Get to Know 2024 Minnesota Twins Draft Pick: Peyton Carr

[Ted Schwerzler]

Rounding out the second day of the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft the Minnesota Twins went back to the college ranks. Selecting third baseman Peyton Carr from High Point University, they grabbed a four-year senior who is ready to get into action.

Peyton Carr's collegiate journey is one that dealt with plenty of adversity, and saw him overcome different obstacles to post an incredible senior season. With a 1.380 OPS across 27 games, he brandished a power stroke that saw 13 balls leave the yard. Carr is from Twins Territory south, and the Fort Myers native being selected by Minnesota is something of a full circle moment.

Carr was First Team All-Conference last season in the Big South Conference, and he has shown impressive tools each time he steps on the field. Injuries may have slowed down the overall numbers, but it's clear that there's a ridiculous amount of talent waiting to be shown off over the course of a full season.

Following his selection in the tenth round by the Twins, I caught up with Carr to introduce him to Twins Territory.

Twins Daily: You put up some solid numbers in your first two years with High Point, but last year was something else. What tweaks did you make to boast that 1.380 OPS?

 

Peyton Carr: I think that it came with the positions I was getting into with my swing. My first two years I don't think that I was putting myself in the best position to drive to the baseball, but this year I was able to get to my spot more often. 

 

TD: 13 home runs in 27 games is quite the Royce Lewis-esque pace. Would you describe yourself as a power hitter, or what is your approach like at the plate?

 

PC: I would describe myself as someone who controls the zone with the ability to drive the ball. My approach is to just be on the pitcher's fastball timing and adjust to the off speed. I try to stay middle of the field to keep my direction right and maintaining length through the zone. 

 

TD: You have dealt with some injuries and setbacks over the course of your collegiate career. How has that adversity shaped you and gotten you to where you are now?

 

PC: That adversity has shaped me by growing my faith in God, and trusting His plan. It was tough to deal with my injury these past two years due to the fact that it was misdiagnosed. I finally got it figured out right after the season, and had surgery on it-I should be good to go in a couple weeks. But that adversity definitely helped me grow my faith in God knowing that everything happens for a reason, and He doesn't make mistakes. 

 

TD: Is there a big leaguer, current or former, that you have modeled your game after? Who was your favorite growing up?

 

PC: I'm not sure that I can pinpoint an exact major leaguer who I model my game after, but I love watching Austin Riley and his presence in the box. Growing up being a Florida kid, my favorite player was Evan Longoria on the Rays. I loved how he took pride in everything he did both offensively and defensively. 

 

TD: From Fort Myers, you obviously were in close proximity to Twins Territory south. What do you know about the Minnesota organization? Have you been to Target Field?

 

PC: This is a dream come true for me because I grew up going to a ton of Twins spring training games. Their complex is ten minutes from my house! It will be awesome to play in front of my hometown. I know that the Minnesota Twins are a historic organization that I am proud to be a part of. They are a well respected organization throughout the MLB community and I could not be more excited for this opportunity. I have not been to Target field, but hopefully I will be there soon!

 

TD: What do you do to get away from the game? What do you do for fun?

 

PC: I love spending time with family, and pretty much anything outdoors. I love to fish and be out on the water with friends and family. I also love to play golf whenever I can!

 

Welcome to Twins Territory, Peyton!

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[Dman]

Carr is a very intriguing prospect.  He could be a very good all around third baseman.  I think I like him better than Amick especially at pick 10.  Pro ball is tough, but given his struggles he should be ready for it.

[Mike Sixel]

Thanks for doing this interview! Good luck. 

[DocBauer]

Do we have a breakdown on his injury and the misdiagnoses he .mentioned? I haven't come across that yet in my reading.

Very excited about Carr. I also might be more excited about him than Amick. I'm guessing he was a 10th round pick due to small college/conference? His numbers last season were tremendous. A 1.380 OPS is nothing to sneeze at, regardless of level.