Polanco got a trial as Minnesota's shortstop over the final two months of last season and held his own with the bat at age 23, hitting .288 with a .751 OPS over his last 56 games. He didn't fare as well with the glove as he had a -10.9 UZR with uneven reviews at shortstop. Fortunately, it seems that he will be given close to everyday at-bats in 2017 as the new regime collects data on the Twins' talented crop of young players. Eduardo Escobar is coming off a negative-0.6 fWAR season, and Brian Dozier could be traded, so there should be room for Polanco in the middle infield. He was essentially a league average hitter last year (101 wRC+), and made good contact (17 percent strikeout rate), so he should be able to avoid lengthy cold streaks. Polanco, who won't turn 24 until July, hit 13 home runs with nine steals (on 16 attempts) across Triple-A and the majors last year, and while he should end up being a double-digit homer threat in his peak seasons, his fantasy value will be tied to him contributing a little bit of everything, rather than excelling in any one category.

Polanco may be the best infield prospect in the Minnesota system after a promising season at Double-A and then holding his own as a younger player at Triple-A. Polanco hit .289/.346/.393 at Double-A Chattanooga and was promoted to Triple-A at midseason. He was called up for a short stint in the majors when the team needed an emergency infielder for a second year, which shows the Twins feel strongly about his promise. While he had just a .661 OPS at Triple-A, he had a 89 percent contact rate and held his own at just 21. Polanco needs to hit for more power and it's not clear if his defense will keep him at shortstop (28 errors between three levels last year). However, he could take a big leap since he's been younger than his competition and makes outstanding contact. Polanco could be pushing for a major league role at some point this season.

Polanco continued to make his case that he may be the best infield prospect in the Minnesota system by having a promising season at High-A and then holding his own as a younger player at Double-A. He hit .291/.364/.415 at High-A, which was a slight decline from his Low-A numbers, but he still drew walks at a strong rate and makes good contact. Polanco then hit .281/.323/.342 in 37 games at Double-A as a 20-year-old. Polanco also was called up to the majors in June when the team had a rash of infield injuries. Although he played just five games and wasn't called up in September, it likely indicates the Twins view him as part of their long-term rebuilding plans. He'll need to display more power to become an impact player in the majors, but a strong season at Double-A could put him in the mix for a starting job in the majors in 2016.

Polanco may be Minnesota's top middle-infield prospect after hitting .309/.362/.452 at age 19 at Low-A Beloit. Polanco makes good contact (59:42 K:BB ratio) and draws walks at a decent rate. It's not clear if he'll stick at shortstop or second base at higher levels. He also hasn't shown much speed with only four stolen bases, which may limit his fantasy value. However, he's a player to watch as a strong season at High-A could put him on the fast track for the majors.

Polanco may be the best middle infield prospect in the Minnesota organization after hitting .318/.388/.514 for Elizabethton in the Appalachian Rookie League at age 18. A strong season in Low-A could make him a part of Minnesota's rebuilding plans.