Travis Blankenhorn

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #25 prospect in 2021
  TRACK RECORD: A standout three-sport athlete in high school, Blankenhorn signed with the Twins for $800,000 as a third-round pick in 2015. After reaching Double-A in a solid 2019 season, Blankenhorn made his major league debut in 2020 and went 1-for-3 with a double in his lone game.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Blankenhorn doesn't have any plus tools, but he does a lot of things well. He's a functional hitter who could be fringe-average with average power. He puts together solid at-bats but has never walked much, which limits his ability to get on base. Defensively, Blankenhorn can handle a number of positions adequately including first base, second base, third base and the outfield corners. He has average speed but is an efficient basestealer.
  
  THE FUTURE: Blankenhorn's ceiling is limited, but he does enough things well to contribute in a reserve or utility role. He should start 2021 in Triple-A.
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #22 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: A high school basketball star who also played cornerback and wide receiver, Blankenhorn has slowly climbed through the Twins minor league system, usually starting a season back where he finished the previous one. He's steadily improved and had his best year in 2019.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Blankenhorn worked to better utilize his lower half in his swing in 2019. The results weren't immediately apparent and he struggled in the Arizona Fall League, but he has plus power potential, even if his aggressiveness and batting eye will likely limit him to a below-average hit tool. The biggest question is where he will play. He is a fringe-average defender at second base and below-average at third. His range is limited and his reactions and hands are stretched at third. His average speed also works in left field, which he began playing regularly in 2019. His average arm is adequate for either second or left.
  
