.



They boast at least five and as many as seven prospects who warrant legitimate consideration for top-100 global status, and most of them have a real shot to reach the majors this year. Overall pitching talent throughout the organization has never been better,...