Whom Will Minnesota Twins Draft With 3rd Overall Pick? Ranking the Options

[Jamie Cameron]

Image courtesy of © Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The dust has settled on the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery. It was a solid outcome for the Twins, who should have a bonus pool upwards of $16 million to play with when we get to next July. The No. 3 spot is a fascinating place to pick. There's a consensus top prospect, in Roch Cholowsky, and kind of a consensus second choice in prep shortstop Grady Emerson. What of the rest?

For this thought exercise, I'm going to try to rank the prospects the Twins might take based on their talent, recent performance, and fit with the organization. This 'ranking' will change significantly over the course of the amateur season, so I'm using it as a checkpoint for my thinking here in December.

For the purposes of this writeup, we're going to assume Roch Cholowsky is going number one to the White Sox, and Grady Emerson is going number two to the Rays. Let's rank the five next most likely options. Will this look silly in July 2026? Absolutely; that's part of the fun.

1. Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama, R/R, 21
.316/.421/.636 (127 wRC+), 12.5 BB%, 24.2 K%, 18 HR, 17 SB (94%)
Lebron is a premier athlete and one of the few prospects in this class who has the combination of tools and talent to push Cholowsky at the top of the class. He pummels stuff up in the zone, with maximum exit velocities north of 110 mph. There are warts in the hit tool, with some swing-and-miss (particularly breaking stuff down and away) and an aggressive approach. Defensively, it's a plus arm and at least above-average defense at short. He's sticking there. If Lebron irons out the hit tool concerns, it's superstar potential for a prospect who draws rave reviews for his leadership and makeup.

2. Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech, R/R, 21
.333/.468/.693 (151 wRC+), 18.3 BB%, 14.5 K%, 19 HR, 10 SB (91%)
Smaller amateur players are often dinged by pro organizations, but there's no doubting Burress's insane production at Georgia Tech. He's hit 44 home runs in two seasons for the Yellow Jackets, with legit bat speed and strong high-end exit velocities, despite being listed at 5-foot-9. It's a plus arm and solid defense from a prospect who could start his pro career in center field, but he may end up in a corner. Regardless of the defensive home, he's been the most consistently productive college player in the past two seasons, by a wide margin.

3. AJ Gracia, OF, Virginia, L/L, 21
.293/.449/.558 (126 wRC+), 20 BB%, 12.6 K%, 15 HR
This selection will likely put some Twins fans off, just because he's a left-handed-hitting corner outfielder, but there's a ton to like. The value here is in the offensive profile, and Gracia will have to mash to deliver, as he's not bringing more than average speed and defensive tools. Gracia is an on-base machine, though, walking 20% of the time in 2025. It's good bat speed and a swing built to lift the ball, but Gracia combines it with excellent bat-to-ball skills. Between the well-rounded hit tool and an outstanding approach, this is one of the best hit/power combos in the class.

4. Cam Flukey, RHP, Coastal Carolina, R/R, 21
101.2 IP, 3.19 ERA, 2.68 FIP, 28.5 K%, 5.8 BB%
Flukey might not seem like an obvious fit, but a monster season could vault him into contention (and the Twins love drafting from the Carolinas). Standing at 6-foot-6, Flukey boasts a polished four-pitch mix. It's headlined by a fastball that sits 93-95 mph, but has been as high as 98 mph with outstanding ride. He dots it for strikes, too. Flukey made strides with both control and command in 2025, walking only 5.8% of opposing hitters. There are very few weaknesses in a profile that you could see starting a playoff game within a few seasons.

5. Mystery Guy 
Prior to the 2022 draft, Jackson Holliday was a fringe first-round prospect. Prior to the 2023 college season starting, Paul Skenes was ranked in the teens on many lists, significantly lower than Chase Dollander. It's likely that there's at least one name in the mix at three that we aren't yet talking about. If you have a prospect in mind, throw their name in the comments.

Other Names Considered: Jacob Lombard, Liam Peterson, Sawyer Strosnider, Chris Hacopian, Tyler Bell, Ace Reece

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[old nurse]

A lot can change with the spring season. 

[TJSweens]

15 minutes ago, old nurse said:

A lot can change with the spring season. 

Yep. The MLB draft is predictably unpredictable. A couple of the guys listed here may drop to the middle of the round. Cholowsky and Emerson may not even wind up being the top 2.

[arby58]

Drew Burress is an inch taller than Kirby Puckett was, and he turned out ok. You've got to like that both Burress and Gracia walked more than they struck out last year, and Lebron's K rate was a bit higher than optimal. That said, the Twins love drafting shortstops, so Lebron probably gets the nod - and the prediction lists I've seen (MLB.com, ESPN, Bleacher Report) have the Twins taking the Alabama shortstop.