  THE FUTURE: The Twins added Blankenhorn to their 40-man roster, a sign of their belief that his power will help him find an MLB role. If he doesn't find a defensive home, he will likely be a role player.
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #29 prospect in 2018
  A Kentucky baseball commit who signed for $650,000 after earning all-state honors in Pennsylvania football and basketball, Blankenhorn missed 12 days with a strained lower back late in 2017. During his absence, Cedar Rapids manager Tommy Watkins had him chart whether the first three pitches to each batter were strikes or balls, driving home the importance of getting into offensive counts. He homered five times in his first 11 games after coming off the disabled list and suddenly seemed to have unlocked himself against pitches on the inner half. Blankenhorn draws comparisons to a young Daniel Murphy. He flashes above-average as a runner, but his arm is average to a tick below. He spent most of the first half at third base before moving back to second base, where he moves well around the bag and shows better range to his left. The ball gets on him in a hurry at third, so Blankenhorn's days at the hot corner seem numbered. Intense and streakier than most, he hangs in against lefties fairly well.
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #10 prospect in 2017
  An accomplished prep basketball and football player and a Kentucky baseball signee, Blankenhorn signed with the Twins for $650,0000 after they plucked him in the third round in 2015. After playing the bulk of his pro debut in the Rookie-level Appalachian League, Blankenhorn returned to Elizabethton in 2016 before forcing a promotion to low Class A Cedar Rapids in August. Primarily a shortstop in high school, he has played mostly second base since signing, with occasional starts at third. The Twins believe in Blankehorn's lefthanded bat and envision him hitting for average and potentially 15-20 home runs per year as he physically matures. He has a quick, balanced swing, good presence in the box and an advanced offensive approach for his age. Blankenhorn's future position is up in the air, because he likely will outgrow second base, where he's a fringy defender at present. He's athletic enough to handle left field but seems destined to land at an infield corner. He has an average arm. Blankenhorn has the look of an bat-first player with some defensive versatility. He could evolve into one of the best pure hitters in the system, with the chance to hit for power. He'll likely return to Cedar Rapids to start 2017.
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #26 prospect in 2016
  A Kentucky baseball signee who earned all-state honors in football and basketball, Blankenhorn joined Trey Cabbage as converted prep shortstops taken in back-to-back rounds by the Twins. While Cabbage signed for $760,000 before being shut down early due to a lower back strain, Blankenhorn signed for $650,000 but had the better pro debut. Surprisingly athletic with a good frame, balanced swing and power projection, Blankenhorn has drawn some comparisons to a young Alex Gordon. Blankenhorn has good makeup and a strong work ethic. At least an average runner, he moves well in the field, shows good footwork and instincts along with above-average arm strength. Given a look at second base during instructional league, his bat and athleticism profile well at any corner spot. He struggled against lefties (.190 average) and wore down late, but overall held his own despite being one of the youngest players in the Rookie-level Appalachian League. He could reach the low Class A Midwest League early in the year as the Twins seek to find regular playing time at third for both Blankenhorn and Cabbage.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #75 prospect in 2015 draft
  If not for his baseball prowess, Blankenhorn may have had a future on the hardwood. The 6-foot-2 infielder scored just under 1,600 points in his high school basketball career, used his size and strength to dominate in eastern Pennsylvania. On the diamond, Blankenhorn's tools are not explosive, but he has multiple weapons, both offensively and defensively. At the plate, Blankenhorn has a pretty lefthanded swing with minimal load and a short, downhill bat path. He has above-average bat speed and good feel for hitting. Scouts project Blankenhorn to develop above-average power as he grows into his body. Defensively, Blankenhorn lacks the footspeed to stay at shortstop, but has an above-average throwing arm and projects well at third base. Blankenhorn is committed to Kentucky, but there are some teams that like him as high as the second round, and he could come off the board early if things go right on draft day. Blankenhorn's ultimate ceiling will be dictated by how well his hit tool translates to the next level. Those who believe in him see him as a potential fifth or sixth hitter in the lineup with no significant weaknesses, though he is a slightly below-average runner who's better underway.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked American League #18 prospect in 2016
  A prolific prep basketball player from a cold-weather climate, Blankenhorn's baseball experience may have been lacking, but his tools and offensive potential made him a significant draft prospect. The Twins took him in the third round in 2015, and he played well at Elizabethton that summer. He began this season back in the Appy League before earning a promotion to low Class A Cedar Rapids. Blankenhorn's profile is dependent on his hit tool. He has a compact, fluid swing with above-average bat speed and loose, flexible wrists that allow him to cover the plate well. He has a compact build with strength and balance in his actions, both on offense and defense. He projects for an above-average or better hit tool, though he will have to refine his approach and pitch selection as he moves up the ladder. He projects for average power. After playing third base in his pro debut, Blankenhorn moved to second base this season. He doesn't have a ton of first-step quickness, but he makes routine plays well with a chance to develop into a passable defender. The Twins liken him to a poor man's version of Ben Zobrist, because he could eventually play second, third and perhaps an outfield corner while his offense carries him.
• 
  Ranked American League #15 prospect in 2015
  The Twins selected Blankenhorn in the third round of the 2015 draft, prying him away from his Kentucky commitment. He showed intriguing tools on the summer showcase circuit, then maintained those gains as a high school senior, despite the cool weather in his native Pennsylvania. Blankenhorn is more athletic than he looks, with impressive coordination and balance in everything he does. He's well built, with a muscled, 6-foot-2 frame. He moves well and has good footwork in the infield, with his range best suited to either second or third base. He also has above-average arm strength. Despite being high school draftee, Blankenhorn played well for scouts in the Appy League, flashing his above-average raw power and quick lefthanded bat at Elizabethton. He slowed down as the year wound to a close, but he maintains a high ceiling on both sides of the ball.

• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  A Twins' third-round pick in 2015, Blankenhorn rode the waiver merry-go-round this spring before settling with the Mets. He's a bat-first utility type who handles second base and corner outfield.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: A standout three-sport athlete in high school, Blankenhorn signed with the Twins for $800,000 as a third-round pick in 2015. After reaching Double-A in a solid 2019 season, Blankenhorn made his major league debut in 2020 and went 1-for-3 with a double in his lone game.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Blankenhorn doesn't have any plus tools, but he does a lot of things well. He's a functional hitter who could be fringe-average with average power. He puts together solid at-bats but has never walked much, which limits his ability to get on base. Defensively, Blankenhorn can handle a number of positions adequately including first base, second base, third base and the outfield corners. He has average speed but is an efficient basestealer.
  
