These Twins Prospects Could Get Rookie of the Year Love In 2026

[Lou Hennessy]

Luke Keaschall made a fantastic first impressionin 2025, enough so that he placed in the top-10 in American League Rookie of the Year voting. He was never going to catch up to Nick Kurtz of the A’s, who won the award unanimously after having one of the all-time great rookie campaigns, but the young Twins infielder mustered an impressive .302/.382/.445 batting line. He also missed significant time while recovering from a shattered forearm that he suffered in April, and played through a continued recovery from Tommy John surgery in August of 2024. 

In 49 games with the Twins, the 23-year-old firmly staked his claim as the club's best option at second base going forward. While his defense wasn't spotless, he showed that his athleticism was enough to handle the day-to-day responsibilites at that position, and his mix of on-base prowess and impressive speed make him an ideal option to pencil in near the top of the lineup. 

Keaschall was firmly among the top 100 prospects in baseball coming into last season, but he was in no way a favorite to secure top rookie honors. He seized his opportunity when the team needed him in April, and was able to return to his impressive form upon returning in August. All that is to say, anything can happen for an electric prospect when they run with their opportunity and turn some heads. 

Here are some names to keep an eye on for next season’s voting.

Obvious Candidates
Of course, we have to start with 20-year-old phenom Walker Jenkins (No.1 on Twins Daily’s top prospect rankings). He started 2025 as a top-15 global prospect on most lists, but his season got off to a late start due to a left ankle sprain. He returned to action in early June, and was quickly promoted to Double-A where he had a gaudy .913 OPS across 52 games. The Twins then sent him to Triple-A St. Paul, where he continued to show impressive signs—albeit with a lower .720 OPS in a small (23-game) sample against much older competition. Look for Jenkins to knock on the door to the big leagues in the early going of 2026. If all goes as expected, Twins fans could see him make his highly anticipated debut before the All-Star break. 

Emmanuel Rodriguez (No. 4) is another favorite to get some action for the Twins next season. He was limited to just 52 games for the St. Paul Saints in 2025, but in that time, he showed flashes of bieng an electric player with a very odd collection of tools. He’s going to play some high-quality defense in the outfield. It's most likely to be in the corners, but he has a ton of experience as a center fielder. Rodriguez will pair that with plus power at the plate. His passive approach contributed to a 32% strikeout rate. However, he somehow found a way to make up for all of that swing-and-miss by walking at an extremely high 21% clip. He also has the ability to swipe 15-20 bases, if he can stay healthy for the whole season. Like Jenkins, if Rodriguez gets the call in the early months of 2026, he would almost certainly get national attention. 

Outside Chance
Casual fans may not realize it, but Mick Abel (No. 5) will still be a rookie in 2026. He only accumulated 39 innings pitched at the big-league level after debuting in 2025; you need 50 to graduate from rookie status. One of the returning pieces from the Jhoan Duran trade, Abel will need to display far better command than he had in 2025, wherein the 24-year-old routinely fell behind in counts, leading to a 10.1% walk rate and lots of hard contact on the way to a 8.36 ERA with his new club. However, he did show much more promise at Triple A, where he had a 2.20 ERA (with a strong 28.6% strikeout rate) across 98 ⅓ innings. There could be ample opportunity for Abel to get a shake in the rotation, and if he can finally evolve into the product that many thought he could be as a high-end draft prospect out of high school, he could realistically grab some ROY votes. 

Gabriel Gonzalez (No. 9), the centerpiece in the Jorge Polanco trade in January 2024, erupted across three levels of the minor leagues in 2025. He showed significantly more power than many expected, belting 15 home runs and 38 doubles in 123 games played. Upon reaching the highest level of the minors,  he more than held his own for the Saints, where he had a .316/.358/.504 line. He doesn’t have much of a defensive home, but if his bat is legit, the Twins could give him plenty of reps as their designated hitter and rotate him into the corner outfield from time to time. Look for him to start the year at St. Paul, but anything can happen for the dynamic 22-year-old.

