2 years agoMinnesota Twins second baseman/outfielder Nick Gordon had a mini breakout in 2022 when he hit .272, smashed nine home runs, and stole six bases while collecting 45 runs and 50 RBI over 138 contests. He posted solid contact stats; 80th-percentile average exit velocity, 61st-percentile barrel rate, and 74th-percentile hard-hit rate. Although Gordon went deep nine times, Statcast expected him to hit 13.6 home runs, and he owned a .464 xSLG. He never showed much power in the minors, homering 28 times across 644 games, so what he displayed in 2022 is likely his ceiling. Gordon's plate discipline has been poor during his major league career. The 27-year-old has whiffed 28% of the time and chased at an absurd 38.7% of pitches, with a 39.2% mark this season, leading to a career 24.3% strikeout rate and 4.7% walk rate. Gordon's .272 average was fueled by a .340 BABIP, as his .261 xBA shows. It's hard to trust a player with little track record and poor discipline numbers to maintain that level of play. Even if the former fifth-overall pick can sustain his moderate power, his playing time will likely be an issue. There isn't a clear opening at any position on the field, and Gordon's defense won't keep him in the lineup if his offense falters, as Steamer projects him to play in just 87 games. It's a safer bet to draft players such as Chris Taylor (381 ADP) or Luis Garcia (392 ADP), who can produce similar numbers with more guaranteed playing time, instead of Gordon, who is about 100 picks more expensive (288 ADP).--Spencer Seguin