St. Paul Saints infielder Rylan Bannon is a bit of an enigma, and it has to do with the numbers. He’s a compact 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, yet possesses middle-of-the-lineup power.
And, despite being one of the most productive hitters in the International League this season, he was acquired from the New York Mets for cash on July 16. Add it all up and the 28-year-old Bannon, whose resume includes seven major league games with three organizations, is an under-the-radar move by the Twins that could pay dividends. “I’m excited to be here from an opportunity standpoint,” Bannon said prior to the Saints’ game with the Omaha Storm Chasers on Friday night at CHS Field.
“It was tough leaving the Mets when I was having a good year, but I’m happy to be here; just keep building on what I was doing over there and keep rolling with it.” Bannon walked twice while hitting second for St. Paul in Friday’s 6-1 win against Omaha, and he now owns an .
854 OPS this season. Playing for the Mets’ Triple-A team in Syracuse this season, Bannon hit 15 home runs and drove in 57 runs in 79 games. He has hit 105 home runs in less than six minor-league seasons.
“I think it’s more intent than anything,” Bannon said of his power. “Every time I go up there I’m trying to do damage — trying to get my pitch, trying to put my best swing on it. The name of the game now is to get your swing off and do damage.
“I’ve always tried to maintain that mindset, and it’s easier said than don.