Ranking the Minnesota Twins' Top 5 Candidates for the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year

[Cody Christie]

The Twins have a plethora of top prospects knocking on the door to the big leagues. Which players have the best chance to end the team’s 30-year drought for the AL Rookie of the Year?

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge (Luke Keaschall) and Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints (Marco Raya)

The Minnesota Twins have a history of producing impactful rookies, and the 2025 season promises to continue that trend. With the team's farm system brimming with talent, several prospects have the potential to make a significant splash in the majors next season. Last week, MLB.com's prospect team picked one player from each organization that is a candidate for Rookie of the Year. Twins Daily recently finished a reranking of the top prospects in the organization entering next season, and the players below are all featured prominently on that list.

Here’s a look at the top candidates for the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year Award, ranked by their potential impact, along with one sleeper pick to keep on your radar.     

5. Cory Lewis: SP  
Current TD Rank: 9
Few prospects have taken as unconventional a path as Cory Lewis, but his knuckleball-anchored repertoire has made believers out of scouts and coaches alike. The Twins have carefully managed his innings, and 2025 could be the year he transitions into a full-fledged big-league starter. In 2024, he posted a 2.51 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP and 10.5 K/9 in 79 innings.   While his ceiling might not be as high as some of the team’s other top prospects, Lewis’s ability to keep hitters off balance could make him an impactful presence in the rotation. Don’t overlook his potential to surprise the league.  

4. Marco Raya: SP
Current TD Rank: 5
Raya has long been one of the most intriguing arms in the Twins system, and 2025 might finally be his time to shine. Despite his slight frame for a starting pitcher, his mid-90s fastball and devastating slider has kept him on the prospect radar since being drafted by the team in 2020. In his final 38 2/3 innings, he posted a 2.09 ERA while holding opponents to a .579 OPS. If he can build on that performance in the high minors, Raya could break into the Twins’ rotation by midseason. His dynamic arsenal makes him an exciting dark horse candidate for Rookie of the Year honors. 

3. Andrew Morris: SP
Current TD Rank: 6
After steadily climbing the Twins’ pitching depth chart, Morris has positioned himself as one of the organization’s most MLB-ready arms. The right-hander blends a low-90s fastball with a pair of advanced secondary offerings, making him a strong candidate for the Twins’ rotation in 2025. He finished last season at Triple-A while pitching a career-high 133 innings with 9.0 K/9. Morris will start the year in the minors but might be needed in a similar role to David Festa this past season. 

2. Emmanuel Rodriguez: OF
Current TD Rank: 2
Rodriguez's tools jump off the page, and that makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the Twins system. His 2024 season showed flashes of brilliance, but injuries and streaky performances limited his on-field production. The left-handed slugger could step into a starting role in the Twins’ outfield, particularly if Trevor Larnach or Matt Wallner struggle. He finished last season with a taste of Triple-A and should begin 2025 at that level. If Rodriguez can improve his strikeout rate (27.5 K% at Double-A) while maintaining his power, he can potentially be a long-term building block for the Twins. 

1. Luke Keaschall: INF
Current TD Rank: 3  
Keaschall's rise through the Twins' farm system has been meteoric. In 102 games last season, he hit .303/.420/.483 (.903) with 21 doubles and 15 home runs. He did all of this while playing through an elbow injury that eventually led to Tommy John surgery. He is expected to be fully healthy by spring training. Keaschall combines a smooth glove with an electric bat, making him a candidate to grab a starting infield role early in the season if injuries impact the big-league roster. His plus contact skills and surprising pop for his size could allow him to hit at the top of the lineup. Keaschall will give the team their best chance to end their ROY drought if he delivers on his potential.