Long Shots
Kala’i Rosario (unranked) quietly had one of the better seasons at Wichita as a 22-year-old. He smacked 25 homers and stole 32 bags for the Wind Surge in 130 games. He could start the year at Triple A, but that’s starting to look like a very crowded depth chart, and his prospect pedigree is not as distinguished as that of Jenkins, Rodriguez or Gonzalez. 

Kyler Fedko (unranked) had a similarly flashy year split between Double A and Triple A, where he combined for 28 homers and 38 steals. He is 26 years old, and the Twins passed on giving him a look in September last year, which could give some indication about their faith in him. Perhaps they were trying to avoid putting him on the 40-man roster in a lost season, as they could’ve had to expose him to waivers at the end of the year had they given him a look. 

Noah Cardenas (unranked) is also on the older side for a prospect, but the 26-year-old catcher is the closest thing they have to a minor-league catcher who is ready to make their MLB debut in 2026. He had a solid year, with an .825 OPS between the two highest levels of the minor leagues. He may seem like an extremely dark horse, but Drake Baldwin—who just won the NL Rookie of the Year award for the Atlanta Braves—had a nearly identical Triple-A clip in 2024, and was a good but not elite prospect in their system. Anything can happen for a player who runs with their opportunity, and right now Cardenas has as good of a shot to get playing time as a backup catcher to Ryan Jeffers as anyone. That role could increase, depending on Jeffers’s performance or his presence on the roster at all. 

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What do you think? Who excites you the most on this list? Did we forget anyone that could get Rookie of the Year consideration in 2026? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and as always, stay sweet. 
 

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[PatPfund]

I'd love to see Connor Prielipp do the Duran thing and see how his stuff plays up as an RP (sell it to him as a chance to make MLB next year instead of '27 if his arm holds up). It's probably our best chance to a dominant late-inning option, and could be worth some ROY notice if it worked.

[rdehring]

Gotta disagree a bit with your lead.  If the Twins are going to be competitive next year they are going to need good health from Buxton, Lewis and their trio of starting pitchers.  They will also need a couple of their top young guys who struggled in 2025 to take that next step.  Guys like Lee, Martin, Matthews and Festa, although Martin was awfully good when he got healthy.  Maybe their new Manager will be joined by a coaching staff that can make that happen. 

But yes, should one or two of the above shine in their rookie seasons the Twins just might be in the hunt.  That assumes that the front office doesn't trade away most of their veterans.  Considering how good both Jenkins and ERod are defensively, am hopeful that both can finally stay healthy and give the Twins their corner outfielders for the next six plus years.

[bunsen82]

Abel is our best shot at rookie of the year for next year. The year after we should have a ton of different possibilities if they are still eligible. Jenkins, Gonzalez, Culpepper unless someone becomes a starter already early in the season. 
 

Abel ended strong and tends to improve each season. I have high hopes for him next year. Maybe not Rookie of the Year, but a very solid year.

[tony&rodney]

The opportunity could be available for a number of young players to gain experience, innings, and plate appearances in 2026. The Twins have not tipped their hand in any fashion and are repeating comments made from the last several seasons which mask all intentions of whether anyone might reasonably expect trades, free agent signings, or looking toward rookies. Perusing all available information leaves the fans in the dark. Will the Twins roll with their current roster? Will the Twins rebound to a $130M budget? Will the Twins continue the rebuild begun last July? Nobody Knows.

Brock put up a GM tool and it seems that each individual considering it would need to create three models, one for each of the possible paths.

Opportunity could potentially see all of Mick Abel, Connor Prielipp, Andrew Morris, and Marco Raya emerge among pitchers. Among position players it is possible to expect any of Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Gabriel Gonzalez, Kaelen Culpepper, and Kyler Fedko turning out strong performances. Perhaps a player or two received in a trade makes their mark as well. 

In recent years only Julien and Keaschall have received votes for ROY, but there are names in the pile above who could put up sufficient numbers whereby votes fall in their favor. It is all about opportunity and subsequent performance.

