Kennys Vargas

After struggling as Minnesota's DH in 2015, it looked like Vargas was set to languish at Triple-A amid a logjam of DH and first-base types on Minnesota's roster. He had a middling Triple-A season (15 homers and .785 OPS), but surprisingly thrived when called up to the majors after several players ahead of him on the depth chart were hurt. Vargas had 10 home runs in 47 games, along with a .833 OPS and 13.6 percent walk rate, but he still strikes out too often and needs to make better contact (63 percent contact rate) to survive in the majors. Vargas has plus power, but his main problem is his position as he's buried on a Twins roster that has too many corner infielders. He could surprise if he lands somewhere with a clearer path to steady playing time.

Vargas began last season as Minnesota's starting DH after hitting .274/.316/.456 with nine home runs in 53 games in his major league debut in 2015. He struggled in his second season with a .642 OPS and just five home runs in 47 games before being demoted to the minors in early July. Vargas found his power stroke again the minors with 13 home runs and a .910 OPS between Double-A and Triple-A. He got just 16 at-bats in a September callup as he struggled to find a role, and that may be a similar case in 2016. His defensive liabilities limit him to 1B and DH, where the Twins have a logjam. Vargas has tremendous power but has struggled to make contact (26.9% K% in the majors). However, he showed some signs of plate discipline in the minors with a good walk rate (13.2%). Vargas could still be a source of power in the majors, but he may need to move to another organization to get the opportunity.

Vargas wasn't thought to be a top prospect, as he was older than his competition at age 23 in his breakout season at High-A in 2013. However, Vargas thrived at Double-A by hitting .281/.360/.472 with 17 home runs which resulted in the Twins calling him up at the end of July. Vargas stayed hot in the majors as he clubbed nine home runs in 53 games and hit .274/.316/.456. At 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, Vargas has tremendous power but has struggled to make contact (26.7% K% in the majors). However, he showed signs of plate discipline at Double-A with a good walk rate (10.6%) and manageable strikeout rate (16.8%). He'll thrive as an everyday player if he can carry over those trends to the majors. Where Vargas will play is an issue, as his defensive liabilities limit him to 1B and DH, where the Twins are crowded with veterans and prospects. GM Terry Ryan says Vargas can play the outfield, so he could find at-bats there as well. He enters 2015 a the leading candidate to start at DH for the Twins and could be a up-and-coming power source.