BREAKING: Twins Promoting Top Prospect Walker Jenkins to AAA

[Jamie Cameron]

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge

Consensus top prospect Walker Jenkins is a step away from the majors. Twins Daily learned that the 20-year old outfielder is being promoted to AAA St. Paul after a strong showing at AA Wichita.

Jenkins was quietly outstanding in AA. He hit .309/.426/.487 (.913) with 7 home runs (19 extra base hits) in 52 games in the Texas League. Jenkins continued to showcase his strong approach, walking 14.3% of the time and striking out just 18.5%. 

The beginning of Jenkins' 2025 season mirrored 2024, injury trouble. He landed on the injured list on April 9th, missing close to two months of playing time before beginning a rehab assignment with Fort Myers on June 5th. Since returning to Wichita on June 17th, Jenkins has played consistently and excellently. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many national prospects lists dropped him several spots due to back-to-back seasons impacted by muscular injuries. He's quietly reminded the industry why he's one of the premier prospects in the game.

Despite being one of the younger prospects at the level, Jenkins has done a little bit of everything well. Jenkins' 156 wRC+ ranks third in the Texas League among prospects with at least 200 plate appearances. His 14.3% walk rate ranks 10th, his .420 wOBA ranks third. The one 'ding' industry lists and analysts have attached to his profile is a lack of in game power. While not fully fledged, Jenkins is on a 21 home run and 57 extra base hit pace over 150 games.

While I'd argue that a judgement on his power grade could be reserved until hits his age-22 season, it's certainly a fair critique and likely, the one aspect of his game that will be most scrutinized in AAA. Thankfully, we'll have ample StatCast data giving us launch angles, exit velocities and more, that will allow for a thorough and robust comparison to his peers. 

For now, it's an exciting tonic to an uninspiring week of Twins baseball on the major league side.

More to come...

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[Dman]

I think that's a good move. No real reason to wait that I can see.  All the counting stats look good.  He could be at the MLB level next year in his age 21 season if he keeps it going.  Twins could use all the help they can get.  Hope he can do it.

[gman]

Another step closer. Depending maybe he gets some time late September in the Twins dugout and a pinch hit or 2. Maybe even a start. Of course what I would really like to see at the end of St Paul's season is Walker play the last however many games on the Twins schedule.

[mikelink45]

so happy to see this.  But have to temper my enthusiasm.  I was also excited to Abel and Bradley promoted. 

[thelanges5]

Well someone had to be called up because Fedko is joining the big club, right?

[Paul Walerius]

56 minutes ago, Dman said:

I think that's a good move. No real reason to wait that I can see.  All the counting stats look good.  He could be at the MLB level next year in his age 21 season if he keeps it going.  Twins could use all the help they can get.  Hope he can do it.

I wonder if he hits the next week or so if he is called up this year yet.  

 

[Patzky]

34 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Well someone had to be called up because Fedko is joining the big club, right?

Is that happening? Haven't heard.

[FlyingFinn]

53 minutes ago, gman said:

Depending maybe he gets some time late September in the Twins dugout and a pinch hit or 2. Maybe even a start.

No. Twins don't need to add him to the 40 man roster and plan to stockpile guys on there this winter IMo (get rid of the dead weight and add a lot of upper minors guys who need to get added and risk losing - also can trade guys like Larnach to someone who has too many 40 man roster guys). Next spring, if he's good enough, add Jenkins as there's often someone injured who goes on the 60 man IL.

[tony&rodney]

Hopefully, Jenkins plays every day and gets 100 plate appearances in the 24 games left on St. Paul's schedule. He can DH once per series to get off his feet. AAA has the challenge system. AA does not use it. Jenkins has a very good feel for the strike zone. The increased command of breaking balls should be a good challenge for the young outfielder. Same batter's box and strike zone, so Walker should just have some fun working on his skills.

[S Bart]

Culpepper should follow him soon.

[wavedog]

This is some rare good news - a top-rated prospect earning a promotion.   Looking forward to see his performance at AAA - better than watching the Twins play.  

[thelanges5]

1 hour ago, Patzky said:

Is that happening? Haven't heard.

Just trying to will the move into existence. 