Sleeper Pick: Walker Jenkins
Current TD Rank: 1
It’s rare for a player drafted out of high school to rise so quickly through the minors, but Jenkins is no ordinary prospect. He is already considered one of baseball’s top prospects, and that means he will get plenty of attention when he debuts. While Jenkins projects to start 2025 in the upper minors, a midseason promotion is very much in play, particularly if the Twins need a spark. His blend of power, athleticism, and defensive versatility makes him a potential game-changer. If he reaches the majors and finds his footing, Jenkins could turn the Rookie of the Year race on its head.  

With a mix of top-tier position players and dynamic pitchers, the Twins have plenty of candidates to watch in the 2025 Rookie of the Year race. Whether it’s Keaschall’s polish, Rodriguez’s power, or the rotation potential of Morris, Raya, and Lewis, the Twins' pipeline is poised to make a significant impact in the year ahead. And don’t forget about Jenkins because he might surprise us all. 

Which prospect has the best chance to win the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

 

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[Cory Engelhardt]

Zebby would still be considered a rookie in 2025, right? I'd have to think he should be on this list too no?

Festa passed the threshold, at least as I understand it. 

[Twins Takes]

Keaschcall is an interesting pick just cause he might start at AA. I would love to see them push him to AAA, but I find it unlikely considering he's coming off a surgery recovery. I hope to see him at the big Leagues soon though!

[Cory Engelhardt]

9 minutes ago, Twins Takes said:

Keaschcall is an interesting pick just cause he might start at AA. I would love to see them push him to AAA, but I find it unlikely considering he's coming off a surgery recovery. I hope to see him at the big Leagues soon though!

What more does he have to prove at AA though, outside of just getting caught back up coming back from surgery?

[Fatbat]

If there ever was a year for the FO to just go all in on promoting young players as soon as they are ready, its this year and next.  No hiding these prospects! Push them and stop trading for/signing the Margot’s and Gallo’s. 

[Blyleven2011]

Twins Rookie of the year maybe , but we will have to see what they can accomplish at the MLB level  ..

Keaschall and Rodriguez  are talented players , if I had to pick one with a chance at rookie of the year  , I would pick Keaschall  , he's been consistent with the offense and his  defense at second base would be  welcomed  ...

Keaschall seems the most likely player to be on a mission  .

.

[chpettit19]

I'd put Rodriguez 1 and Keaschall 2 with Zebby 3. 

I think Emma has the easier path to playing time (I've been a broken record about him being the opening day LFer if I were in charge). Buxton isn't playing 100 games in CF. Emma is the best all around CFer in the system behind Buxton. Keaschall will likely get some OF time, but he's not the defender Emma is. The Twins have more options in their IF than their OF. And Emma is the better power/speed combo which will lead to more fancy counting stats that will get the national attention that's needed to win things like RoY awards (it's a popularity contest). His patience will also draw comps to Soto which will get him on national shows which helps with the popularity contest thing. 

Overall, I just hope they don't block these guys with bad to mediocre vets. Even if the kids struggle. Let them. Correa, Buxton, Lewis, Larnach, Wallner, Miranda, Jeffers, Vazquez, Castro are your "core" position players as of December 3rd, 2024. I don't see drastic changes, but maybe they come. Until then those guys are getting the majority of the ABs while they're healthy. The rest should go to Emma (he'd be the 9th everyday guy in place of one of the catchers for me), Julien, Keirsey, and Martin with Keaschall, Helman, Lee, Camargo, et al backing them up from the minor league ranks. Let the young athletes go. You want more speed and stolen bases? Get younger and faster. Let the kids play. 

Emma rookie of the year 2025. Jenkins rookie of the year 2026. 2 extra draft picks in back to back years for more rookies of the year in 2030 and 2031. Twins dynasty here we come!

[Brett]

I just hope we don’t need all of them next year.

[tony&rodney]

23 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

(I've been a broken record about him being the opening day LFer if I were in charge).

Absolutely. Me too. Been pounding this idea since the final day of the season. 

[tony&rodney]

The Twins need to use Spring Training to evaluate which players fit a puzzle to improve the team. Obviously, Buxton and Correa are exceptions because they get their positions. Jeffers and Vazquez are set if they are still the only catchers in the organization worth a look. Everyone else needs to earn a spot.

