3 Twins Players Who Will Be Rookie of the Year Candidates in 2020

Last year, Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez and New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso took home each league's respective Rookie of the Year honors in convincing fashion. The former was a unanimous selection, and the latter received 29 of 30 first-place votes.

When it comes to the 2020 AL hardware, there figures to be a myriad of players in contention. However, don't be surprised if the Minnesota Twins, -- who have the No. 7-ranked farm system in the league via MLB.com -- flaunt a few candidates of their own. With that in mind, this trio tops the list.

3. Alex Kirilloff

Minnesota Twins OF Alex Kirilloff / Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Expanded rosters could see the Twins call Alex Kirilloff's number from Day 1 this season. In 2019, the 22-year-old outfielder absolutely terrorized minor league pitching with a .283/.343/.413 slash line to go along with nine home runs and 43 RBI across 94 games. Those numbers become even more impressive when you realize that Kirilloff was slowed down by a lingering wrist injury. Assuming its fully healed, we hold no doubts that the former No. 15 overall pick will be clicking on all cylinders as a rookie this year.

2. Royce Lewis

Minnesota Twins SS Royce Lewis / Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Royce Lewis ranks as Minnesota's No. 1 prospect entering 2020, and rightfully so. 2019 All-Star Jorge Polanco is penciled in as the team's starting shortstop, but don't expect that to stop manager Rocco Baldelli from finding an everyday role for the 20-year-old stud, who took home MVP honors in the Arizona Fall League last year. In 22 games, Lewis led the league with 30 hits and slashed .353/.411/.565 with 20 RBI. Expect big things from the former No. 1 overall pick in 2020.

1. Lewis Thorpe

Minnesota Twins hurler Lewis Thorpe / Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Lewis Thorpe left Spring Training early for what were described as "personal reasons," and he was subsequently included in the Twins' first round of demotions. If the extended postponement of the 2020 season gave the 24-year-old left-hander the necessary time to address these issues, he has a chance at making the Opening Day roster, which will be expanded in all likelihood. In 424.2 innings across the minors, Thorpe posted a 3.50 ERA with 511 strikeouts and a 1.208 WHIP. We're fully convinced that success will translate to the big league level.