Walker Jenkins Has a Vision for 2024

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins found good fortune moving up to the fifth overall pick during the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft. With a top-five that all rivaled many other year’s typical 1-1 picks, Sean Johnson was in a great spot.

Walker Jenkins was the selection, and he's looked the part since stepping on the diamond. For him, though, he’s just getting started.

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

Until the draft, there was some question about whether the Twins may deviate from the consensus top five. Both Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews were seen as the top talents coming out of LSU, and Max Clark was paired with Walker Jenkins as prep prospects. Wyatt Langford was the other premier hitter from Florida, and Minnesota was lined up to get one of the five.

Having stayed chalk and taking Jenkins, who was left at their pick, the immediate hope was that they made the right move. An outfielder who projects for more power than speed, Jenkins was built up as the type of player that could turn into a franchise cornerstone. That’s serious pressure to put on an 18-year-old coming out of high school, but you wouldn’t know it by his production level. 

Reaching Low-A Fort Myers, Jenkins played in 26 games during his professional debut. Slashing .362/.417/.571, it’d be hard to slow down any hype train already leaving the station. The North Carolina native crushed three dingers while tripling four times to show off his unique toolset. Following in the footsteps of Royce Lewis before him, he did so with a level of maturity that is well beyond his years.

Catching up with Jenkins as the dust settled on the season and he found time to reflect, it is clear that while the start was good, what’s to come can be even better. Working at the Twins complex in Florida, his offseason has already begun, and getting after it never stopped.

 

It was all about the process when I asked about the biggest takeaway from a foray into pro ball and what might have been unexpected. “Figuring out what routine works for you and developing that was big," says Jenkins. "I didn’t control my schedule as much as I was used to. Learning what adjustments to make, things I needed to work through, and staying responsible while being on top of everything I’m doing was a must.”

Jenkins has experienced a taste of professional ball, and he’s now thrust into his first offseason. Even though it’s a different scenario, he doesn’t envision the offseason changing too much.

“I’ve always felt like I’ve trained extremely hard and like I’m going out and preparing for a 160-plus game season. I’m fortunate enough to be with some big-league guys. I will work as hard as I can this offseason to prepare for next season.” 

Home will be where the baseball is for Jenkins this offseason. Although he is currently down in Florida, he plans to bounce back and forth between Fort Myers and North Carolina. Well supported no matter where he is working, the goal doesn’t change based on the location.

Not only did Jenkins play high school baseball in 2023, but he also blew through rookie ball and headed into Single-A. Each step of the way came with considerable success, and it didn’t fly under the radar by any means. Jenkins knows he’s confident in his abilities and the work he puts in, but also said he’s a quick learner and has always seen the game as one of adjustments.

“I was able to adjust while moving through different levels, and similarly to the routine thing, figuring out what would allow me to be successful was a must. I did things a lot differently than other guys who were succeeding.”

It’s not just the mock drafters and teams that understand the talent coming out of this draft, but the players get it, too. Jenkins is well aware of the heights both Jackson Holliday and Nolan Schanuel rose to from his draft class.

“I have considered what a good 2024 looks like for me; it’s kind of hard not to," he acknowledges. "Obviously, I want to be in the big leagues. Possibly a little far-fetched? Maybe. I want to get there as fast as possible but be as prepared as possible. I don’t want to bounce back and forth once I get there. The Twins development group will know when that time is and when to move me. If I come out this year just trusting my abilities, I’ll be in a really good spot.”

Although the goal is the highest level for Jenkins, winning is what matters along the way. He wants to show up individually, but being on the right side of outcomes is also a constant focus. “We did a good job. The teams I was on last year, although it was a short amount of time when I got down there, we started winning a lot. I don’t like to lose.”

For a player like Jenkins, the track record coming into pro ball is already long. He has seen multiple grand stages and played against plenty of dominant competition. That doesn’t mean everything goes as expected. “The jump from being a high school kid, living with your parents, to living on your own was a big jump. The change in that has been a really good learning experience for me. I feel like I’ve always been responsible, but it’s nice to shoulder that when you don’t always have people guiding you that way. This first opportunity in pro ball has kind of given me that exposure.” Minnesota sets this change up well for draftees with the campus in Fort Myers, and Jenkins was quick to call that setup awesome.