The path taken will decide whether any of these guys receive a chance.

[jmlease1]

Isn't part of the question going to be whether or not any of the twins high-ceiling prospects get enough opportunity? I think one of the OF could certainly get in consideration (especially Jenkins, who could be awesome) but Twins are most likely going to give Roden another chance first, and seem to be still hell-bent on keeping Outman (who has no options left).

Seems likely that they'll be dumpster diving for 1B rather than give someone like Fedko a shot early (and while he had an excellent season, I'm pumping the brakes on his MLB prospects) and it seems unlikely they'll jump Culpepper straight from AA, so it might be limited opportunity (especially early on) that will keep some of the position players from getting a real chance to contend for RoY. I hope I'm wrong.

Didn't realize that Abel was eligible; he certainly could make it happen, especially if the fire sale continues. I do like him as a starter.

[Nashvilletwin]

Sorry, but disagree with ERod.  Lotta hat, maybe not so much cattle with him. I have the under on him ever becoming a regular on any MLB team, most certainly including the Twins. Hope I’m proven wrong, but the world goes round on different points of view and that’s mine at this point. 

[mickster]

59 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Sorry, but disagree with ERod.  Lotta hat, maybe not so much cattle with him. I have the under on him ever becoming a regular on any MLB team, most certainly including the Twins. Hope I’m proven wrong, but the world goes round on different points of view and that’s mine at this point. 

I agree on ERod and would like them to sell high on him to fill other needs.  He needs to be part of a package, not sure with who though to add possibly a 1B

[Sjoski]

If “Rookie of the Year” is all the Twins win in 2026, that’s actually not bad, it means the future finally showed up.

And who knows, maybe that rookie becomes the spark that drags this franchise out of eternal purgatory.

Every dynasty starts somewhere… and for the Twins, maybe it starts with a guy holding a Rookie of the Year trophy while the front office nervously wonders how they’ll afford him in five years.

[tony&rodney]

2 hours ago, jmlease1 said:

Isn't part of the question going to be whether or not any of the twins high-ceiling prospects get enough opportunity?

This is the answer. I tried to say that in more neutral terms. We might look at the past and see who will pitch and get plate appearances. Perhaps things fall apart (the center cannot hold) more quickly in 2026 and the kids are tapped earlier and given a run. I'm not sure what we could call August and September.

[Teflon]

" Look for Jenkins to knock on the door to the big leagues in the early going of 2026"

With the Twins' luck, Jenkins will injure his hand while knocking. I think the big leagues should install self-opening doors.

[Fatbat]

A lot of possibilities! It will be entertaining and frustrating if we see a ton of young guys get their shot. Could be epic. Most likely, it will get real messy. Gonna also have some great baseball going on in St. Paul. As a diehard fan, I would love to see a Twin win ROY! What I’d rather see is ALL the guys on the 26man hit their ceiling. I know thats alot to ask but geez, lets win some games in ‘26 and bring some younger guys up and put them in a position to succeed!!

[TopGunn#22]

I agree that this all comes down to opportunity and there are SO MANY factors swirling around the Twins that it's hard to get a handle on who will actually get that opportunity.

There's flat out earning an opportunity.  I would say Fedko EARNED it last year, but didn't get it for "strategic" reasons...which I must admit I just might agree with.  So even if you earn it, you may not GET that opportunity.

The guys listed could possibly be in the running, but not without the opportunity.  If we make trades, which I expect we WILL, you could probably add another couple names to that list.  One guy that is really intriguing for 2026 is Noah Cardenas.  Everything I've heard and read about him is that he's a very good defensive catcher.  Seeing his OPS from last year is very encouraging.  Depending on what we do with trades, like getting a MLB ready young catcher, trading Jeffers, or signing him to an extension, Cardenas could very well be in the mix.  Anytime you bring talent to an area of need, your chance for the "opportunity" RISES.  

