Twins Minor League Hitter of the Month - August 2023

[Cody Schoenmann]

August was an incredible month for Twins minor league hitters, but one promising young talent stood out among the rest.

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints

August was the month of offensive outbursts from the Dominican Summer League Twins to the Major League club itself. Highlighted by top prospects and the new faces of the 2023 draft class, seemingly everyone wanted to showcase their hitting ability this month. Choosing only five hitters felt wrong, so let's begin by celebrating the honorable mentions. 

Honorable Mentions

• Moises Lopez - DSL Twins - .306/.405/.528 (.933), 42 PA, 11 Hits, 4 BB, 12 K, two doubles, two home runs 
• Brandon Winokur - FCL Twins - .296/.345/.556 (.901), 58 PA, 16 Hits, 3 BB, 17 K, five doubles, three home runs 
• Luke Keaschall - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels - .292/.426/.472 (.898), 94 PA, 21 Hits, 15 BB, 20 K, eight doubles, one home run
• Andrew Cossetti - Cedar Rapids Kernels - .259/.440/.537 (.977), 75 PA, 14 Hits, 16 BB, 20 K, two doubles, three home runs
• Carson McCusker - Cedar Rapids Kernels - .255/.305/.636 (.941), 59 PA, 14 Hits, 3 BB, 21 K, three doubles, six home runs
• Noah Miller - Cedar Rapids Kernels - .281/.350/.494 (.844), 100 PA, 25 Hits, 10 BB, 22 K, eight doubles, three home runs
• Emmanuel Rodriguez - Cedar Rapids Kernels - .260/.402/.479 (.881), 92 PA, 19 Hits, 18 BB, 25 K, two doubles, four home runs
• Hernan Perez - St. Paul Saints - .310/.383/.643 (1.026), 47 PA, 13 Hits, 5 BB, 8 K, two doubles, four home runs
• Andrew Stevenson - St. Paul Saints - .275/.363/.525 (.888), 91 PA, 22 Hits, 10 BB, 19 K, four doubles, four home runs

#6. Walker Jenkins - FCL Twins/Fort Myers - .333/.362/.469 (.831), 74 PA, 23 Hits, 5 BB, 9 K, four doubles, two home runs

The number five overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft came out of the gates as advertised, lining a double over the FCL Rays third baseman head on his first-ever professional at-bat.

After this memorable moment, Jenkins managed to hit .333/.390/.537 (.927) through 59 plate appearances with the FCL Twins before being promoted to the Fort Myers Might Mussels on August 22. 

Since joining Fort Myers, Jenkins has hit .333/.333/.400 (.733) through just 15 plate appearances, with his highlight moment coming last week when he hit a walk-off single in his second game with the Mighty Mussels.

Jenkins has met expectations so far, and his somewhat surprising promotion to Single-A Fort Myers while being an 18-year-old fresh out of high school is a sign that the Twins view Jenkins as developmentally advanced.

There is a lot of hype around Jenkins, and with hype comes pressure and expectations. Whether Jenkins will be able to meet those expectations long-term is yet to be seen, but he has undoubtedly impressed during his first cup of coffee in professional baseball. 

#5. Patrick Winkel - Wichita Wind Surge - .318/.410/.591 (1.001), 78 PA, 21 Hits, 11 BB, 18 K, six doubles, four home runs

Number five on this list comes in the form of catching prospect Patrick Winkel. 

Winkel, 23, was drafted in the ninth round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins out of the University of Connecticut.

While at the University of Connecticut, Winkel hit a .299/.357/.501 (.858) with 112 hits, 35 BB, 21 doubles, and 19 home runs over 430 plate appearances with the Huskies.

Winkel had a relatively uninspiring 2022 season with the High-A Cedar Rapids Kernels, hitting just .254/.330/.391 (.721), but has elevated his game hitting .272/.373/.437 (.810) since joining the Double-A Wichita Wind Surge to begin the 2023 Texas League season. 

The left-handed hitting Winkel has a smooth and compact swing that stays in the strike zone, not too dissimilar to that of Max Kepler, which lends to him manufacturing good at-bats that tend to lead to production.

 

Winkel has been incredible in August, exhibiting a great sense of contact while hitting an impressive six doubles and four home runs.

Twins minor league catchers have been impressive this season, and Winkel is among the top of that group.

Winkel's performance has landed him just behind another impressive standout member of the Wind Surge.

