BREAKING: Twins Promoting Top Prospect Walker Jenkins to AAA

[Danchat]

1 hour ago, BrokenCompass said:

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. 

Larnach had 301 PAs in the majors at age 24, which I'd say was fairly aggressive given 2020 was a lost year for the minor league players. He only had 240 PAs in the high minors when they called him up.

[Danchat]

13 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

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.

Y'know, it's funny that this could be referring to Kiersey or Gasper. 😂

[GNess]

I like this move.

[nicksaviking]

Glad to hear it. Now keep him in St. Paul the rest of the season.  

If the clubhouse is as rancid with discontent and dejection as implied, I don't want it contaminating him. I'm guessing we won't get the changes in 2026 this team desperately needs, but it's worth waiting so as not to risk it.

[DJL44]

59 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Glad to hear it. Now keep him in St. Paul the rest of the season.  

If the clubhouse is as rancid with discontent and dejection as implied, I don't want it contaminating him. I'm guessing we won't get the changes in 2026 this team desperately needs, but it's worth waiting so as not to risk it.

I doubt everyone in St. Paul is thrilled to be there.

[nicksaviking]

1 minute ago, DJL44 said:

I doubt everyone in St. Paul is thrilled to be there.

The guys who haven't made their MLB debut are still certainly excited that they've nearly achieved their lifelong dreams.

I don't want those dreams dashed by being promoted to hanging with a bunch of players who are resentful and dejected and don't want to be there.

[Jeff K]

2 hours 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

I think the power is going to happen for Jenkins.  He seems to have really quick hands at the plate and an ability to turn on inside pitches.

[rdehring]

Although a bit surprised they moved him this early, am elated.

Assuming he has a good month in St. Paul, I can see him making the 2026 opening day roster.  If not, have to believe he will be with the Twins by early summer as I believe this is the one player in the organization destined to be a future star.  

Just look at this kid.  The biggest question I have is will he make more playing baseball or with his outside endorsements and marketing deals?

[DJL44]

32 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I don't want those dreams dashed by being promoted to hanging with a bunch of players who are resentful and dejected and don't want to be there.

Like Jose Miranda

[Mike Sixel]

This is certainly good news.

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

Like Jose Miranda

Is this heaven?!?

No, you play for the Twins; you're in line at the DMV.

Now go out there and don't be miserable like everyone else.

[DJL44]

7 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

No, you play for the Twins; you're in line at the DMV.

Now go out there and don't be miserable like everyone else.

I guarantee many of the players on the Twins right now are thrilled that they aren't stuck in AAA anymore. I haven't seen any signs of dissatisfaction from Wallner, Buxton or Jeffers. Joe Ryan might be the one player who is irritated he's still on the team, but he seems like a pretty laid-back dude.

[jmlease1]

8 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

I guarantee many of the players on the Twins right now are thrilled that they aren't stuck in AAA anymore. I haven't seen any signs of dissatisfaction from Wallner, Buxton or Jeffers. Joe Ryan might be the one player who is irritated he's still on the team, but he seems like a pretty laid-back dude.

Ryan has said he wants to be here, but we know there's at least one player who said off the record that the flurry of trades made people want out. Who they are is pure speculation. not that it will stop people from stating "they know" who wants out. 

 

[Fatbat]

8 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.

Meanwhile, Jacob Wilson is allstar caliber  SS for the A’s already. JW taken the next pick afterWJ

[IndianaTwin]

7 hours ago, BrokenCompass said:

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. 

If by 30-year-old, you mean that Larnach and Wallner will turn 30 in early and late 2027, sure. 

[Chembry]

58 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

Meanwhile, Jacob Wilson is allstar caliber  SS for the A’s already. JW taken the next pick afterWJ

Yes, but he is also 3 years older and played 2 years of college.

[DJL44]

AAA might start 2026 with Emmanuel Rodriguez, Walker Jenkins and Gabriel Gonzalez in the outfield. I expect MLB will have Buxton, Wallner, Roden, Martin and Outman. Not that difficult to gain a spot with that competition.

