Get to Know Minnesota Twins 2024 Draft Pick: Khadim Diaw

[Ted Schwerzler]

After not selecting a catcher at all during the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft, the Minnesota Twins picked up a pair of them this season. Loyola Marymount's Khadim Diaw was the first they chose, and he found his name being called early.

Image courtesy of © Ron Schloerb/Cape Cod Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

 

In recent seasons, the Twins have gone back and forth on prioritizing the catcher position during the Major League Baseball Draft. Taking two in the first six rounds of this year's draft, Minnesota restocked on backstop prospects in the system. Khadim Diaw was selected in the third round, becoming Minnesota's first catcher taken that early since Ryan Jeffers during the 2018 draft. Catchers going early haven't been a priority for the Twins, but they clearly believed strongly in this one.

Diaw was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, and played prep baseball in California. He did become the first player of Senegalese descent to be selected in the draft, however. Diaw's father has a rich soccer background while his mother played softball. A fan of Derek Jeter growing up, Diaw looks to continue paving his own path.

I was able to catch up with him prior to kicking off his professional career.

Twins Daily: Playing high school ball at Notre Dame (HS, in Sherman Oaks, Cal.), with alums like Giancarlo Stanton and Hunter Greene, what was it like to stand out and make a name for yourself there?
 

Khadim Diaw: I think it was more important to embrace the high level of competition, rather than stand out. While playing at Notre Dame, I got the chance to play against a plethora of future D1 and MLB-drafted players in the Mission League and surrounding LA area. Great talent made it hard to stand out. My Junior year, I played on a team that had 15-plus D1 commits, some of which were going to big-time Power 5 schools. Playing at a school like Notre Dame helped elevate my standards as a player. I was able to see how great high school players trained and performed, and began to follow in their footsteps, hoping to get the chance to play D1. Notre Dame HS culture is all about high-level baseball and playing at a winning level, and I think the "pressure" to perform and win is ultimately what helped to stand out as a player. 

TD: The Twins announced their selection of you as a catcher, but you have played the outfield as well. How would you describe your defensive profile?

KD: I am a versatile player with the ability to play both behind the plate and in the outfield. At school, I have played more right field while catching some, but in stints in the Cape Cod League and Alaska baseball league I have gotten to play more center field while catching some. I played catcher in high school and was recruited as a catcher to LMU, However, I sat behind a 15th-round pick to the Phillies (Jared Thomas) last year, so didn't get many opportunities behind the dish and had to play outfield. Catching is my primary position and what I feel the best at. Had I not been hurt I would have caught more this year. I also feel confident in the outfield and am ultimately willing to play any position the organization wants me at. 

 

TD: You have missed some time due to injury over the course of your collegiate career. What has that taught you about dealing with adversity, and where do you think your game can grow the most?

 

KD: I have had some freak injuries that always came as a surprise. Initially, it feels super unfair, and it can be tough to find enjoyment when you don't get to play and help your team win. Dealing with that mental battle has taught me to stay positive and ready to jump back into action when healthy. This year, I knew I was going to come back from my broken hand, and so instead of dwelling on the unfortunate circumstances, I took it as an opportunity to get better in every way that I physically was capable of. Injuries aren't fun, and availability is the best ability, so I hope during my pro career I get the chance to play as many games as possible. More at-bats and live reps will help me grow as a player.

 

TD: What's your approach in the box? Do you see yourself as more of an all-around hitter or have a specific contact type you strive for?

 

KD: I see myself as an all-around hitter. I have an aggressive approach at the plate, I look for elevated fastballs early and try to do damage. I love to put the ball in play and hate striking out. For me, it is super important to battle with two strikes and apply pressure to the defense. I am confident in my bat-to-ball skills and the ability to barrel the ball up. My main focus as an offensive player is to apply pressure to the pitcher and defense. 

 

TD: Minnesota obviously had a historically great catcher in Joe Mauer. What do you know about the Twins organization? Have you ever been to Target Field?'

 

KD: I have never been to Target Field, I cannot wait to visit and watch a big-league game. I am super excited to play for the Twins organization, as I have heard nothing but great things as far as developing players. As a curious person, I love to learn, and I cannot wait to work with the minor league staff in order to continue to elevate my game. My head coach Donegal Fergus worked as the hitting coordinator for the Twins, so I feel prepared for the transition to pro ball and the Twins organization because his style of development was based upon his pro experience. 

 

TD: What are you most excited about getting started on the journey with pro baseball?

 

KD: I am most excited to get the chance to play against the best players in the world. Playing against the highest level of competition will be challenging, but will create lessons, and experiences that I believe will help me become a better person and player. 

 

Welcome to Twins Territory, Khadim!

 

View full article

[Dman]

Love that interview. just that small glimpse makes me think he is very cerebral.  His profile seems similar to Lomavita whom the Twins were connected to at pick 33.  Diaw might not have Lomavita's power upside but appears to be a better contact hitter and out OPS'd Lomavita this year so I can see why the Twins were interested.

Diaw has also been hurt a fair bit so seems maybe a little under the radar with possibly more upside than a normal pick.

Nice article I really like Diaw and hope he is the next great catcher for the Twins.

[Mike Sixel]

Thanks for doing the interview! good luck.

[Doctor Wu]

Very interesting and informative interview! Judging by what I read hear, I love Diaw's attitude and mindset. He sounds like a player that will do well in this organization. 

[Doctor Gast]

I really like his athleticism, attitude & tools to be a good catcher. If he can stay healthy & the Twins can develop him he can be of good value. Hope everything works out for him.