[bean5302]

46 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

I'd put Rodriguez 1 and Keaschall 2 with Zebby 3...

Zebby was under 50 IP, but he lost rookie status by 3 days. 48 days on the MLB roster so I'm pretty sure he's ineligible.

I'd rank these guys as #1 Rodriguez. #2 Keaschall, #3 Raya, #4 Jenkins, #5 Olivar.

Gotta make the big show first, but then have to potentially provide enough value/playing time to get noticed.

 

[chpettit19]

Just now, bean5302 said:

Zebby was under 50 IP, but he lost rookie status by 3 days. 48 days on the MLB roster so I'm pretty sure he's ineligible.

I'd rank these guys as #1 Rodriguez. #2 Keaschall, #3 Raya, #4 Jenkins, #5 Olivar.

Gotta make the big show first, but then have to potentially provide enough value/playing time to get noticed.

 

Ah, fair enough on Zebby. Thanks for the info.

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 minute ago, chpettit19 said:

Ah, fair enough on Zebby. Thanks for the info.

2nd'd. Thanks!

[Rod Carews Birthday]

I think if Cory Lewis, Marco Raya, or Andrew Morris win Rookie of the Year, something probably went very wrong with the season.  I do think that any or all of them may get a cup of coffee, but barring injuries, they shouldn't get much time in the majors. 

Everybody seems to be on the Keaschall bandwagon -- and he does look legit.  I just don't think he is most likely to get the playing time with all of the other middle infielders available, and I don't think the Twins are likely to clear a path YET --  maybe next year.  I think Rodriguez is the most likely candidate that the Twins have because the path to playing time isn't blocked and he could fit right into the team.  That said, he has to hit and play defense for this to come true.  I would much rather they give him time on the team to figure things out than to go out and sign another outfielder.  Save your money. . . we've got a guy!

[mnfireman]

Why should Keaschall have to wait for an injury to occur if he outperforms any of Julien, Lee, Miranda and/or even Lewis in ST? If he's going to sit on the bench, no, start him at AA or AAA. But if he earns a spot, give it to him.

And yes, I understand that many teams try to manipulate playing time to keep that extra year of service time, so even if he earns it, he may not be up until sometime around May 1.

[JD-TWINS]

7 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

What more does he have to prove at AA though, outside of just getting caught back up coming back from surgery?

No more difficult to throw from 2B in St. Paul v. AA - you’re right! Needs to get to highest level sooner than later. Hoping he’s in Minneapolis by late June!

[JD-TWINS]

3 hours ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

I think if Cory Lewis, Marco Raya, or Andrew Morris win Rookie of the Year, something probably went very wrong with the season.  I do think that any or all of them may get a cup of coffee, but barring injuries, they shouldn't get much time in the majors. 

Everybody seems to be on the Keaschall bandwagon -- and he does look legit.  I just don't think he is most likely to get the playing time with all of the other middle infielders available, and I don't think the Twins are likely to clear a path YET --  maybe next year.  I think Rodriguez is the most likely candidate that the Twins have because the path to playing time isn't blocked and he could fit right into the team.  That said, he has to hit and play defense for this to come true.  I would much rather they give him time on the team to figure things out than to go out and sign another outfielder.  Save your money. . . we've got a guy!

Gotta hit to be available in front of Keaschall - I have little confidence in the other 2B candidates ability with the bat! I think he’s in St. Paul by end of April if he doesn’t start there out of Spring Training…….@ TARGET by end of June.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

Gotta hit to be available in front of Keaschall - I have little confidence in the other 2B candidates ability with the bat! I think he’s in St. Paul by end of April if he doesn’t start there out of Spring Training…….@ TARGET by end of June.

I admire your optimism and hope you are right! 

[Doctor Wu]

16 hours ago, Brett said:

I just hope we don’t need all of them next year.

