Aaron

Sabato

Lewis is the big name among the Twins’ latest batch of cuts from spring training. The 22-year-old top prospect has battled injuries the last few seasons, but is finally healthy entering the 2022 campaign. Minnesota’s recent addition of superstar shortstop Carlos Correa eliminates any shot of him making it to the majors early on this season. He’s certainly a prospect fantasy managers should monitor closely at the Triple-A level.

Sabato also doubled and drew two walks in a game where the Mighty Mussels -- yes, that’s the team name -- won 19-3. That’s the third homer of the season for the first baseman, but just the first since May 25. Drafted with the 27th pick of the 2020 draft, Sabato has hit just .186 in 32 games, but he’s getting on base at a .370 clip thanks to 30 walks. There’s plus power in his right-handed bat, but the swing-and-miss in his game might make it difficult for him to hit for a high average; it’s shown up in 48 strikeouts in 113 at-bats this year. Sabato’s power makes him one of the better first base prospects in the sport, but there is a little more risk here than in your typical college bat.

Sabato was stellar in his year and a third at North Carolina, hitting .332/.459/.698 in 368 plate appearances. He’s a true first baseman and it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to hit for average against high-level pitching, but the power is legit and he has a good eye. He could reach Double-A next year.

Sabato really impressed in his two years with the Tar heels, and after hitting 18 homers with a 1.149 OPS in 2019, he was slashing .292/.478/.708 with seven homers in just 19 games before the COVID-19 shutdown. He has easy plus power from the right side, and like most hitters who come out of UNC, he’s willing to take a walk. There’s going to be strikeouts here, and the length in his swing makes hitting for average unlikely. A profile like Sabato’s carries risk -- especially considering he can’t play anywhere but first base -- but the power potential also means there’s reward. At his best, you’re looking at a player that could hit 35 homers while providing above-average run production.