Why Minnesota Twins Should Go All In On Building Their Future Around Walker Jenkins

[rdehring]

Excellent article, Nick.  And loved the comments.  Thanks guys.

Don't have an opinion on whether they should try for an extension, whether his agent would agree, or not.  But add me to those who believe in the young man and hope he will be a Twin for a long time.  Probably a lot longer than I am around to be a Twins fan.

Agree that the Twins seem to be developing a group of young players who could become a really good core for the next 5+ years.  Jenkins, Keaschall, EmRod (? health), those young catchers who are maybe a year + away, and others.  And that doesn't include Lewis or Lee, who both could become very valuable players.  How they develop this core and keep them together for more than five years is the job of those smarter than me.  Also, those who write the checks.

Reading this I kept thinking where would the Twins be had they never signed Correa?  What if they had raised their payroll a little every year and never had the big jump and subsequent cuts?  Would the fans think better of management?  Or better of the owners?  Well, that and had they not had any press conferences. But that's all behind us.  Kind of like my Dad used to say, "If the dog hadn't stopped to raise his leg, he would have caught the rabbit"  So its on to the future.

  

[Vanimal46]

30 minutes ago, twinstalker said:

Nick, serious (non-biting) question.  How do you write an article like this ignoring that Boras is his agent?

Falvey jumped in bed with Boras from the beginning, though I'll admit taking anyone but Jenkins would have been stupid.  However, he didn't have to take Lewis or sign Correa.  Lewis was ranked around 5th consensus-wise, and the Twins took him 1st.  That is, they didn't have to take him -- very arguably at the time shouldn't have.  Maybe not so much recently, but people and the writers here constantly mentioned Lewis as an extension candidate when there's zero chance.  Zero chance because Boras.

Boras has an understanding with each of his star players/prospects that he will do whatever he has to to get the player the best contract possible, and the player agrees with this when he signs on, or, frankly, he wouldn't sign on with Boras.

Could a Boras client sign an extension to give up his first years of free agency?  Sure, but that player is going to be a Yankee, Met, or Dodger, as those extension years are going to be at outlandish prices the Twins or most any team could never afford.  More dollars than a projected free agent contract would get him those years, probably.  Boras doesn't deal with expected values, he deals only in ceilings.

Jenkins needs more minor league seasoning.  His power isn't yet developed, he hasn't succeeded at AAA.  If the Twins want him for seven years, they will have to wait to call him up.  Next year, winning-wise, is lost anyway.  Why would you want Jenkins under team control for only five years after a lost season?

People act like Boras goes against the wishes of his clients. He’s got thousands of clients in MLB. It’s not a one size fits all approach. If Jenkins goes to him and says I want the guaranteed money and avoid the eventual arbitration cases down the road, Boras will negotiate the best extension for his client. 

[Dman]

2 hours ago, jmlease1 said:

I'm fine with going all-in on Walker Jenkins who isn't just a projectable player, he's put up minor league results. Get him the extension like MKE did for Chourio (people around here keep demanding we do things more like MKE, here a real place to start!) and get him in the OF for 2026. 

I honestly thought Chourio spent more time at AAA, but when I looked it was only 6 games I believe and then they signed him to that long term deal.  Maybe that is what it would take to get Boras onboard for a Jenkins deal?  If the Twins are going to take a risk this seems like a player to do that with.  The stats back him up all the way.

As a young player it seems hard to turn down guaranteed money to get an early start and injury protection those eight years and still be under 30 for the next big contract.  He's young enough to make that work.  

Still with 2026 up in the air and likely a lost season and then the likely season long lockout it might not make much difference.  It's a tough call both ways if you ask me.

[jmlease1]

2 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

People act like Boras goes against the wishes of his clients. He’s got thousands of clients in MLB. It’s not a one size fits all approach. If Jenkins goes to him and says I want the guaranteed money and avoid the eventual arbitration cases down the road, Boras will negotiate the best extension for his client. 

I think more likely it means the deal is going to be more like 7 years rather than 10? Which is still just fine for the Twins: buying out all the arbitration years and getting 1 season of free agency while not having to worry about service time issues, wh=ould still be good.

But it's certainly possible that Jenkins will bet on himself. He was a top 5 pick with a big signing bonus, so as long as he's been reasonable with his money he can afford to wait. But I'd still love to lock him down for 6-8 seasons and have him in MLB from the jump next season.