[Major League Ready]

50 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

AAA might start 2026 with Emmanuel Rodriguez, Walker Jenkins and Gabriel Gonzalez in the outfield. I expect MLB will have Buxton, Wallner, Roden, Martin and Outman. Not that difficult to gain a spot with that competition.

I see it the same way.  The competition for those spots will be one of the more interesting parts of 2026 and there is enough talent there that the end result (2027 outfield) should look quite good.  Even the 4th OF should be good and I would bet a dollar that Wallner is primarily a DH at the end of the year.  Wallner could even become trade capital if these guys come up and perform early in the season.

E. Rodriguez seems like a high ceiling / high risk prospect but how great would it be to have an outfield of Buxton / Rodriguez and Jenkins after what we have watch in the corner OF spots for the last several years.  

[DocBauer]

I'm only mildly surprised Jenkins is up at this point as I thought AA still had another week or two to play? I thought he'd be up after that. No biggie. 

This just provides him additional time to see a new, higher level, and get a jump on 2026. I believe the power is THERE and will come out naturally the more he plays. I think the kid is going to be very good. But I also feel maturation for even a potential STUD of a ballplayer as he might be follows a natural course. And while I've stated I like the way the Brewers aren't afraid to take some chances on top prospects to learn on the fly and just live with some early struggles, I'm far more concerned with Jenkins growth and reaching his potential than some target ideal of him being on the opening day roster next season.

His career doesn't hinge on being a Twin opening day vs debuting July 1st for example.

In regard to other players mentioned, 

I'm still a big believer in Wallner. This season has really been messed for a lot of players, not just him. He's previously shown he can hit decently, carry a good OB%, and has a career .800 OPS, with tons of power. 

I'm more inclined to just give Rodriguez LF to begin 2026 than I am Jenkins because he's also super talented, has more time at AAA already, and has flashed between injury stints. Nothing against Roden, who hasn't proven anything yet in a SSS despite really solid MILB production, but the enigma that Rodriguez is has SO MUCH upside that if he could FINALLY stay healthy for a stretch, I'd give him LF and just say: "go get 'em kid! You're going to get a long rope. Just go do what you can do, because we know it's a LOT".

Roden has a chance to be a good, solid complimentary ballplayer at multiple spots, providing solid defense, a little speed, a little pop, and to be a decent hitter. I don't think 136 ML AB should determine his future at all.

I'm OUT on Outman because I just don't expect a sudden "fix" for him to suddenly recapute his 2023 season.

I'm also OUT on Martin. With apologies to Martin fans...and I was HOPEFUL...he doesn't hit enough and doesn't play defense well enough anywhere to be a viable ML player. He's an athlete, not a baseball player.

I'm IN on 25yo Kyler Fedko being a potential option as a 4th OF, RH bat who has always had a good OB%, provides defense and speed and some pop/power potential. He absolutely deserves a solid looksee. And he's actually younger than Martin. 

UNFORTUNATELY, the STILL Falvey lead FO is stubborn as hell to the point of paranoia in regards to depth. And I'd bet $ they will continue to hope Martin SUDDENLY turns it around to recoup past trade value. And they'll probably give Roden the primary LF job NO MATTER health and production from Rodriguez in ST. All in the name of depth and "no risk".

Money says Outman takes the Keirsey job of seldom used 13th man to PR and late inning defensive substitution. Why? Because we traded for him and we need DEPTH.

I honestly know NOTHING about Zoll except for some things in his bio and reports that he's been a "silent partner" in the FO previously in trades and contract negotiations. But now that he's been promoted to the actual GM chair, does he have any TEETH in making decisions? 

IF he really and truly IS the GM and Falvey is accepting his role as the MAN IN CHARGE of operations and business and keeps his fingers OUT of daily operations,  Zoll may have a chance to put his own fingerprints on the roster.

I have ZERO problems with quality prospects getting additional MILB time to honestly work on aspects of their game. It's only smart to do so. For their future, as well as the team. But in today's game, and being a mid market team or NOT, when talent is on your DOORSTEP,  GIVE those guys an opportunity.  That's Fedko soon...who you drafted....and Rodriguez...who you signed...and Jenkins, who you drafted. 