Baseball is a sport viewed through larger sample sizes, and although Jenkins jumped out to an excellent start, everyone wants to see that translate in a greater setting. The coming season provides a runway, and goals are already in the works. “I want to go into the year prepared. I want to stay healthy and take care of my body so I can play a full season. I try not to get caught up in the statistical stuff. If I can consistently hit balls hard, consistently play a good defensive centerfield, and consistently make smart mental decisions, that will reflect plenty on the numbers. If I can do those three things, I will be in a good spot.”

Sometimes, it is difficult to envision how a prep prospect plays into the plans of a big league organization while they may be a ways off. Someone as talented as Jenkins can force the timeline, but he is already picturing himself playing at Target Field.

“Just getting drafted by a team and then going and seeing them having postseason success makes you want to get up there and help the team win. I read that Minnesota hadn’t won in the postseason in a while, but the fact that they bounced back and have a successful team as I’m coming through is exciting for me. I feel like as more talent moves up, the more successful they’ll be, and I hope to be a factor in the organization winning sometime in the near future.”

Drafting players is a complicated process, with results that are often scrutinized. Hitting on the talent and makeup isn’t something that always happens, but Jenkins appears to be well on his way to cementing that reality. If he can continue along the path he started for himself, Twins fans may be able to take in his game as soon as 2024 over at CHS Field.

When we see Jenkins next, a professional offseason program will be reflected in his makeup, and how far that propels him in the year ahead isn’t worth limiting him with.

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[Karbo]

I look forward to watching him progress. Buxton, you better get and keep yourself healthy or this kid may take your job!

[Dave Borton]

Good article/interview @Ted Schwerzler.

Quote

. If I can consistently hit balls hard, consistently play a good defensive centerfield, and consistently make smart mental decisions, that will reflect plenty on the numbers. If I can do those three things, I will be in a good spot.”

I could have quoted any of 7 sentences/quotes from Jenkins. An 18-yr old.... Oofdah.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Looks like the Twins drafted a talented 18 year old who is driven to succeed. He appears to be saying all the right things. He can talk the talk. I sincerely believe he will also walk the walk.

[Twinkies are for eating]

Kids a stud. Seems mature beyond his age. Let’s hope the Twins don’t wait until he’s 27 to bring him up. I’m not saying he should be here next year, but it would be nice to see management take a chance on him sooner than later. Brooks Lee should make the club out of spring training. Probably replacement for Kiriloff unfortunately. Split time at third with Polonco and eventually take over the hot corner. 

[roger]

6 minutes ago, Twinkies are for eating said:

Kids a stud. Seems mature beyond his age. Let’s hope the Twins don’t wait until he’s 27 to bring him up. I’m not saying he should be here next year, but it would be nice to see management take a chance on him sooner than later. Brooks Lee should make the club out of spring training. Probably replacement for Kiriloff unfortunately. Split time at third with Polonco and eventually take over the hot corner. 

All the news on AK's surgery is good.  The labrum was ok and the surgery was limited to other problems.  Sounds like he should be AOK come spring training.

[TopGunn#22]

We as Twins fans will look back someday and marvel at our good fortune to have somehow, miraculously, moved UP in the MLB Draft Lottery to #5 overall.  In a draft that had 5 LEGIT excellent prospects, it will be interesting to follow the 4 guys that went ahead of him:  The LSU duo, Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews,  Max Clark, Wyatt Langford and compare how each of them do if they all make it to "the show."  

[thelanges5]

Where does he start 2024 - Single A?

 

[jmlease1]

12 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Where does he start 2024 - Single A?

 

I would think. If he continues to rake, they'll move him up to High A closer to midseason when the weather warms up. I could even see him get a cup of coffee in AA at the end of the season if he keeps rolling. I think the Twins won't hold him back, but they're also only going to be as aggressive as his performance warrants.