You took the words right out of my mouth!  If the Twins end up calling up all of those players and they all have enough appearances to qualify for ROY, that indicates that something went very wrong for the Twins plans in 2025.

[mikelink45]

December wish list - dear Santa bring me a ROY.  Nice list of players, but the pitchers have Lopez, Ryan, Ober, SWR, Festa, Paddock, Zebby ahead of them.  Maybe more.  

We have Lee, Lewis, Castro, Julien, Miranda, Correa in the infield - as much as I like Keaschall I do not see the team giving him the ABs. 

I am not there with Emma - he seems to be the flavor of the year, but I need to see more from him - put together a full good season - come up late in the year and look great - but not long enough to sway the ROY voters. 

[LambchoP]

Raya- and Lewis haven't really pitched above AA, so I'd be surprised if they even debut this year. More likely Adams will, if injuries happen. Keaschal has the best chance imo. E Rodriguez may have the higher ceiling but he hasn't played above AA either and needs to prove he can stay healthy for a full year. I think one other long shot guy could be Eeles. He played very well in AAA and his bat could really help out our lineup. He can also play multiple positions while stealing bases too..

[terrydactyls]

53 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

Raya- and Lewis haven't really pitched above AA, so I'd be surprised if they even debut this year. More likely Adams will, if injuries happen. Keaschal has the best chance imo. E Rodriguez may have the higher ceiling but he hasn't played above AA either and needs to prove he can stay healthy for a full year. I think one other long shot guy could be Eeles. He played very well in AAA and his bat could really help out our lineup. He can also play multiple positions while stealing bases too..

I would love to see MLB pitchers trying to hit the strike zone that Eeles presents.  He would only have to protect against pitches a few inches above and below his waist.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

1 hour ago, LambchoP said:

Raya- and Lewis haven't really pitched above AA, so I'd be surprised if they even debut this year. More likely Adams will, if injuries happen. Keaschal has the best chance imo. E Rodriguez may have the higher ceiling but he hasn't played above AA either and needs to prove he can stay healthy for a full year. I think one other long shot guy could be Eeles. He played very well in AAA and his bat could really help out our lineup. He can also play multiple positions while stealing bases too..

The jump from AA to the majors is no where near as dramatic for a pitcher than it is for a position player.  Any pitchers at that level or higher will be given a look.

Keaschall will be brought back slowly, especially coming back from injury.  I think if he makes the team out of ST it bodes very poorly for the team, meaning Julien, Lee, Castro are non-issues.  Chances are better he starts in AAA to give him consistent playing time, with a June call-up possible (barring injuries).

ERod is along those same lines.  Making the big team, then riding the pine as a 4th OF is not going to help him.  He needs to be in spot to get consistent AB.  Call him up when they are ready to give him an extended look.

[tony&rodney]

2 hours ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

The jump from AA to the majors is no where near as dramatic for a pitcher than it is for a position player. 

A number of good position players skip AAA. The circumstances are usually different for every player. I'm not inclined to comment strongly on Keaschall because I have only watched him a couple dozen times. He probably needs more AA/AAA plate appearances. It is warmer in Wichita in April and Keaschall is coming off of an injury, so perhaps he starts there. A spectacular Spring Training may mean he is ready.

Emmanuel Rodriguez has had truncated seasons due to injuries, yet has displayed an ability to hit. His body, swing, and success at AA makes me believe that he is ready now. Again, I think this is where Spring Training should be important. 

[Senior Softball Guy]

Love me some Payton Eeles! Little guy has a huge chip on his shoulder to prove everyone wrong. A player needs to play in MLB with that chip.

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, Senior Softball Guy said:

Love me some Payton Eeles! Little guy has a huge chip on his shoulder to prove everyone wrong. A player needs to play in MLB with that chip.

There is no reason that the Twins cannot allow Eeles to show himself in 

February and March. When you look at how he performed for the Saints .....