Minnesota Twins select Brent Rooker with the 35th overall pick

Taking Royce Lewis first overall was a bit of a surprise for many Twins fans.

But it is not their only pick today! With the 35th overall pick the Twins have selected:

OF Brent Rooker from Mississippi State!

Brent Rooker absolutely destroys baseballs. He is a right handed batter who hit .387/.495/.810 with 30 doubles and 23 home runs in 67 games and 248 at bats. he also walked 48 times (compared to 58 strikeouts) and stole 18 bases in 23 tries.

The Twins liked him enough to take him late last year, but he went back to school and it worked out for him. He is a bit old as a 22 year old draftee (most high upside college players turn pro at 21), but I assume he could move quite quickly after his year this year. MLB.com ranks his power as above average at a 55 grade, and everything else (hit, run, field, arm) grades out as average, which is a good place for a power hitter.

He played 1B a bit this year for Mississippi State, but he has played corner outfield and the Twins did take him as an outfielder. He has the athleticism and arm to stick in the outfield corner so he has upside as a power outfielder.

Say what you want about the Twins draft so far, but Brent Rooker is an exciting hitter who may move up the rates quickly.