[Dman]

All of these great reports have me excited, but I need to see a full season to be more comfortable with the hype.  As mentioned by others Twins were very fortunate to get pick number 5 in a five player draft.  A draft where any of the top 5 could have gone 1-1 in other years.  Still a long ways to go though.

[SF Twins Fan]

19 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

I would think. If he continues to rake, they'll move him up to High A closer to midseason when the weather warms up. I could even see him get a cup of coffee in AA at the end of the season if he keeps rolling. I think the Twins won't hold him back, but they're also only going to be as aggressive as his performance warrants.

I bet he's at AA by mid-season.  I bet they give him a month at single A and if he continues to dominate, they move him up to high A and go from there.  He's too good of a talent not to push if he's performing well.

[saviking]

Should end secjnd half of season at Cedar Rapids at 19 years old. Double A at 20. Maybe start 21 year old season at AA and then move to triple A. Can he debute at 22 if all goes well? That would be amazing 

[tony&rodney]

All five had great debuts. The Twins were lucky. Health, hit the ball, and play defense is exactly the ticket to moving up. Prospects get a chance to show their game and talented players who perform are rewarded with opportunities. A full year of good health will tell us how good Walker Jenkins can be. If he can get some exposure next August in Wichita, that would be a meteoric rise for a high school player. 

[mikelink45]

It is always exciting to see progress in your highly rated prospect.  Just put some bubble wrap around him and keep him healthy.  I would love to see 2024 or early 25.

[Jeff K]

2 hours ago, Twinkies are for eating said:

Kids a stud. Seems mature beyond his age. Let’s hope the Twins don’t wait until he’s 27 to bring him up. I’m not saying he should be here next year, but it would be nice to see management take a chance on him sooner than later. Brooks Lee should make the club out of spring training. Probably replacement for Kiriloff unfortunately. Split time at third with Polonco and eventually take over the hot corner. 

According to the Twins; Kirilloff's surgery was less invasive than expected and he should quickly recover.  I know he's been injury prone, but I would NOT write him off.  Kirilloff has shown himself to be a quality hitter.

[Jeff K]

52 minutes ago, SF Twins Fan said:

I bet he's at AA by mid-season.  I bet they give him a month at single A and if he continues to dominate, they move him up to high A and go from there.  He's too good of a talent not to push if he's performing well.

I'm hopeful that he starts the season and high A and then moves up to AA sometime in the season.

[Blyleven2011]

Last year 2023  was a great draft , besides walker Jenkins there is a good possibility  that alot of prospects make the show from the draft class  ...

2022 was a good draft class with Lee  but not as strong as 2023 ...

We should have a great future with these prospects  ...

[jmlease1]

1 hour ago, saviking said:

Should end secjnd half of season at Cedar Rapids at 19 years old. Double A at 20. Maybe start 21 year old season at AA and then move to triple A. Can he debute at 22 if all goes well? That would be amazing 

It's not out of the question. And it would be amazing! We will have to keep in mind that prospects don't always move in a linear fashion and there may be bumps along the way even for someone as elite a prospect as Jenkins, and even if he stays healthy (which is never a guarantee). But Buxton debuted in his age 21 season...

He's fabulously talented and should be really fun to track through the minors. Seems like a good dude who has his head on straight too.

[Jocko87]

3 hours ago, davidborton said:

Good article/interview @Ted Schwerzler.

I could have quoted any of 7 sentences/quotes from Jenkins. An 18-yr old.... Oofdah.

Same, I heard his draft day interviews and I was blown away with the approach and maturity.  He also keeps talking about wanting to stay in centerfield which would be fantastic.  I assume he will have to move to a corner eventually but if he can get to the show quickly he should still be a centerfielder for a while.  Double bonus.

Loved seeing the Radcliffe eval come out after the draft.  He was probably the guy they were hoping fell to them. 

[Devilsadvocate]

4 hours ago, Twinkies are for eating said:

Kids a stud. Seems mature beyond his age. Let’s hope the Twins don’t wait until he’s 27 to bring him up. I’m not saying he should be here next year, but it would be nice to see management take a chance on him sooner than later. Brooks Lee should make the club out of spring training. Probably replacement for Kiriloff unfortunately. Split time at third with Polonco and eventually take over the hot corner. 