One thing that should improve tremendously next season is Outfield Defense.  You will most likely have very few innings played in the OF by Wallner and Larnach.  Guys like Roden and Outman are MUCH better defenders than either.  On the horizon there is Walker Jenkins and E-Rod.  Both of them are far superior defenders than Wallner or Larnach.  Martin also has the speed to get to balls Wallner and Larnach can't even reach in their dreams.

Our Infield may still have some defensive challenges, but our OF defense is going to improve in leaps and bounds.  That's at least a step in the right direction.  

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Where is Albie Pearson when we need him?

[DocBauer]

Personally, while I recognize the possibility of a bonus draft pick for a ROY, I really couldn't care less about said award. The only thing I want is for the kids to reach the ML and do well, or at least show enough that they are on the cusp of turning a corner. As far as the players mentioned:

 

JENKINS: As brilliant as he has been, he's missed some time. The power is still coming. In a AAA league where offense is king, he didn't dominate. Do I care? Not in the slightest! But another month or so for a 21yo to gain a little more experience and ramp up a bit is no disservice to his potential! Coincidentally, it also ends up giving the Twins another year of control. The sky is the limit. And even a later debut could put him in discussion for ROY. But all I care about is his arrival, and hopefully never going back down again.

RODRIGUEZ: Please understand I'm NOT saying Rodriguez is Jackson Chourio. But they are both current and former top 100/50 prospects with tons of talent and only 1yr apart in age. The Brewers believed so much in Chourio's talent and potential that they promoted him, let him flail away for a while at the ML level and then were rewarded for his development. 

The Twins might have done the same in 2025 had Rodriguez been more healthy. He's absolutely an enigma, but the talent is undeniable. And he's already burned through 2 of his 3 option seasons. So at SOME POINT, the Twins NEED to follow the Brewers example and just PLAY THE KID and see what happens. 

If he makes it through Winter Ball and ST healthy and shows solidly, just give him a damn job and see what happens. Wallner gets to focus more on DH, we have a backup CF, and even if he's mediocre and bats 9th, how much better might he be come the 2nd half of the season?

It's really weird to have a top 100/50 22yo prospect and be almost desperate for playing time due to lack of options. But that is, unfortunately, the current situation. So RUN and ROLL with it and get his career going!

ABEL: With some good luck, he won't be on the opening day roster. Why? Because that means Lopez and Ryan are still with us, Ober is back to his normal self, SWR is solidified in his spot, and either Bradley or Matthews is the clear cut #5. If it's Matthews, that means Bradley is in the pen. I'm speaking about OPTIMIM here gang. Nobody traded, and nobody injured. 

But stuff happens. Abel has SERUOUS stuff and potential. He'll get his opportunity. ROY? Meh, he's a real candidate due to trades or injuries. But ever the optimist, I'm kinda hoping he shines when given his opportunity, but his opportunity will come later.

CULPEPPER: I can't believe he wasn't included in the OP. Currently, he's on the same path Keaschall was, without the impending TJ surgery hanging over his head. And he's a potential, actual ML SS. I'm not intending to place undue pressure on the kid...as if he reads this stuff...but if he's as ready as early as Keaschall was in 2025, he might shuffle the entire INF to some degree. He just might hit like Keaschall, with more power, and turn Lee in to a super utility player. Or maybe that's K-Pepper's INITAL role on first call up. But he should have been included in any conversation about ROY love.

REALISTICALLY, that's it for ROY possibilities. But let's go ahead and play the rookie game a little further for fun. 

PRIELIPP: The Twins have him working on a 4th pitch and want to see him as a SP option. I agree with this. He's still only 25yo to begin 2026 and has legit SP potential, and is looking strong and healthy. He's going to debut too late in the season for ROY possibilities, but he could energize the team late in the season in different roles.