[Fatbat]

@S Bart

yes! 

[PerfectGame]

2 hours ago, gman said:

Another step closer. Depending maybe he gets some time late September in the Twins dugout and a pinch hit or 2. Maybe even a start. Of course what I would really like to see at the end of St Paul's season is Walker play the last however many games on the Twins schedule.

No need to put him on the 40 man roster and start his clock for team control when the season is already lost and he has plenty to work on at St. Paul. Look at Abel, he was tearing up the minors but still could work on his command. The difference is The major league level had much less present-time talent-level than him starting. The Twins have at least replacement level corner outfielders on the roster.

[tony&rodney]

30 minutes ago, S Bart said:

Culpepper should follow him soon.

Kaelen (Culpepper) has had a rough go recently. He might have hit a wall in his first full year of professional baseball. In July, Culpepper was tearing up the AA Texas League. In August, the games have become a slog. He is hitting .200 in August with his average moving from a high of .369 in late July to its current .289. Kaelen might need a little break.

[S Bart]

15 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Kaelen (Culpepper) has had a rough go recently. He might have hit a wall in his first full year of professional baseball. In July, Culpepper was tearing up the AA Texas League. In August, the games have become a slog. He is hitting .200 in August with his average moving from a high of .369 in late July to its current .289. Kaelen might need a little break.

That is too bad. He was only drafted in 2024...so may need a bid more seasoning....but you could say the same for some of the current "young guns" on the Twins. Witchita's season concludes a week earlier than the Saints. It may be okay for him to still get a taste of AAA. I am not sure if the Wind Surge will have post season play this year.

[jimbo92107]

Welcome to the Saint Paul Saints, Mr. Jenkins. Congratulations, you have arrived at the pinnacle of baseball in the Twins organization. Enjoy it while you can; at some point next season, you may be demoted to the major league club. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

10 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Kaelen (Culpepper) has had a rough go recently. He might have hit a wall in his first full year of professional baseball. In July, Culpepper was tearing up the AA Texas League. In August, the games have become a slog. He is hitting .200 in August with his average moving from a high of .369 in late July to its current .289. Kaelen might need a little break.

Kalen needs to figure out how to adjust to whatever the AA pitchers have figured out about pitching to him. Can't do that by taking a break. Onward and upward. 

[dxpavelka]

All i care about with this kid is seeing him get half a season in the big leagues in 2026 so in case there is a work stoppage and no season in 2027 we're not still sitting here at the start of 2028 (which MIGHT not be until mid summer) and wondering what we've got with the kid 5 years post draft.

[MinnInPa]

hopefully this is a prelude to him replacing Wallner in RF in 2026 !!!!

[Brandon]

13 minutes ago, MinnInPa said:

hopefully this is a prelude to him replacing Wallner in RF in 2026 !!!!

Wallner is likely to stay put or possibly move to 1B or DH.  He is a good hitter with elite power.  I do like the logjam of hitters coming up putting a squeeze for better hitting from the OF.  

[BrokenCompass]

Culpepper and Jenkins should be in the Opening Day lineup in 2026, batting 3rd and 4th, respectively. I'm serious. 

If the Twins are going to lose anyway, go ahead and lose with young kids in the lineup. Jettison the dead weight and bring in new blood. 

The Twins waited until Larnach was 25 to kick the tires on him and it was too late. Same with Wallner. Now they're stuck with these two 30 year-old burned out prospects who have set the system back YEARS. 

Rush 'em to the Big Leagues. If they stink, ditch 'em and keep losing and get to fire off a few more #1 draft picks. Twins will eventually get a Paul Skenes or something and fortunes will change. 

[Trov]

Cleary due to his lost time early in season they want to get him more at-bats.  No other real reason to call him up to AAA this late in year outside of a few more games due to AAA playing a few more games. I bet he is early call up next year to give 1 more year of control, unless they do the MLB deal doing 7 year deal then he will break camp. 

[LambchoP]

14 hours ago, thelanges5 said:

Well someone had to be called up because Fedko is joining the big club, right?