#4. Yoyner Fajardo - Wichita Wind Surge - .341/.423/.568 (.991), 105 PA, 30 H, 12 BB, 15 K, six doubles, four home runs
Number four on this list comes in the form of the speedy and versatile Fajardo. 

Fajardo started his professional career with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, but began his first season in the Minnesota Twins minor league system in April with the Wichita Wind Surge.

Fajardo, 24, has been impressive all season, but he elevated his performance to the next level in August.

Beyond hitting .341/.423/.568 (.991), Fajardo stole 17 bases in August, nine more than the next closest player in the Twins minor league system.

Fajardo steals bases at a high clip and has hit the ball hard all across the park, as illustrated by his 33 extra-base hits this season. Fajardo also provides value as a utility player, playing second base, third base, designated hitter, and all three outfield positions in his professional baseball career.

Fajardo has predominately played left field this season at Double-A Wichita, but versatility is still a relevant aspect of his game.

Fajardo has been a pleasant surprise this season, and hopefully he can finish out his best season as a professional baseball player on a high note. 

#3. DaShawn Keirsey Jr. - Wichita/St. Paul - .323/.458/.576 (1.034), 85 PA, 22 Hits, 12 BB, 16 K, three doubles, two home runs
Keirsey Jr. started the month out at Double-A Wichita, but after just two games, he was promoted to Triple-A St. Paul. 

Since joining the Saints, Keirsey Jr. has hit .297/.416/.438 (.854) with 19 hits and four extra-base hits over 64 at-bats. 

Keirsey Jr. has played centerfield as well as both corner outfield spots and has been a steady left-handed bat at the top of the Wind Surge and now Saints lineup. 

Keirsey Jr., who I have ranked as the eighth-best prospect in the Twins system, is having his best season as a member of the Twins organization, leading those who follow the team to wonder if he has Major League aspirations in the near future.

Keirsey Jr. is eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this upcoming offseason again, and if the Twins elect not to add him to the 40-man roster there is a relatively high chance he would get plucked by another team. 

If the Twins add Keirsey Jr. to the 40-man roster, Twins fans will likely watch him make his Major League debut next season. 

Keirsey Jr. had a great month of August, and his promotion to Triple-A St. Paul was well deserved. 

#2. Alex Isola - Wichita Wind Surge - .358/.424/.617 (1.041), 92 PA, 29 Hits, 10 BB, 17 K, three doubles, six home runs
The runner-up for August 2023 Twins Minor League Hitter of the Month is C/1B/DH Alex Isola. 

Isola has built off his productive 2022 season with an even more impressive 2023 season, highlighted by his breakout month of August.

Through 92 plate appearances, Isola has six home runs, which ties Carson McCusker of the Cedar Rapids Kernels for the minor league system lead in August. 

Not only is Isola hitting home runs, but he is making sufficient contact and hitting the ball around the park. Home runs are great, but when a C/1B/DH can consistently the ball around the field for contact it begins to feel like that player, in this case Isola, might be an exceptional talent. 

Isola has been incredible in August, and if it weren't for the resurgence of the winner below, he would have walked away with the honor of Twins Daily Hitter of the Month for August 2023. 

Winner: Austin Martin - St. Paul Saints - .357/.489/.600 (1.089), 90 PA, 25 Hits, 16 BB, 11 K, five doubles, four home runs
The Twins Minor League Hitter of the Month for August 2023 is the number five overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, Austin Martin.

For the first time since he joined the Twins minor league system, Martin is playing like the star he was at Vanderbilt. The most notable way Martin plays like that is by spraying the ball across the park while generating hard contact. 

Martin had 25 hits in August, which is incredible, and nine of them were extra-base hits. Now, while only 36% of a player's hits being extra-base hits isn't all too encouraging, having Martin regain form as a hitter who sprays singles around the field is encouraging. 

While Martin mainly shoots singles and the occasional double around the field, he has added an essential element of power to his game, showcased by the four home runs he hit in August. 

Martin will likely never be a power hitter - that's just not who he is - but if he can hit three to four home runs a month while being an elite contact hitter, the Twins would have themselves an exceptional player. 

Not only is Martin hitting the ball exceptionally well, but he is providing adequate defense at both second base and centerfield while making the occasional highlight-worthy play.

Martin's incredible month at the plate has earned him the honor of Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Month for August 2023. 