  THE FUTURE: Blankenhorn's ceiling is limited, but he does enough things well to contribute in a reserve or utility role. He should start 2021 in Triple-A.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: A standout three-sport athlete in high school, Blankenhorn signed with the Twins for $800,000 as a third-round pick in 2015. After reaching Double-A in a solid 2019 season, Blankenhorn made his major league debut in 2020 and went 1-for-3 with a double in his lone game.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Blankenhorn doesn't have any plus tools, but he does a lot of things well. He's a functional hitter who could be fringe-average with average power. He puts together solid at-bats but has never walked much, which limits his ability to get on base. Defensively, Blankenhorn can handle a number of positions adequately including first base, second base, third base and the outfield corners. He has average speed but is an efficient basestealer.
  
  THE FUTURE: Blankenhorn's ceiling is limited, but he does enough things well to contribute in a reserve or utility role. He should start 2021 in Triple-A.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: A high school basketball star who also played cornerback and wide receiver, Blankenhorn has slowly climbed through the Twins minor league system, usually starting a season back where he finished the previous one. He’s steadily improved and had his best year in 2019.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Blankenhorn worked to better utilize his lower half in his swing in 2019. The results weren’t immediately apparent and he struggled in the Arizona Fall League, but he has plus power potential, even if his aggressiveness and batting eye will likely limit him to a below-average hit tool. The biggest question is where he will play. He is a fringe-average defender at second base and below-average at third. His range is limited and his reactions and hands are stretched at third. His average speed also works in left field, which he began playing regularly in 2019. His average arm is adequate for either second or left.
  
  THE FUTURE: The Twins added Blankenhorn to their 40-man roster, a sign of their belief that his power will help him find an MLB role. If he doesn’t find a defensive home, he will likely be a role player.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: A high school basketball star who also played cornerback and wide receiver, Blankenhorn has slowly climbed through the Twins minor league system, usually starting a season back where he finished the previous one. He's steadily improved and had his best year in 2019.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Blankenhorn worked to better utilize his lower half in his swing in 2019. The results weren't immediately apparent and he struggled in the Arizona Fall League, but he has plus power potential, even if his aggressiveness and batting eye will likely limit him to a below-average hit tool. The biggest question is where he will play. He is a fringe-average defender at second base and below-average at third. His range is limited and his reactions and hands are stretched at third. His average speed also works in left field, which he began playing regularly in 2019. His average arm is adequate for either second or left.
  
  THE FUTURE: The Twins added Blankenhorn to their 40-man roster, a sign of their belief that his power will help him find an MLB role. If he doesn't find a defensive home, he will likely be a role player.
• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: An accomplished prep basketball and football player and a Kentucky baseball signee, Blankenhorn signed with the Twins for $650,0000 after they plucked him in the third round in 2015. After playing the bulk of his pro debut in the Rookie-level Appalachian League, Blankenhorn returned to Elizabethton in 2016 before forcing a promotion to low Class A Cedar Rapids in August. Primarily a shortstop in high school, he has played mostly second base since signing, with occasional starts at third. Scouting Report: The Twins believe in Blankehorn's lefthanded bat and envision him hitting for average and potentially 15-20 home runs per year as he physically matures. He has a quick, balanced swing, good presence in the box and an advanced offensive approach for his age. Blankenhorn's future position is up in the air, because he likely will outgrow second base, where he's a fringy defender at present. He's athletic enough to handle left field but seems destined to land at an infield corner. He has an average arm.
  
  The Future: Blankenhorn has the look of an bat-first player with some defensive versatility. He could evolve into one of the best pure hitters in the system, with the chance to hit for power. He'll likely return to Cedar Rapids to start 2017.