He should be. Would much rather see what Fedko can do in the majors than watching Outman or Wallner flailing away up there with no plan at all ... seriously, why in the hell would we intentionally acquire Outman and Roden? Both LH OF's who we already have too many of, plus they can't hit! Sure they can play good defense but we already have Keirsey who can do the same thing. Fast, good D, but can't even hit his own weight....

[P Meyer]

Good news. I don't believe there is more he needs to prove at the AA level.

[jmlease1]

1 hour ago, MinnInPa said:

hopefully this is a prelude to him replacing Wallner in RF in 2026 !!!!

Absurd, for many reasons.

1. Wallner is a quality player who hits better than any Twins OF not named Byron Buxton
2. Jenkins has the speed and ability to play CF; you don't put that guy in RF from day 1, especially not because some fans are so K-phobic they want to run a good hitter out of town
3. LF is open, and could use a player who can cover ground like Jenkins can. It's a much more likely landing spot that doesn't have an established hitter

Happy to have Jenkins get the bump to AAA. He's earned his way up with a fine hitting performance in AA, and with his early-season injury it seems like a perfectly good idea to get him a taste of AAA competition and more ABs this season. 

I love his skills with the bat. Really seems to know the strike zone, and there's more power potential to unlock. And even if he's not a true slugger, he could still easily be a 20 homer player who also gets on base a ton and hits for average. Very exciting player who has moved quickly and performed well at every stop

[tony&rodney]

2 hours ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Kalen needs to figure out how to adjust to whatever the AA pitchers have figured out about pitching to him. Can't do that by taking a break. Onward and upward. 

From my viewing perspective it isn't the pitchers figuring him out. Kaelen looks tired and just a touch slower with his reflexes. He has not played shortstop exclusively, which may be a reaction from the manager noting that Culpepper is tired. It isn't unusual for a player to fight the game physically and mentally in their first full year of professional baseball. I expect KC remains at AA and he plays through the remaining games as a learning experience. Culpepper will have a much better idea of how to prepare for next year and he will be working hard this offseason.

[tony&rodney]

6 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

Absurd, for many reasons.

1. Wallner is a quality player who hits better than any Twins OF not named Byron Buxton
2. Jenkins has the speed and ability to play CF; you don't put that guy in RF from day 1, especially not because some fans are so K-phobic they want to run a good hitter out of town
3. LF is open, and could use a player who can cover ground like Jenkins can. It's a much more likely landing spot that doesn't have an established hitter

Happy to have Jenkins get the bump to AAA. He's earned his way up with a fine hitting performance in AA, and with his early-season injury it seems like a perfectly good idea to get him a taste of AAA competition and more ABs this season. 

I love his skills with the bat. Really seems to know the strike zone, and there's more power potential to unlock. And even if he's not a true slugger, he could still easily be a 20 homer player who also gets on base a ton and hits for average. Very exciting player who has moved quickly and performed well at every stop

Jenkins is raw as a 20 year old and needs experience playing baseball against strong competition. The move to St. Paul and the more advanced AAA pitchers (specifically breaking balls and off speed pitches) should be a solid learning experience for Walker. Jenkins has done well in centerfielder thus far but projects as a corner outfielder.

Many Twins fans, including you, are very high on Matt Wallner. His bat has definitely gone boom at times. He is, however, strictly a DH. There isn't any way to be a .500 team with a glove that poor unless you hit as well as Manny Ramirez. So Wallner isn't an issue if the Twins choose to use Jenkins in right field. There is room for both if that is the decision. 

[DJL44]

47 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

Sure they can play good defense but we already have Keirsey who can do the same thing. Fast, good D, but can't even hit his own weight....

Really, why would they acquire another outfielder when they already have the worst hitter in the history of the franchise on the 40-man roster? So stupid.

[Gamblerssoftball]

2 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

All i care about with this kid is seeing him get half a season in the big leagues in 2026 so in case there is a work stoppage and no season in 2027 we're not still sitting here at the start of 2028 (which MIGHT not be until mid summer) and wondering what we've got with the kid 5 years post draft.

Unless I'm mistaken, the nationwide interest in major league baseball is dropping like a rock, compared to football and basketball. The possibility of a work stoppage could very easily be the death of our sport. I would hope both sides see the danger posed by not reaching a new deal sooner rather than later.