[Teflon]

How about a shortstop who can actually play shortstop once he gets to the MLB?

[Dman]

Twins have been pretty big on Alabama guys, add in great makeup and its hard to see them passing on Lebron if he is there.  I agree the K rate is a bit concerning but it feels like Culpepper got dinged as a chaser and seemed to turn that corner fairly quickly.  Still something to watch this year.  He really looks like he could be a five tool player which is hard to find.

I've been a bit low on Buress I guess mainly because of his size, but the pop is there.  My other question is would he be a plus defender in center?  I'll have to look at him closer as he is high on most lists.

I kind of have a thing for Strosnider.  Wondering if the Twins would make a deal to save money and grab him.  He could be five tool as well if his hit tool can advance a bit more.

Surprised no Lombard in this list as I think if his hit tool improves with less chase Tampa might take him at number 2.

Bottom line the Twins could really use a center fielder with plus or plus, plus defense.  I know that is hard to find and am not sure if Burress or Strosnider fit the bill. We'll know more this spring, but I already like a lot players for pick number 3.

[Cory Engelhardt]

Burress is growing on me a bit, but I would love to see how Flukey or Peterson do this year to see if they pop up. But Lebron's tools are intriguing.

MLB has the top 9 in this class all 60 or higher (Cholowsky at 65.) In the 2023 draft, Skenes and Crews were 65 and then Langford and Clark and Jenkins were all 60.

It is exciting that the Twins will get a high end prospect at #3, as well as some really good pieces with round 2, comp b and round 3 in July.

[tony&rodney]

These are great teasers Jamie and as a big fan of the younger players I always appreciate your work on these articles. They are the best posts on Twins Daily.

Skenes and Kade Anderson, among others, both pushed themsleves up the lists in their draft year. There can be surprises but Lebron, Burress, and Flukey do stick out at this time behind Cholowsky and Emerson.

Thank you for the post.

[bunsen82]

I am really surprised Lombard isn't included here as an option.  In a lot of aspects he is considered just as high - good hit tool- great power and the best speed of the 4 short stops.  Right now defense is just a tad behind.  

I am also surprised Emerson isn't included as an option.  The MLB draft more than anything is not dependant on who is the best player.  Its what the teams philosophies are and does the player match that,  Do they try to take a lower level player to save money.   With that being said,  it wouldn't surprise me at all if Chowolsky falls to our pick.  Either due to some underperformance or overperformance of other players.    

Boleman is the player I think we need to watch this year.  He has been the best prep pitcher - lefty excellent control - good velocity and 4 really good pitches.  He is 6'4".  Current velocity sits 94-96 but I expect that to go up this year and possibly more once in an organization.   Gave up no runs in high school last year - dominated the showcase tournaments,  and ended as the ace of the US national team - striking out 17 in 11 innings.  

Even still with the ties to Alabama- my betting odds are on Lebron.  He is a really really good player,  and other just needing to tweak the aggressiveness a bit -  he is almost the penultimate SS - and he isn't a pop up.  He has been viewed as the top pick in this class for the last 2 years.    I really don't think you go wrong with any of the top 3 shortstops.  

[rdehring]

Thanks for the information, Jamie.  But it is way tooo early for most of us to give this a lot of thought.

With that said, sure appears your top guy would fit well with the Twins as he struggles hitting low and outside breaking balls.  I really don't need to watch another Twin player with that hole in his game.

[Nashvilletwin]

It’s way too early, as things are sure to change.

However, a 2028 starting infield of Keaschall (1B), Culpepper (2B), Houston (SS) and Lebron (3B) would be really fun to watch.

On the other hand, if somehow Lewis (or Lee, I guess) can turn it around, he could be at 3B in that ‘28 infield with Burress (LF), Jenkins (CF) and ERod (RF) out on the grass. Maybe Gonzalez is our fourth outfielder in this scenario.

If Tait (C) turns out, come ‘28 we could have a truly exciting young (i.e. cheap) position player core for years to come.

Hang in there Twins fans - there’s a lot to look forward to on the horizon, especially if there is a change in ownership as well.  It’s just going to take a couple of years to get there. Enjoy the next couple of years as much as possible and be patient.

 

 

[jmlease1]

I mean, these are going to be interesting guys to follow to see if any of them rise up this season and claim the 3rd spot. Since I don't really follow college baseball and definitely don't try to track high school, I appreciate seeing a preliminary list of guys to keep an eye on.

I'm nervous about Lebron because "warts in his hit tool" aren't something you want to hear about the #3 pick, but his production has been impressive and he stepped in and hit immediately in the SEC and improved in his second season as well.