[chpettit19]

3 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

People act like Boras goes against the wishes of his clients. He’s got thousands of clients in MLB. It’s not a one size fits all approach. If Jenkins goes to him and says I want the guaranteed money and avoid the eventual arbitration cases down the road, Boras will negotiate the best extension for his client. 

Pete Alonso wanted to stay in NY, not get the most money. So, Scott Boras kept him in NY.

Jose Altuve wanted to stay in Houston, Carlos Gonzalez wanted to stay in Colorado, Elvis Andrus wanted to stay in Texas, Bogaerts wanted to stay in Boston, Strasburg wanted to stay in Washington, the list goes on...so he got them all extensions before they hit free agency. 

Scott Boras is really good at his job and he has a lot of clients who are really good at baseball so he's able to get them a lot of money. Good for him and good for his clients. Wish I could've been one of his clients. Would've been quite the life.

[lake_guy]

Talent wise he looks the part but I think the Twins gotta wait to see what happens in '27 with the new agreement.  If a floor and cap happen (please baseball gods) it will impact how they approach an extension.

[TNtwins85]

7 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

A Chourio type deal with Jenkins is the type of risk the Twins need to take.  It would not be devastating if he turns out to be an average player but locking him down for 8 years sounds good.  However, it should be pointed out that if they bring him up after the 1st month of the season they still have for 6 more years so they only gain 1 year.  Maybe they go for a nine-year deal

I’ve been wondering something along the line of this only crazier. Before the new CBA do we see a top prospect get what is almost essentially a “lifetime” contract? Let’s say $200 over 15 years? Obviously you’re not paying him $13M a year but it gradually goes up and then down after say his age 31 season. With the new CBA coming is it something the Twins could do with Jenkins? Hell, even $120M over 10 years. Can and should this be a new thing? Your repose brought this question into my head again but it doesn’t sound all bad. I guess I’d rather spend $100M+ on a 21 yo than a 29 yo. 

[Mike Sixel]

6 minutes ago, lake_guy said:

Talent wise he looks the part but I think the Twins gotta wait to see what happens in '27 with the new agreement.  If a floor and cap happen (please baseball gods) it will impact how they approach an extension.

By then it will likely be too late to buy him out......if he's great, why would he sign one? If he's awful, why would the Twins? 

[Vanimal46]

6 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

I think more likely it means the deal is going to be more like 7 years rather than 10? Which is still just fine for the Twins: buying out all the arbitration years and getting 1 season of free agency while not having to worry about service time issues, wh=ould still be good.

But it's certainly possible that Jenkins will bet on himself. He was a top 5 pick with a big signing bonus, so as long as he's been reasonable with his money he can afford to wait. But I'd still love to lock him down for 6-8 seasons and have him in MLB from the jump next season.

It’s certainly his right to bet on himself if he wants to. Let’s just say for simplicity sake it’s an 8 year $80 million extension offer. You’ve got to have some real confidence in yourself to turn down generational money as a 21 year old. 

[Major League Ready]

31 minutes ago, TNtwins85 said:

I’ve been wondering something along the line of this only crazier. Before the new CBA do we see a top prospect get what is almost essentially a “lifetime” contract? Let’s say $200 over 15 years? Obviously you’re not paying him $13M a year but it gradually goes up and then down after say his age 31 season. With the new CBA coming is it something the Twins could do with Jenkins? Hell, even $120M over 10 years. Can and should this be a new thing? Your repose brought this question into my head again but it doesn’t sound all bad. I guess I’d rather spend $100M+ on a 21 yo than a 29 yo. 

I think from the players standpoint, someone as young as Chourio or Jenkins can still get another big deal at the end of 8 years.  This guarantees them generational wealth with the first contract regardless of health or performance.  From an organizational viewpoint, there is considerable risk with such a young player.  It's easier to make an $80M leap than a $150M or 200M leap.

[TheLeviathan]

2 hours ago, twinfan said:

If Jenkins is so good, why isn't he here? Other teams have top prospects playing up here. Some are doing well and some are struggling. I would wait to see how well he does when up here to see if the potential is really there. Royce Lewis was thought of as the next super star and, while he may be very good or better down the road, he hasn't quite shown that yet. 

He's 20.

[Longball]

6 hours ago, Trov said:

I am all for offering a contract that locks him up for 7 to 8 years at a locked number.  You have risk of injuries or poor development, but he seems like the type it may be worth it.  You can have him break camp and not play the service time thing, which I know can sour players against teams when they do that. If you do it now, you can save a little. 