GONZALEZ: Funny how he's a top 100 prospect when the Twins acquired him, has a poor 2024 and is removed from the top 100, and then has probably his very best season in 2025 at 21yo and reaches AAA and isn’t a top 100 prospect again? Very weird to me! I can't comment on his defense as I've still only seen 1 ST game with wind and a high sky where he looked bad. But he's reportedly really improved his defense, and has always had a good arm. I think there's more power available due to his build, and I'll accept improved reportedly better defense in 2025. The BAT looks like it plays. But it's a crowded OF right now and he's only 22yo for 2026. Never know how things are going to work out, but I think he's a 2nd half debut in 2026.

ROSARIO: I've banged the drum on him at length. MVP of the Midwest League in 2023, a good AFL, and then an injury plagued 2024. So suddenly he became an afterthought in a lot of people's mind. And then he has a tremendous 2025 repeat at AA and was probably screwed out of MVP. (I may be incorrect, but I believe he lost out to an older journeyman player). He has a good arm in the OF, like Gonzalez. And he's not a poor athlete, though his SB numbers should be taken with a large grain of salt, but he shouldn't be dismissed as a solid prospect. He'll still only be 23yo at AAA in 2026 coming off a really good season. 

If the Twins want Mendez to work at 1B, then Rosario should be next in line. It's time the FO recognizes "decent" but not great athletes with BAT potential that we might convert to 1B. 

FEDKO: He might turn out to be nothing. But he had an incredible 2025 season as a 25yo that I never saw happening. Honestly, I was surprised when the Twins kept him following a very poor 2024. I initially thought it was AA roster depth and nothing more. So we can debate "why in the hell didn't they promote him late in 2025" vs trying to sneak him through RULE 5 while looking at other options. I mean, a poor 2024 as a 24yo and you kept him? And then he seems to have figured it out at 25yo? I can honestly see a scenario, with a low payroll that I'm praying doesn't happen, where Fedko and Roden share 1B...with some contributions from Clemens potentially...and both provide 4th OF depth.

Again, not what I WANT to see happen. But I can see Fedko as a Lew Ford 4th OF who sort of figured it out a little late.

CARDENAS: The OP mentioned him, so I feel obliged to include him. For reasons I don't fully comprehend, the Twins just like Winkel, drafted the same year. But since initial scouting reports from Draft Day I've heard Cardenas is a solid receiver. And his 28% CS is well above Winkel's 18%.

Cardenas has a better OB% and career OPS between the two. But I also believe his AAA numbers might have  skewed his power production some. But I think with another couple of months to adapt his bat, he might be a "Butera-like" receiver with a potentially better offensive profile. But I ONLY include him here because the OP mentioned him.

 

[ashbury]

52 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Where is Albie Pearson when we need him?

From b-r.com:

Quote

Born: September 12, 1934 in Alhambra, CA us

Died: February 21, 2023 (Aged 88-162d) in Bentonville, AR

Buried: Pinnacle Memorial Gardens, Rogers, AR

You could try looking there.

RIP Albie.  You were one of my first baseball cards.

 

[Otaknam]

I am skeptical of pitchers who have control issues like Abel. Sometimes they improve, like Randy Johnson, and sometime they don’t. Keeping my fingers crossed because both Abel and Tait need to be good ML players to make the Duran trade acceptable. 

[bean5302]

Walker Jenkins, Kaelyn Culpepper or Connor Prielipp. Probably the only two who are likely to be in consideration with an outside shot for Gabriel Gonzalez. In order to win RoY, the player is going to need to be called up and playing in the first couple months of the season.

Jenkins is clearly the top prospect int he organization right now, and I could see the Twins calling him up quickly like what happened with Buxton.

Culpepper is a SS. If the Twins sign somebody to man the SS position, Culpepper's shot for 2026 drops dramatically as there would be much less pressure to rush him to the big show.

Prielipp having a full season last year, flashing some really outstanding stuff, and now hopefully having a full offseason to build up. He could be really great, and I'd be surprised if he wasn't considered for the opening day roster as he's already burning options.

