The biggest topic of conversation among Twins fans involves when we will get to see Walker Jenkins in a Twins uniform. It's a fair question, and it's a good question. There are certainly arguments to be made on both sides of that argument. 

Jenkins made his 2026 Saints debut in late June after starting the season on the Injured List. Certainly, it was understandable to ease him back into the lineup. He has remained healthy for about two months now. In August, he has played in 13 games.  He has eight multi-hit games this month. Twice this month, Jenkins has hit two homers in a game.   

At the end of July, he was hitting a solid .268/.377/.432 (.809). After yesterday's game, Jenkins is now hitting .295/.392/.500 (.892). A 20-year-old at AAA with an OPS of .800 is very exciting, a top 10 global prospect. A 20-year-old at AAA with nearly a .900 OPS is a guy to consider calling up. Of course, the assumption these is that he will play most every day. 

That's the difference between Jenkins situation and the Kaelen Culpepper situation. Culpepper came back from injury, started hitting again, and was called up? Why? Ryan Kreidler is a tremendous defensive shortstop, and he did an adequate job at the plate (even pretty good early in the season). But clearly there was a huge potential upgrade in going from Kreidler to Culpepper and the time was right. 

In my mind, Trevor Larnach should be in left field most days with Byron Buxton in center field most days. In right field are Luke Keaschall and Alan Roden. And this is after Austin Martin got hurt. 

For me, the key to whether or not to call up Walker Jenkins is how much playing time he'll get. Like Culpepper, Jenkins would need to play at least four to five games per week. It doesn't have to be an everyday thing. There are benefits and learning opportunities from being in the big leagues. But he needs to play at least two out of every three games in a series. 

Also, will Derek Shelton play him against left-handed pitching? Will he pinch hit for him against lefties late in games? Keaschall's been tremendous offensively for two months but certainly isn't a natural outfielder. So, Jenkins should get a bunch of time in right field. He should play one or two games per week in center field which would allow Buxton to DH or get a couple of days off. 

And, if the Twins are serious about being a playoff team, is calling up Jenkins the right move? Matt Wallner has again put up big numbers in St. Paul, and he's had plenty of exciting moments in the big leagues where he has carried the offense for extended periods. 

And what about Emmanuel Rodriguez? He is finally back with the Saints, and healthy, and like Jenkins, he hit two home runs in the team's doubleheader. "E-man" will be out of options (most likely) next year and the Twins would certainly like to get him some big-league time before next year too. While not a Top 20 prospect globally, Rodriguez has been at Top 50 global prospect most of the past four seasons. 

And I don't want to overplay it as I don't think it's a huge priority, but if there is a work stoppage in 2027 (likely), Jenkins could still play in the minor leagues if he's not on the 40-man roster. While there could be something to that, the Twins have already called up Culpepper. The Tigers called up fellow 2023 draft pick Max Clark, and just this weekend, the Mariners are calling up Kade Anderson. 

Likewise, the idea of holding him back to Rookie of the Year consideration next year or even getting an extra draft pick potentially for having him up from opening day 2027, aren't a consideration if the Twins believe that he can help them get to the playoffs and perform there. 

Two or three weeks ago, I didn't think that anything was saying that Jenkins was a Must Call Up. Ten days ago, or so when it became more of a topic, I still kept thinking that there are plenty of legitimate reasons to hold back a little more.

How do the Twins and their front office feel about this situation? I feel pretty confident in saying that Jeremy Zoll, the assistant GMs, minor league coaches, and player development would be pretty consistent in their opinion. They are thrilled that Jenkins is making the decisions incredibly difficult for them. They're likely thrilled that Rodriguez is back, playing most every day, healthy and now performing. They're presumably happy that Matt Wallner has continued to provide power for the Saints. Tough decisions and depth are a good thing. Like Jenkins, Gabriel Gonzalez hit two homers on Thursday, and he's right-handed. 

I think we can all agree that we wouldn't want any of these players called up to sit on the bench, maybe play once a week, and do some pinch runner or be a late-inning defensive replacement. Right? 

Jenkins will come up, sometime.  And we think he'll be really good. He could come up and be a difference maker for the Twins, or he could struggle immensely, as could other options and current options. For now, he just keeps raking in St. Paul and adding some power in the past month that he really hasn't shown previous to this month. I'd make sure he's getting some time in the corner outfield spots. 

And at the same time, I'd probably want to reach out to Jenkins' agent, Scott Boras, with the idea of calling him up as soon as he signs a contract that will keep him in a Twins uniform for the next eight-to-10 years. I mean, legally, of course. 

You've seen several articles making the case for calling up Walker Jenkins or not. Good cases have been and can be made on both sides. Now make your case for what you would do in this situation? Call him up? Keep him in St. Paul? If called up, how much would he need to play, or are you OK with him being a bench player? Which position will he play? Who would lose playing time to him? Discuss.