However, on the flip side the player may decide to bet on himself long term too and say no. It is hard for a player to turn that kind of money, because you are locked in no matter what.  Sure, you may leave 10 to 20 mil on the table at the back end, but so much can go wrong in 5 to 6 years. 

We all thought Lewis was the truth and was going to be MVP level years going forward.  Hopefully he bounces back, but it is possible he never does.  We say other young guys on other teams take off like a rocket only to have years later regress to average or below average. 

No need to offer him a long term deal today....but, I would not wait too long.  See how the off season plays out.   If you can't lock him up by spring training, then wait until after 2026 season.  I certainly would not mess with his head mid season 2026.  Who is his agent?  Who is the owner?  Who is the manager? Pretty sure the longer you wait the higher the price.

 

[jkcarew]

The phrase “all in” and this Twins organization are mutually exclusive, I think.

It’s a nice thought, though.

[TNtwins85]

1 hour ago, Longball said:

No need to offer him a long term deal today....but, I would not wait too long.  See how the off season plays out.   If you can't lock him up by spring training, then wait until after 2026 season.  I certainly would not mess with his head mid season 2026.  Who is his agent?  Who is the owner?  Who is the manager? Pretty sure the longer you wait the higher the price.

 

Right, if he comes up in ‘26 and has a solid season probably costs you another $10-15M over an 8 yr contract. If he keeps improving that price goes up considerably. His agent is Boras so might be a hard bargain. The faster you sign him before debuting the more likely it even happens. 

[mikelink45]

I would love it if you were correct.  Griffey, Yount, Trout, and others came up young and were great - the odds are good, but when it works it is wonderful and we need something like that to save a piece of Twins enthusiasm.

[weitz41]

Sign him (Jenkins) to a Chourio type deal? 60/40 or better it works out in the Twins favor. If he was hitting a decent amount of home runs.  I'd say way way higher. I'd personally want to wait till I've seen a fair amount of AAA play before I go there.

Probably just as if not more importantly is who of the current roster can help with that window? I think, and I may be wrong, the Brewers had a team heading the right direction at the time of Chourio extension. The Twins are more of a yet to be decided type of place..

[harmlessharmon]

M&M boys "generational players?"  Maybe, during the regular season.  They had their chances in the post season and fell flat.  Puckett was more of a stud than both of them combined.

[LastOnePicked]

This seems like the most premature idea in the history of premature ideas. Let's let this guy get an MLB at-bat under his belt first before we put the weight of the franchise on his shoulders.

[DocBauer]

Nick, I love that your passion for the Twins mirrors my own. And that's saying a lot. I'm almost 60 and spent YEARS of my youth grabbing any rag I could find to read about the team and the MILB system. Years of strong and weak west coast static filled broadcasts to listen to games. LOVED trips and summers at my grandma's house in my hometown in S.D. just to catch a few games on TV.

Lately, I feel some of your posts have been coming from a disappointed and almost desperate fan perspective. Dare I say a confused and Pissed Off perspective? There! I said it! LOL

I feel the same way my Twins brother. 

I want the Twins to find THEIR IDENTITY. Call me crazy if you will, but as many times as I've questioned decisions made by the Falvey lead FO...and I have a few ongoing questions currently...I believe Falvey HAS/HAD a certain direction for the Twins. I think that direction included various aspects borrowed from Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Tampa Bay. Again, I have issues with various decisions made, or currently in flux, I can see examples of producing a SINGULAR identity from draft changes, to FA, to trades for Ryan and Lopez. IMO, the biggest opportunity for the Twins was to follow something ALL these teams did which was to NOT ignore the talent on hand and give them their shot.

For whatever reason, probably being burned a few seasons from injury, the Falvey lead FO has started to construct a roster almost out of FEAR. Which is weird as they've been seemingly negligent in assembling some of their AAA teams, but not cutting poor ML rostered players, and actually giving other players/pitchers opportunities. 

I've always stated and will again state, I would have LOVED to see what Falvey MIGHT have done following 2023 if ownership had just allowed a normal 10-20% increase based on normal payroll inflation.

I AM for the idea of Jenkins getting a 7-8-9 year deal for $80-90-100M deal. I'm with you 100% because, not of the percentages of top prospect numbers succeeding, but because of his talent production and what he's already accomplished at his age. 

But there is then the rub. Even IF the Pohlads and their STILL unamed minor partners have clear books, the Pohlads are still head of the board. Despite rumors that the Twins still might be open for sale in the near future, they are still in charge. Exactly WHO the new investors are and how much control they have is TBD.

