Twins consider top prospects for 40-man roster

MINNEAPOLIS — With eight of their Top 30 prospects eligible for the Rule 5 Draft if not added to the 40-man roster by Friday’s deadline, the Twins have difficult decisions to make with four open spots on their roster.

Right-hander Fernando Romero, the club’s No. 6 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, highlights the list of Minnesota prospects eligible for the Rule 5 Draft if not added. The others include lefty Lewis Thorpe (No. 11), shortstop Engelb Vielma (No. 16), outfielder Daniel Palka (No. 20), right-hander Felix Jorge (No. 22), catcher Mitch Garver (No. 24), outfielder Travis Harrison (No. 25) and right-hander Aaron Slegers (No. 29).

According to Major League rules, players first signed at age 18 must be added to 40-man rosters within five seasons or they become eligible to be drafted by other organizations through the Rule 5 process. Players signed at 19 years or older have to be protected within four seasons. So this year, it means high school or amateur players signed in 2012 and college players signed in ’13 are eligible.

Here’s a look at all eight Top 30 Twins prospects eligible for the Rule 5 Draft and the likeliness that Minnesota will addthem to its 40-man roster.

RHP Fernando Romero The hard-throwing Romero is considered a lock to be added to the roster after a breakout 2016 season. Romero, 21, missed nearly two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery and knee surgery, but he returned this year with impressive velocity and dominated at both Class …

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