Gonzalez's ceiling is pretty limited, but the hit tool might be able to carry him well enough, and who knows what the front office is going to do? If a roster shuffle gets Gonzalez early season playing time, I think it's possible he could be a dark horse (Twins group anyway).

I just don't see the rest of the group as having the upside or opportunity next year. We'll definitely see Emmanual Rodriguez on the roster next year as he's already burned 2 options. I think he starts on the opening day roster, to be honest, but I also think he's going to get absolutely eaten alive by MLB pitchers. I'd like to see the Twins trade him if they can.

[Sjoski]

I'm reading quite a few positive comments on Abel.  

Abel’s biggest knock has always been inconsistent control. Walks pile up, and then MLB hitters punish his mistakes.  

Until be solves his control issues,  I'm not a big believer. 

Why should I be more optimistic?

 

[Greglw3]

21 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Personally, while I recognize the possibility of a bonus draft pick for a ROY, I really couldn't care less about said award. The only thing I want is for the kids to reach the ML and do well, or at least show enough that they are on the cusp of turning a corner. As far as the players mentioned:

 

JENKINS: As brilliant as he has been, he's missed some time. The power is still coming. In a AAA league where offense is king, he didn't dominate. Do I care? Not in the slightest! But another month or so for a 21yo to gain a little more experience and ramp up a bit is no disservice to his potential! Coincidentally, it also ends up giving the Twins another year of control. The sky is the limit. And even a later debut could put him in discussion for ROY. But all I care about is his arrival, and hopefully never going back down again.

RODRIGUEZ: Please understand I'm NOT saying Rodriguez is Jackson Chourio. But they are both current and former top 100/50 prospects with tons of talent and only 1yr apart in age. The Brewers believed so much in Chourio's talent and potential that they promoted him, let him flail away for a while at the ML level and then were rewarded for his development. 

The Twins might have done the same in 2025 had Rodriguez been more healthy. He's absolutely an enigma, but the talent is undeniable. And he's already burned through 2 of his 3 option seasons. So at SOME POINT, the Twins NEED to follow the Brewers example and just PLAY THE KID and see what happens. 

If he makes it through Winter Ball and ST healthy and shows solidly, just give him a damn job and see what happens. Wallner gets to focus more on DH, we have a backup CF, and even if he's mediocre and bats 9th, how much better might he be come the 2nd half of the season?

It's really weird to have a top 100/50 22yo prospect and be almost desperate for playing time due to lack of options. But that is, unfortunately, the current situation. So RUN and ROLL with it and get his career going!

ABEL: With some good luck, he won't be on the opening day roster. Why? Because that means Lopez and Ryan are still with us, Ober is back to his normal self, SWR is solidified in his spot, and either Bradley or Matthews is the clear cut #5. If it's Matthews, that means Bradley is in the pen. I'm speaking about OPTIMIM here gang. Nobody traded, and nobody injured. 

But stuff happens. Abel has SERUOUS stuff and potential. He'll get his opportunity. ROY? Meh, he's a real candidate due to trades or injuries. But ever the optimist, I'm kinda hoping he shines when given his opportunity, but his opportunity will come later.

CULPEPPER: I can't believe he wasn't included in the OP. Currently, he's on the same path Keaschall was, without the impending TJ surgery hanging over his head. And he's a potential, actual ML SS. I'm not intending to place undue pressure on the kid...as if he reads this stuff...but if he's as ready as early as Keaschall was in 2025, he might shuffle the entire INF to some degree. He just might hit like Keaschall, with more power, and turn Lee in to a super utility player. Or maybe that's K-Pepper's INITAL role on first call up. But he should have been included in any conversation about ROY love.

REALISTICALLY, that's it for ROY possibilities. But let's go ahead and play the rookie game a little further for fun. 

PRIELIPP: The Twins have him working on a 4th pitch and want to see him as a SP option. I agree with this. He's still only 25yo to begin 2026 and has legit SP potential, and is looking strong and healthy. He's going to debut too late in the season for ROY possibilities, but he could energize the team late in the season in different roles.