I just don't see a deal for Jenkins actually happening unless ALL owners believe Falvey that's it a good idea. And maybe that happens. 

I've heard previously that Zoll has been instrumental in many deals behind the scenes. But WHO THE HELL IS ACTUALLY IN CHARGE?

The Asros owner bypassed Zoll, and Falvey, and Joe Pohlad, and went to Jim Pohlad to get the Correa deal done.

Sorry Nick, but a big extension for Jenkins might make sense if and when anyone figures out who in hell is actually in charge of what's going on.

 

[chpettit19]

10 hours ago, LastOnePicked said:

This seems like the most premature idea in the history of premature ideas. Let's let this guy get an MLB at-bat under his belt first before we put the weight of the franchise on his shoulders.

Then don't complain when he leaves. Because he's going to cost more than Correa to keep and we know the feeling on paying one guy so much of the payroll. This is how teams with the Twins payroll have to operate. Unless the new CBA significantly (like entirely) changes how the financials of major league baseball work, you have to take these kinds of risks if you want to keep a star around these parts for longer than their arbitration years without paying them 25+% of the payroll. It's the only option. Once he establishes he's an MLB star he's out of the price range and it's game over for the Twins. So, take the risk now or take the risk later. Either way it's a risk.

[LastOnePicked]

14 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Then don't complain when he leaves. Because he's going to cost more than Correa to keep and we know the feeling on paying one guy so much of the payroll. This is how teams with the Twins payroll have to operate. Unless the new CBA significantly (like entirely) changes how the financials of major league baseball work, you have to take these kinds of risks if you want to keep a star around these parts for longer than their arbitration years without paying them 25+% of the payroll. It's the only option. Once he establishes he's an MLB star he's out of the price range and it's game over for the Twins. So, take the risk now or take the risk later. Either way it's a risk.

All good points, but we've had articles about Royce Lewis exactly like this. It is perhaps wiser for the Twins to let players develop, and then make trades before free agency arrives or offer a few extensions to franchise cornerstones.

[tony&rodney]

23 minutes ago, LastOnePicked said:

All good points, but we've had articles about Royce Lewis exactly like this. It is perhaps wiser for the Twins to let players develop, and then make trades before free agency arrives or offer a few extensions to franchise cornerstones.

There have been a thousand articles about Royce Lewis. He is a darling of Twins Daily and many Twins fans. That is fine. I don't believe there are many comparisons to make between the two ballplayers other than being drafted highly. Walker is pretty smooth and has a picturesque swing, which we all hope grows into more power. 

An 8/$80-88M contract with 2 option years would be a sound move and one that Jenkins likely sees as a good decision. Both sides could benefit. The money is not a killer for the franchise and Jenkins is a free agent as a 30 year old. If it is something Jenkins is open to discussing, waiting is not prudent from the organization's side.

[TwinsDr2021]

7 minutes ago, LastOnePicked said:

All good points, but we've had articles about Royce Lewis exactly like this. It is perhaps wiser for the Twins to let players develop, and then make trades before free agency arrives or offer a few extensions to franchise cornerstones.

Those were uneducated articles (same with Ober/Ryan and any other prospect that doesn't see the majors until 24 or later.) Because the twins already have Lewis Locked in (if they want) though age 29, Why buy out post prime years? 

For example Jackson Merrill would have been a free agent at age 27, the Padres bought out 5 maybe 6 years of FA at 9/135. He will be paid 21.1 from age 27 to 31 (maybe 32) that is a deal for a all star type player. 

Chourio would have been a FA at age 26, the brewers bought out 2 (at 16 and 17 million) maybe 4 years club option for 25 in years 3 and 4. Again a great deal for a player in his prime. 

We will see what the Rangers do with Langford (as they have waited to extend) and Baltimore with Henderson. 

The Royals waited a bit on Witt and it cost them 11/288, but really a 7/140 since he can opt out starting at age 31 for 4 years and then three club options after that. 

 

For those of you that think he needs more seasoning in the minors, you may not know it but you doubting his ability to be a super star, because super stars generally don't need that more seasoning (some do I get it) and to dominate each level. How much time did Witt, Henderson, Merrill, Chourio, Acuna, Rodriguez, Correa, Guerrero, Bellinger, Ramirez, Marte, Garcia, Altuve, De La Cruz, Goldschmidt, Tucker, Buxton, Mauer, Morneau, Seager, Kwan, Harper, Greene, Arraez, Tatis, Trout this are just name off the top of my head. 