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[mikelink45]

I am probably highest on Walker Jenkins.  His transition to proball has been fast and productive.  I really see him on the Twins after a short minor league career.    In fact, the hitters we took in this years draft are the best looking group that I can remember. 

[FlyingFinn]

Fajardo with 17 stolen bases in August. Wow, that is amazing. I wonder if he again gets selected by another team in this winter's Rule 5 draft. Playing in AA all year, does that qualify him for the AAA Rule 5 draft? My reading says the Twins just need to add him to the AAA roster to avoid that, if I'm understanding correctly.

[saviking]

Surely one of these guys can hit higher that .175 in the majors .. 

[DJL44]

Does Cossetti know he's a catcher? They aren't supposed to hit like that.

[Cody Schoenmann]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

I am probably highest on Walker Jenkins.  His transition to proball has been fast and productive.  I really see him on the Twins after a short minor league career.    In fact, the hitters we took in this years draft are the best looking group that I can remember. 

Whenever I watch Jenkins the player that always comes to mind is Bryce Harper. I know it's just wishful thinking, but I think Jenkins could end up being an elite MLB outfielder. 

[dxpavelka]

1 hour ago, saviking said:

Surely one of these guys can hit higher that .175 in the majors .. 

But if that happens who is gonna challenge the team strikeout record?

[dxpavelka]

Wow.  Bout time somebody made the Berrios trade look like it has a chance in h$@! of benefiting the Twins--after multiple trades, giving up multiple assets to replace Berrios in the rotation.

[TNtwins85]

48 minutes ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Whenever I watch Jenkins the player that always comes to mind is Bryce Harper. I know it's just wishful thinking, but I think Jenkins could end up being an elite MLB outfielder. 

He’s naturally fitting in at low A. That’s probably where he fits best but gotta start an 18yo in the FCL. He’ll probably hit a couple snags next year playing between Ft.Myers and Cedar Rapids when the leagues figure out his weaknesses. How he handles that determines if he’s in Target field as a 21 yo. Very impressive first couple months though!

[madtowntwin]

I agree with the Bryce Harper comparison and would add Mike Trout in terms of his physique at 18 years of age. The things the kid can do with that body are thus far transitioning well at low minor league levels. Speed, power, arm, baseball moxy all seem part of his player recipe. Long way to go of course, but his performance thus far is certainly encouraging. 

[Mike Sixel]

There's nothing surprising about Jenkins continuing to play.

Martin is healthy. That's the difference. He was a top pick and prospect for a reason. 

I'm intrigued by the catchers, but it's likely Vazquez blocks them next year no matter how bad he is.

[Twinsgypsy]

I think that the Twins could really use Martin next Year.  If they can use him as a position or utility guy that can make good contact for average it would be great.   We have become to dependent on the long Ball and need to get back being a balanced hitting team. The Twins minor league teams seem to have a lot of upcoming talent to choose from.

[jorgenswest]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

There's nothing surprising about Jenkins continuing to play.

Martin is healthy. That's the difference. He was a top pick and prospect for a reason. 

I'm intrigued by the catchers, but it's likely Vazquez blocks them next year no matter how bad he is.

Isola and Williams are at best emergency catchers. Astudillo was a better catcher in the minors.

Camargo will strike out a lot with occasional power. He has been pretty consistent the last two years. His wRC+ is 92 and was 92 in AA last year. His strikeout rate of 33 and walk rate of 8 are virtually the same as was his ISO. Jeffers had wRC+ of 151, 112 and 109 at those levels. Caleb Hamilton 117 and 99. Rortvedt had wRCs of 101 and 101. Relative to league Carmago has not been at the level of those three with the bat. I would put him on the 40 this winter in hopes that he can get his strike outs down and walks up.

Right now I don’t see anyone being blocked. 

[AceWrigley]

Jenkins game-winning single was pretty impressive situational hitting there. Looked like an outside pitch he just put the bat on the ball and went up the middle. He looks like a great athlete.

[gman]

The number of players having good seasons in the Twins minor league system is more than I can remember in a long time. Cudos to the coaching staff, as well as to the players.

Jenkins 89 plate appearances overall and only 9 strikeouts.

Harry with 4 strikeouts and 13 walks in 98 plate appearances.

Martin with a 14% strikeout rate and 13% walk rate is a free swinger compared to those 2 first year players. He has hit in only 2 double plays this year and only 13 in his career in 1049 plate appearances. Sounds like a good first or second place hitter along with 66 steals in 80 attempts for his career.