GONZALEZ: Funny how he's a top 100 prospect when the Twins acquired him, has a poor 2024 and is removed from the top 100, and then has probably his very best season in 2025 at 21yo and reaches AAA and isn’t a top 100 prospect again? Very weird to me! I can't comment on his defense as I've still only seen 1 ST game with wind and a high sky where he looked bad. But he's reportedly really improved his defense, and has always had a good arm. I think there's more power available due to his build, and I'll accept improved reportedly better defense in 2025. The BAT looks like it plays. But it's a crowded OF right now and he's only 22yo for 2026. Never know how things are going to work out, but I think he's a 2nd half debut in 2026.

ROSARIO: I've banged the drum on him at length. MVP of the Midwest League in 2023, a good AFL, and then an injury plagued 2024. So suddenly he became an afterthought in a lot of people's mind. And then he has a tremendous 2025 repeat at AA and was probably screwed out of MVP. (I may be incorrect, but I believe he lost out to an older journeyman player). He has a good arm in the OF, like Gonzalez. And he's not a poor athlete, though his SB numbers should be taken with a large grain of salt, but he shouldn't be dismissed as a solid prospect. He'll still only be 23yo at AAA in 2026 coming off a really good season. 

If the Twins want Mendez to work at 1B, then Rosario should be next in line. It's time the FO recognizes "decent" but not great athletes with BAT potential that we might convert to 1B. 

FEDKO: He might turn out to be nothing. But he had an incredible 2025 season as a 25yo that I never saw happening. Honestly, I was surprised when the Twins kept him following a very poor 2024. I initially thought it was AA roster depth and nothing more. So we can debate "why in the hell didn't they promote him late in 2025" vs trying to sneak him through RULE 5 while looking at other options. I mean, a poor 2024 as a 24yo and you kept him? And then he seems to have figured it out at 25yo? I can honestly see a scenario, with a low payroll that I'm praying doesn't happen, where Fedko and Roden share 1B...with some contributions from Clemens potentially...and both provide 4th OF depth.

Again, not what I WANT to see happen. But I can see Fedko as a Lew Ford 4th OF who sort of figured it out a little late.

CARDENAS: The OP mentioned him, so I feel obliged to include him. For reasons I don't fully comprehend, the Twins just like Winkel, drafted the same year. But since initial scouting reports from Draft Day I've heard Cardenas is a solid receiver. And his 28% CS is well above Winkel's 18%.

Cardenas has a better OB% and career OPS between the two. But I also believe his AAA numbers might have  skewed his power production some. But I think with another couple of months to adapt his bat, he might be a "Butera-like" receiver with a potentially better offensive profile. But I ONLY include him here because the OP mentioned him.

 

I agree with you on Rosario. And I love Gonzalez. 

[Greglw3]

Good article, Lou. I’m remarkably in sync with your thinking! My favorite pick of the whole group is Gabriel Gonzalez. To hit to that tune, including .340+ in AA at his young age tells me he’’s a guy that is a really good candidate for hitting for a very solid average in the majors. I think it’d be best if he keeps his focus on moving the ball around, hitting a good amount of doubles and not sacrifice any of the average for power.

To me, the lust for power on far too grand a scale has lead to a barrage of strikeouts and low batting averages. I prefer the 1977 Twins approach when Carew hit .388, Bostock .336, both with 14 homers, Hisle .302 and Glenn Adams .338. They hit .282 as a team and scored tons of runs.

I think that kind of potential exists for the current batch of prospects, except no .388. My big 5 are Gonzalez, Jenkins, Rodriguez, Culpepper and Mendez.

And I do remember Derek Shelton saying something to the effect of "we’re gonna rely on our young players and develop them at the major league level. 

I’m also interested to see what Austin Martin could do if he got 600 AB! 

And I’d like to re-acquire the NL hits leader, who batted .354 for a whole season, Luis Arraez.

And Ryan O’ Hearn to stiffen the competition in the OF and increase odds of a much improved OF.