[Rosterman]

Well, let's advance some of the FUTURE to the majors. The Twins started two huys hitting less than .200 in the lineup, and had three guys on the bench batting equally as low.

Throw in Wallner, Martin and Lewis on the cusp, and Clemens hovering. Well, you can afford to have one guy hitting like the good fielding catcher of yore, but 4. Or 5. Or 6? 

At least let the future come up and get some swings so they can work on something in the off-season. Jenkins should be able to put up Gasper numbers with his eyes closed.

[MinnInPa]

22 hours 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

wrong...knows the strike zone?? hahahahahahah. Jenkins could come up right now and do as well. he is big liability in the OF... the guy is hitting .216 !!! you dont build contenders with schlumps like this

[jmlease1]

36 minutes ago, MinnInPa said:

wrong...knows the strike zone?? hahahahahahah. Jenkins could come up right now and do as well. he is big liability in the OF... the guy is hitting .216 !!! you dont build contenders with schlumps like this

Wallner has a .322 on-base %. He's 3rd on the Twins in walks, despite being 8th in plate appearances. It's pretty clear he knows the strike zone.

Walker Jenkins probably could come up right now and have a higher batting average since he's one of the best prospects in all of baseball. If you want to make that comp...sure? Not sure it's quite the insult you're trying to make it seem.

Wallner's OPS+ is 122. Only Twins hitters that are above that are Buxton (who is having an excellent season) and Keaschall (who only has 25 games). He's one of the best hitters on the Twins, so go ahead keep insulting him. 

[dxpavelka]

On 8/25/2025 at 10:03 AM, Gamblerssoftball said:

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. 

HOPE is not a viable strategy.

[dxpavelka]

On 8/25/2025 at 3:25 PM, Fatbat said:

Meanwhile, Jacob Wilson is allstar caliber  SS for the A’s already. JW taken the next pick afterWJ

Also three years older than WJ.

[Fatbat]

1 hour ago, dxpavelka said:

Also three years older than WJ.

So the A’s are getting productive AB’s now and we might get them sometime later…..How many major league AB’s have we gotten out of Cavaco and Sabato?

[dxpavelka]

22 hours ago, Fatbat said:

So the A’s are getting productive AB’s now and we might get them sometime later…..How many major league AB’s have we gotten out of Cavaco and Sabato?

You just presented both sides of the coin.  Cavaco out of HS and Sabato out of college.  You really didn't make any sort of argument.

[Fatbat]

10 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

You just presented both sides of the coin.  Cavaco out of HS and Sabato out of college.  You really didn't make any sort of argument.

My argument is that highschoolers, even “cant miss”  is NOT worth the risk when you can draft “athletic” college guys that have developed enough to show their floor. Sabato was nothing more than a big bat that couldn’t hit a breaking ball regularly in college. He was a 3rd rounder at best. 
Jenkins was a great pick but what if Jacob  is an allstar SS for a decade or more? Will it be worth the wait when the floor and ceiling were easy to evaluate for the GC Univ alum. 
Our early round drafting has vastly improved over the last few years….

[joefish]

Can he pitch?

[Obsvr]

On 8/25/2025 at 11:29 AM, nicksaviking said:

The guys who haven't made their MLB debut are still certainly excited that they've nearly achieved their lifelong dreams.

I don't want those dreams dashed by being promoted to hanging with a bunch of players who are resentful and dejected and don't want to be there.

Players are human but at the same time, there is nobody at triple A who can say they belong on the big club because of their results.  All of them are there for a reason...nobody down there is forcing the front offices hand.

[nicksaviking]

40 minutes ago, Obsvr said:

Players are human but at the same time, there is nobody at triple A who can say they belong on the big club because of their results.  All of them are there for a reason...nobody down there is forcing the front offices hand.

Right, but the MLB players ARE forcing their hands, hardly any of them belong on the MLB roster either. Christian Vazquez hasn't deserved a spot for three years