[Cody Schoenmann]

1 hour ago, jorgenswest said:

Isola and Williams are at best emergency catchers. Astudillo was a better catcher in the minors.

Camargo will strike out a lot with occasional power. He has been pretty consistent the last two years. His wRC+ is 92 and was 92 in AA last year. His strikeout rate of 33 and walk rate of 8 are virtually the same as was his ISO. Jeffers had wRC+ of 151, 112 and 109 at those levels. Caleb Hamilton 117 and 99. Rortvedt had wRCs of 101 and 101. Relative to league Carmago has not been at the level of those three with the bat. I would put him on the 40 this winter in hopes that he can get his strike outs down and walks up.

Right now I don’t see anyone being blocked. 

I don't think Vázquez is blocking anyone in the minor league system either. Camargo has been a nice story, but I don't think he has the ability to be a serviceable backup at the Major League level, and I think your wRC+ example affirms that stance. Down the line, I think Isola or potentially even Winkel could be serviceable backup catchers, but Jeffers and Vázquez are by far the best catching options in the Twins organization. 

[FlyingFinn]

1 hour ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

I think Isola or potentially even Winkel could be serviceable backup catchers

Isola has zero chance of being a backup catcher. He rarely plays catcher right now in the minors. Emergency catcher only if he makes MLB.

[SteveLV]

Jenkins is not as lean and quick as Trout at a similar age.  Jenkins is a thicker, taller, stouter looking athlete with a longer swing.

Doug Mientkiewicz sees Larry Walker as a good comparison.

I actually see a little (non switch hitting) Mantle in him.  How's that for high expectations?!?

[jorgenswest]

3 hours ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

I don't think Vázquez is blocking anyone in the minor league system either. Camargo has been a nice story, but I don't think he has the ability to be a serviceable backup at the Major League level, and I think your wRC+ example affirms that stance. Down the line, I think Isola or potentially even Winkel could be serviceable backup catchers, but Jeffers and Vázquez are by far the best catching options in the Twins organization. 

Camargo is young and apparently is solid defensively. He can take a step forward next year. I think he is worthy of a 40 man roster spot. He isn’t blocked yet. Hopefully 2025. 

[DocBauer]

A few bullet point thoughts.

1] Jenkins has looked as advertised so far. Glad he gets to play longer. A little disappointed and surprised Winokur didn't join him at A ball. Roster crunch?

2] What's up with Miller? Seems like he's developing his "man muscles" and taking off recently. That's HUGE with his defense!

3] Cossetti just keeps rolling along. I don't think the system is as barren at the catching position as some think, and I've been saying this for a while now. The "issue" is all of the catching prospects were drafted so recently they are just now begining to establish themselves. Winkel is LH and suddenly looking more like the hitter he was in college, if not better. Cardenas is having a solid year and has been on this list previously, IIRC, as an honorable mention. We already know how good Cossetti has looked. Keep your eyes out for Nate Baez, who's been slowed this year due to some nagging injuries. He barely saw the field after being drafted last year and only became a full time catcher his last year in college. He's a tremendous athlete and played all over the field previously. He's got bat and power potential and is a much better athlete than you typically see in a backstop. 2024 might be his breakout season.

I'm higher on Camargo than others, I think. He's reportedly a good defensive catcher with a strong arm and his bat started "working" in 2022 at AA. He began this year slow, holding his numbers down somewhat, but has been pretty good for the past few months. I don't think he's ready yet. But if he can cut the K's down a bit, I think he's got a real shot as a backup catcher with defense and power. To me he's an easy 40 man add with an ETA sometime in 2024.

Williams and Isola are 1B/DH who CAN catch. By reports, Williams is good with pitchers and pretty sharp behind the plate, but seems to lack something defensively. Pretty sure his arm never came back from surgery in college, and just guessing his movement behind the plate isn't great. Really don't know much about Isola defensively. Hard to ignore Williams bat in his first full season at AAA. The power seems real. He might have a shot as a RH power bat. Isola has long looked like a "hitter" but the lack of power never made him a great prospect if he wasn't going to stick behind the plate. Suddenly, he's unlocked his power potential. Not expecting either to make it with the Twins, but I can also see scenarios where either, potentially, can help as a 1B/DH 3rd catcher if their bats continue to play.