It'll be interesting to see where Burress lands at the end of this college season; he was still excellent last year but not as incredible as he was in his freshman season. Bears watching. Struggled in limited time in the Cape Cod league, but it's a tiny sample...but you always wonder about the guys who put up video game numbers with aluminum bats and then have to go wood...

I'd be thrilled if Flukey is the opposite of his name and takes another step forward and really dominates. It'd be great if a college pitcher emerges as a legit top 5 pick?

[Elliot]

Unlike the NFL and NBA, the current makeup and needs of the MLB team have almost no bearing on the draft.  Realistically, you are looking at 4 years before there is any expected impact on the big team. Even a fast mover like Walker Jenkins will be in his 4th year with the team before hi hits the bigs. The occassional college player like Keaschel can be an exception, but it is still a couple of years a before contributing to the major league team . Here is a look back at the Twins 4 years. ago.

Position Players:

• Catcher: Mitch Garver, Ryan Jeffers.
• First Base: Miguel Sanó.
• Second Base: Jorge Polanco, Luis Arraez.
• Third Base: Josh Donaldson.
• Shortstop: Andrelton Simmons (early season), Nick Gordon.
• Outfield: Byron Buxton (though often injured), Max Kepler, Jake Cave, Trevor Larnach, Brent Rooker.Pitchers:
• Starters: Kenta Maeda, Jose Berrios, Michael Pineda, J.A. Happ, Griffin Jax.
• Bullpen: Taylor Rogers (Closer), Tyler Duffey, Caleb Thielbar, Hansel Robles (mid-season trade), Alex Colomé (mid-season trade), Luke Farrell. 
• DH/Utility: Nelson Cruz, Luis Arraez. 

In baseball it should always be the best player availble. This is particularily true with those listed as SS, since so few will swtick there long term.  Passing on a talented SS just because there appears to be a logjam in the system is shortsighted and foolish.

[jrod23]

I remember when Jacob Gonzalez (SS) was coming off the College World Series out of Mississippi.  He was a projected top pick.  Along came the best rated draft in recent years with Skenes, Crews, Clark, Langford, Walker, Wilson, Lowder, etc.  Those were just the top 7.  Gonzalez ended up dropping to 15.  He's been hitting in the low .200's, and still hasn't hit above 10 dingers in a season.

Lebron seems to have more intangibles and tools than Gonzalez.  Lots to be hopeful for.  That #3 pick is fun to anticipate.

Great read Jamie.

[tony&rodney]

44 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Hang in there Twins fans - there’s a lot to look forward

Wife- "Why are you smiling?"

This is what I do too. I hang in there and hope, hope, hope while I'm getting old, old, old.

[gman]

I think at this time I would look at the top ten players available regardless of position. I think the Twins get too locked in at looking for the best short stop available. So far that has not worked out too well for them. They really need hitting so I would lean towards the best hitters available unless another Paul Skenes falls to them.

[saviking]

Just no left handed outfielders please ..

[ashbury]

Sign me up for a shortstop, whichever one falls to three.

[amjgt]

4 hours ago, Teflon said:

How about a shortstop who can actually play shortstop once he gets to the MLB?

We did that 5 months ago

[fridleyphil]

I like what Justin Lebron would bring to the Twins, but everyone is correct, a lot can change during the college season.

But what do I know.  I was amazed that Andrew Susac was going to be our backup catcher.  But that excitement was destroyed an hour later when his trade to SF was announced.  For whatever reason, that was a big let-down buzz kill.

[twinstalker]

7 hours ago, old nurse said:

A lot can change with the spring season. 

Here what I think won't change:  Cholowsky and Emerson are not available.

The best hope is that someone becomes a clear number 3.  I'm a little surprised Jacob Lombard isn't listed and would like to ask why to see Jamie's thoughts.  I don't necessarily disagree.

[bunsen82]

Was going through the top 100 prospects.  Check out Brady Ballinger 1st/DH - but video game numbers. Currently 60th ranked recruit.  He just popped out as I was going through some of the players stats.  Has a 20 for run ranking LOL.  

.433/.548/.690 at Community college

.361/.504/.685  at Kansas 

[PerfectGame]

12 hours ago, gman said:

I think at this time I would look at the top ten players available regardless of position. I think the Twins get too locked in at looking for the best short stop available. So far that has not worked out too well for them. They really need hitting so I would lean towards the best hitters available unless another Paul Skenes falls to them.

I think Culpepper and DeBarge have turned out great for them so far, with Schobel looking like a decent utility player. I have a feeling that Lewis will return to dominate form this year. My only qualm is with Lee. Too slow and too weak of an arm to play third or up the middle. If his hit tool returns maybe he can be Arraez 2.0 at 1B, but with a little more power and higher walk rate. Too early to know yet what we have in Merek Houston. I agree, though, best available.