Get to Know Minnesota Twins 2024 Draft Pick Kyle DeBarge

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins had a pair of first-round draft picks for the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft, and both were used on college hitters. Kyle DeBarge joined Kaelen Culpepper on the first night, and he became the highest pick ever produced by the NCAA's Ragin' Cajuns.

Image courtesy of Ben Massey, UL Athletics

When the Minnesota Twins opted against re-signing Cy Young-contending starter Sonny Gray, they got a draft pick in exchange. Since Gray signed for more than $50 million with St. Louis over the winter, that selection wound up being 33rd overall in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft, and they used it on Kyle DeBarge. The shortstop out of Louisiana-Lafayette set records for the Ragin' Cajuns, and he was a worthy record-breaker of a pick as well.

Coming out of high school as a catcher, DeBarge (similar to current Twins veteran Kyle Farmer) moved to shortstop. He was the Sun Belt Player of the Year this spring, and if there's an optimistic big-league parallel to draw, perhaps it's former Minnesota infielder Luis Arráez. DeBarge is an elite contact hitter, and he doesn't strike out. Power may come as he settles in at the next level, and he did get a taste of wood-bat ball in the Cape Cod League. Speed is very much part of DeBarge's game, and he should be able to play either spot on the left side of the infield.

Set to sign officially with Minnesota over the weekend, DeBarge will get just south of the slot value of his draft position, at $2.4 million. Prior to him kicking off his pro career, I caught up with the Louisiana native.

Twins Daily: Picking up Sun Belt Player of the Year honors, and becoming the highest-drafted Ragin' Cajun in history, what has this last year been like for you, personally?

 

Kyle DeBarge: This year has been full of dreams coming true. I honestly couldn’t have written a better script for all the success I’ve had. With all the awards and then becoming the highest-drafted player in school history, it’s hard to wrap my head around all of it. I’m very blessed to have all of the people God has put in my life up to this point in time. 

 

TD: How was the draft process for you? Did you have an indication of where you were going to go?

 

KD: As far as draft process, I was hearing that first round was a long shot and that it would probably be second round. Then again, it’s the draft, so I sort of felt you really don’t know until you get a call. 

 

TD: You spent a summer on the Cape, before exploding your junior year. How did the wood bat experience help you? Where did the power come from this season?

 

KD: The wood bat experience in the Cape made me look in the mirror and realize I had to go back to school and gain weight and get stronger. I crushed the weight room, gained the weight I felt like I needed to get to. The power this season came from gaining weight, but also changing my swing path from steep to more of a flat swing path. 

 

TD: When thinking about your game translating to the next level, is there someone you try to emulate or feel your skills are similar to?

 

KD: Alex Bregman is someone I emulate or watch the most. He can hit for average or power, or even both. He can play everywhere and can also swipe some bags if needed. 

 

TD: What do you know about the Twins organization and Minnesota as a whole? Have you ever been to Target Field?

 

KD: Player development and winning is at the forefront of the organization. They like players that can play everywhere as well, which fits my play style. Being from Louisiana, Minnesota is a long ways from home, so I’ve never been to Target Field or Minnesota. 

 

TD: What keeps you loose off the field? What do you like to do for fun or recharge?

 

KD: Off the field, I enjoy playing golf and honestly just driving around listening to music. I play some video games if I just want to hang around the house, as well. 

 

Welcome to Twins Territory, Kyle!

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[AceWrigley]

Saw what he needed to do, went out and did it. I like this kid already.

[Dman]

Happy to see him sign right away and be ready to go.  Really looking forward to seeing what he can do.  Was very happy Twins went up the middle on their first two picks. Should be a fun player to watch.

[Doctor Gast]

I really like his attitude & Arraez-type hitting mentality. 

His quote  "The power this season came from gaining weight, but also changing my swing path from steep to more of a flat swing path.", 

I think the power came strictly from hitting the weight room because normally hitters try to increase their launch angle not decrease it, to hit HRs. But love the fact he can be a contact hitter that can hit HRs. IMO DeBarge has the better chance to stick at SS.

[Mike Sixel]

Welcome to the TWins, thanks for doing the interview. Good luck!

[Doctor Wu]

I really enjoy these interviews with the new picks. Hopefully, we can read more about the players we drafted. DeBarge seems like yet another player with the right mindset and game plan for success in the organization. Happy to have him on board!