4] Fajardo is interesting. He's older, coming off a down 2022, but has been very good at Wichita. He's no 40 man add, but it would be nice to hold on to him for AAA in 2024. He might have some 4th or 5th OF potential due to his all around game.

5] I've got a good, "gut feeling" about Keirsey. Due to a major college hip injury, he was a bit older when selected, and had a couple minor injuries that held him back initially after being drafted. But he began to put his offense together in 2022 and has taken it to a different level this year. There's a reason he was drafted so high. I think he should have been promoted to St Paul earlier, but appeared blocked. He hasn't slowed down since his promotion. Not every good ML player reaches the ML level by 24yo. Sometimes things happen. I think he should be protected, especially since CF is such a question mark for 2024. Stevenson is a nice story, hope he helps and does well, but I doubt he's protected. But Keirsey is a younger version that should be. He may not be that far off from being a quality ML contributor. And that brings us to....

6] MARTIN! While admitting to talking out both sides of my face, I can understand the Twins not promoting him at this time. Not saying I agree, but I can see it. FINALLY healthy and raking and looking like the top prospect he was supposed to be, I can understand letting him continue to work on his game and confidence and approach, getting ready for 2024, and running with Taylor, now Stevenson, and MAYBE Buxton to finish this season and having Castro also in the CF mix. And right now, I want to continue to see him play daily.

But I can also very easily see Martin in 2024, healthy, and with a strong instructional league and winter, being a strong candidate for the 4th OF spot, and maybe even a starting CF option. MAYBE time sharing some with Keirsey, or POTENTIALLY Stevenson, depending on roster construction. The Twins might bring Taylor back. And MAYBE, Buxton can be a part time CF, but I'm looking at worst case scenarios with Buck out of the mix. I think Martin is just about ready for a full time gig at the ML level. I'm just not sure what role. 

[Jocko87]

13 hours ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Whenever I watch Jenkins the player that always comes to mind is Bryce Harper. I know it's just wishful thinking, but I think Jenkins could end up being an elite MLB outfielder. 

The comp is Kyle Tucker.  High school center fielder picked 5th overall that could have stayed there but won a gold glove in right.  Best high school bat in the that draft, got to the majors in 2.5 years and hit everywhere.  Similar body type and prospect profile. 

Nice to have several choices for this award.  Hitters comin.

 

[Cody Schoenmann]

3 hours ago, DocBauer said:

A few bullet point thoughts.

1] Jenkins has looked as advertised so far. Glad he gets to play longer. A little disappointed and surprised Winokur didn't join him at A ball. Roster crunch?

2] What's up with Miller? Seems like he's developing his "man muscles" and taking off recently. That's HUGE with his defense!

3] Cossetti just keeps rolling along. I don't think the system is as barren at the catching position as some think, and I've been saying this for a while now. The "issue" is all of the catching prospects were drafted so recently they are just now begining to establish themselves. Winkel is LH and suddenly looking more like the hitter he was in college, if not better. Cardenas is having a solid year and has been on this list previously, IIRC, as an honorable mention. We already know how good Cossetti has looked. Keep your eyes out for Nate Baez, who's been slowed this year due to some nagging injuries. He barely saw the field after being drafted last year and only became a full time catcher his last year in college. He's a tremendous athlete and played all over the field previously. He's got bat and power potential and is a much better athlete than you typically see in a backstop. 2024 might be his breakout season.

I'm higher on Camargo than others, I think. He's reportedly a good defensive catcher with a strong arm and his bat started "working" in 2022 at AA. He began this year slow, holding his numbers down somewhat, but has been pretty good for the past few months. I don't think he's ready yet. But if he can cut the K's down a bit, I think he's got a real shot as a backup catcher with defense and power. To me he's an easy 40 man add with an ETA sometime in 2024.

Williams and Isola are 1B/DH who CAN catch. By reports, Williams is good with pitchers and pretty sharp behind the plate, but seems to lack something defensively. Pretty sure his arm never came back from surgery in college, and just guessing his movement behind the plate isn't great. Really don't know much about Isola defensively. Hard to ignore Williams bat in his first full season at AAA. The power seems real. He might have a shot as a RH power bat. Isola has long looked like a "hitter" but the lack of power never made him a great prospect if he wasn't going to stick behind the plate. Suddenly, he's unlocked his power potential. Not expecting either to make it with the Twins, but I can also see scenarios where either, potentially, can help as a 1B/DH 3rd catcher if their bats continue to play.