To be fair, Jenkins could elect to be a free agent well prior to turning 27, so the chances of this happening are close to 0.

[2-6CS]

Always blows my mind how few of games they get in the year they are drafted.  26 games. Joey Gallo was probably in the running  for MVP after 26 games.  

[chpettit19]

I think best case scenario, and what I'm hoping for while not expecting, is a Jackson Holliday style rise through the system. Reaching AAA at the tail end of 2024 would be fantastic. Not expecting it, but sure would be awesome. But I think AA is a realistic, wonderful outcome for him in 2024. AA with an AFL appearance would have me very excited for 2025.

He's very young, and there's a long ways to go, but it sure would be great for the Twins to have one of these phenoms fly up the system. An MLB debut before he can have a legal drink to celebrate it would be a fantastic outcome, and I think it's relatively reasonable.

[Fatbat]

All it will take for him to climb to the big show is to produce, make adjustments, and hone his skillset. It really doesn’t matter what age the calendar says he is.  When he is ready to hit MLB, the Twins will gladly let him roam CF. As fans, we wont be waiting long because he looks like the next Ken Griffey Jr.  2025 is going to be epic if Buxton is the 4th outfielder. 

[Possumlad]

21 hours ago, Twinkies are for eating said:

Kids a stud. Seems mature beyond his age. Let’s hope the Twins don’t wait until he’s 27 to bring him up. I’m not saying he should be here next year, but it would be nice to see management take a chance on him sooner than later. Brooks Lee should make the club out of spring training. Probably replacement for Kiriloff unfortunately. Split time at third with Polonco and eventually take over the hot corner. 

Royce Lewis is locked in to 3rd for a long time. He's not moving to the outfield.

 

[Doctor Wu]

Still early days and a small sample size to base it on, but I'd be surprised if Jenkins can make it to AA at some point next season. Not saying that it's impossible, but we're still dealing with a guy fresh out of high school No matter how mature and focused he is at this point, that's still a huge jump. I certainly don't want to wait until he's 24 for a MLB debut, but slow and steady progress is fine by me. 

[AceWrigley]

On 10/26/2023 at 9:37 AM, roger said:

All the news on AK's surgery is good.  The labrum was ok and the surgery was limited to other problems.  Sounds like he should be AOK come spring training.

Actually, he'll be ADK. 🙂

[Heiny]

On 10/27/2023 at 6:58 AM, Doctor Wu said:

Still early days and a small sample size to base it on, but I'd be surprised if Jenkins can make it to AA at some point next season. Not saying that it's impossible, but we're still dealing with a guy fresh out of high school No matter how mature and focused he is at this point, that's still a huge jump. I certainly don't want to wait until he's 24 for a MLB debut, but slow and steady progress is fine by me. 

Wait until he's 24?????  That would be 5/6 years in the minors.  LOL.  that's not gonna happen!!!!!

[Doctor Wu]

On 10/29/2023 at 12:42 AM, Heiny said:

Wait until he's 24?????  That would be 5/6 years in the minors.  LOL.  that's not gonna happen!!!!!

I was saying that in jest, poking fun at the old Twins development timeline that often resulted in top prospects making their MLB debut at older ages than the rest of the league. Or at least that's the way it always seemed to me. But for guys like Jenkins, if he looks ready at age 20, call him up!

[Ztretter37]

Brooks Lee and Walker Jenkins are tearing it up. I feel sometimes the Twins wait to dang long to bring up prospects.  We have a good prospect pool. Let's give them a chance 

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, Ztretter37 said:

Brooks Lee and Walker Jenkins are tearing it up. I feel sometimes the Twins wait to dang long to bring up prospects.  We have a good prospect pool. Let's give them a chance 

Brooks Lee had a 78 wRC+ at AAA last year, and Jenkins has played 26 total professional games. Not sure what you want the Twins to be doing with them that they aren't.