 

[LastOnePicked]

30 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

There have been a thousand articles about Royce Lewis. He is a darling of Twins Daily and many Twins fans. That is fine.

To be clear, I like Royce Lewis, too. I hope he finds his groove again, and that he becomes a perennial all-star. But he's a good example of a can't-miss guy (remember, he was astoundingly good in his first 100 games) who can quickly become a guy on the cusp of being a bust. It seems better to draft well, trade well, develop well and keep the few players who prove themselves over their first two years. 

But all of this is premature. I don't know why any player would sign an extension here if there's no clear plan to become a winner.

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, LastOnePicked said:

To be clear, I like Royce Lewis, too. I hope he finds his groove again, and that he becomes a perennial all-star. But he's a good example of a can't-miss guy (remember, he was astoundingly good in his first 100 games) who can quickly become a guy on the cusp of being a bust. It seems better to draft well, trade well, develop well and keep the few players who prove themselves over their first two years. 

But all of this is premature. I don't know why any player would sign an extension here if there's no clear plan to become a winner.

Lewis becoming a star or even a serviceable regular would be good. I really hope that happens. I never saw him as a can't miss player. In fact I felt his value was prime trade material after 2023. Again after 2024, I suggested moving Lewis. I'm not sure what value other teams place on Lewis at this time.

You may have a point about players (like Walker Jenkins)  being reluctant to sign with the Twins given their current regime. I don't have any feel or knowledge for that situation.

[RpR]

13 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Lewis becoming a star or even a serviceable regular would be good. I really hope that happens. I never saw him as a can't miss player. In fact I felt his value was prime trade material after 2023. Again after 2024, I suggested moving Lewis. I'm not sure what value other teams place on Lewis at this time.

You may have a point about players (like Walker Jenkins)  being reluctant to sign with the Twins given their current regime. I don't have any feel or knowledge for that situation.

It depends on what they see in their dreams; money or playing the game of baseball.

[Mike Sixel]

5 hours ago, LastOnePicked said:

To be clear, I like Royce Lewis, too. I hope he finds his groove again, and that he becomes a perennial all-star. But he's a good example of a can't-miss guy (remember, he was astoundingly good in his first 100 games) who can quickly become a guy on the cusp of being a bust. It seems better to draft well, trade well, develop well and keep the few players who prove themselves over their first two years. 

But all of this is premature. I don't know why any player would sign an extension here if there's no clear plan to become a winner.

Money. Guaranteed money. 

[Brandon]

On 9/2/2025 at 9:49 AM, chpettit19 said:

Do I expect the Twins to sign Walker Jenkins to an extension at this point in time? No. Do I wish they would? Yes. 

I understand it's a risk and he may not work out. But it's also a risk if he does work out and you didn't sign him to an extension because then you're losing him in 5 years. You need stars to win. You need to take a risk and hope he's your star. And if he is you need him locked up for as long as possible. Signing him to an extension before he debuts is the best chance to do that. Whether or not you can get that deal done is the bigger question.

My only concern is the looming lockout if 2027.  I don’t think the Twins want any contracts in the books until the next labor agreement is in place 

[TNtwins85]

6 hours ago, LastOnePicked said:

To be clear, I like Royce Lewis, too. I hope he finds his groove again, and that he becomes a perennial all-star. But he's a good example of a can't-miss guy (remember, he was astoundingly good in his first 100 games) who can quickly become a guy on the cusp of being a bust. It seems better to draft well, trade well, develop well and keep the few players who prove themselves over their first two years. 

But all of this is premature. I don't know why any player would sign an extension here if there's no clear plan to become a winner.

So we should just never intend to compete, articles should never be written and fans should just anticipate 90 loss seasons until when? You sure are lucky you’re not a pirates fan. You can always choose to be a Dodgers fan. 

[chpettit19]

14 minutes ago, Brandon said:

My only concern is the looming lockout if 2027.  I don’t think the Twins want any contracts in the books until the next labor agreement is in place 

I guess that wouldn't shock me, but I don't really understand why. The league isn't folding. There's still going to be baseball after 2027. They're still going to have to pay players after 2027. The CBA will account for any contracts that run longer than that for any rules that change drastically. I don't think there's any reason for them to avoid contracts beyond that season. The most likely outcome is that the league comes out with a CBA that's pretty similar or completely and utterly different (salary floor and cap). If it's completely and utterly different, then the CBA will adjust his contract accordingly. If it's pretty similar, then the savings will still be good to have.

Like I said, them having that thought process wouldn't shock me. But I don't know why it'd be their strategy.