4] Fajardo is interesting. He's older, coming off a down 2022, but has been very good at Wichita. He's no 40 man add, but it would be nice to hold on to him for AAA in 2024. He might have some 4th or 5th OF potential due to his all around game.

5] I've got a good, "gut feeling" about Keirsey. Due to a major college hip injury, he was a bit older when selected, and had a couple minor injuries that held him back initially after being drafted. But he began to put his offense together in 2022 and has taken it to a different level this year. There's a reason he was drafted so high. I think he should have been promoted to St Paul earlier, but appeared blocked. He hasn't slowed down since his promotion. Not every good ML player reaches the ML level by 24yo. Sometimes things happen. I think he should be protected, especially since CF is such a question mark for 2024. Stevenson is a nice story, hope he helps and does well, but I doubt he's protected. But Keirsey is a younger version that should be. He may not be that far off from being a quality ML contributor. And that brings us to....

6] MARTIN! While admitting to talking out both sides of my face, I can understand the Twins not promoting him at this time. Not saying I agree, but I can see it. FINALLY healthy and raking and looking like the top prospect he was supposed to be, I can understand letting him continue to work on his game and confidence and approach, getting ready for 2024, and running with Taylor, now Stevenson, and MAYBE Buxton to finish this season and having Castro also in the CF mix. And right now, I want to continue to see him play daily.

But I can also very easily see Martin in 2024, healthy, and with a strong instructional league and winter, being a strong candidate for the 4th OF spot, and maybe even a starting CF option. MAYBE time sharing some with Keirsey, or POTENTIALLY Stevenson, depending on roster construction. The Twins might bring Taylor back. And MAYBE, Buxton can be a part time CF, but I'm looking at worst case scenarios with Buck out of the mix. I think Martin is just about ready for a full time gig at the ML level. I'm just not sure what role. 

I appreciate what you have to add on to the list @DocBauer! Always very insightful.

[Cody Schoenmann]

1 hour ago, Jocko87 said:

The comp is Kyle Tucker.  High school center fielder picked 5th overall that could have stayed there but won a gold glove in right.  Best high school bat in the that draft, got to the majors in 2.5 years and hit everywhere.  Similar body type and prospect profile. 

Nice to have several choices for this award.  Hitters comin.

 

I like the Kyle Tucker comparison a lot. Extremely similar in many ways. 

Edited September 3, 2023 by Cody Schoenmann

[saviking]

23 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

But if that happens who is gonna challenge the team strikeout record?

Or pinch run for Julien last night only to get caught stealing. 

[wabene]

Man the Twins like left handed hitters. Martin could be a very valuable addition to the Twins outfield mix next year with that righty bat 

[dxpavelka]

1 hour ago, saviking said:

Or pinch run for Julien last night only to get caught stealing. 

Ouch.  What does that say about your roster makeup?  Granted, better alternatives are on the IL, but, still.  Just ouch.

[D.C Twins]

21 hours ago, Twinsgypsy said:

I think that the Twins could really use Martin next Year.  If they can use him as a position or utility guy that can make good contact for average it would be great.   We have become to dependent on the long Ball and need to get back being a balanced hitting team. The Twins minor league teams seem to have a lot of upcoming talent to choose from.

They will.... in CF

[Bill Lumbergh]

I can’t find his stat line for August but I’m surprised Willie Joe Garry Jr. didn’t at least rate an honorable mention.  He had a pretty solid month  Wichita both offensively and defensively.

[Seth Stohs]

On 9/2/2023 at 8:27 AM, FlyingFinn said:

Fajardo with 17 stolen bases in August. Wow, that is amazing. I wonder if he again gets selected by another team in this winter's Rule 5 draft. Playing in AA all year, does that qualify him for the AAA Rule 5 draft? My reading says the Twins just need to add him to the AAA roster to avoid that, if I'm understanding correctly.

He was taken in the minor-league Rule 5 draft. 

1.) The Twins aren't going to put him on their 40-man roster, so he will be eligible for the MLB Rule 5. 

2.) So, if he's not on the Triple-A roster, he would again be eligible for the minor-league Rule 5. 

3.) He signed with the Pirates in 2018, so I don't think he becomes an MILB free agent yet. 

[Seth Stohs]

Gotta love reading prospect comps... You never see Walker Jenkins get comped to Rich Becker or Mike Restovich or Joe Benson or... or... or...