Should Twins Draft Vahn Lackey? Examining the Pros and Cons of Minnesota’s Potential Pick at No. 3

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 2026 MLB Draft is quickly approaching, and the Minnesota Twins find themselves in unfamiliar territory. After securing the third overall selection, Minnesota holds its highest draft pick since taking Royce Lewis with the first overall pick in 2017. With the draft board beginning to take shape, much of the industry expects shortstops Grady Emerson and Roch Cholowsky to come off the board with the first two selections, though there remains debate about which player will ultimately go first overall. That uncertainty could leave the Twins with a fascinating decision at No. 3.

According to the Pioneer Press, Charley Walters wrote that “there is little doubt” the Twins are set on selecting Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. Some evaluators believe Lackey is not only the top catcher in the class, but the best college player available. If the Twins are indeed zeroing in on the Yellow Jacket’s star, the decision would represent both a tremendous opportunity and a calculated gamble.

The Case for Drafting Lackey
Few players in this draft can match Lackey's combination of production, athleticism, and developmental trajectory. The Georgia Tech junior has dominated college baseball this season, hitting .412 with 20 home runs, 78 RBIs, and an OPS north of 1.300 while leading the Yellow Jackets to one of the best records in the country. His offensive profile checks nearly every box teams look for in a premium position player.

Lackey controls the strike zone exceptionally well and consistently puts the ball in play. He has cleaned up a swing that was considered somewhat busy, and he rarely gets beaten by velocity while using the entire field effectively. Scouts believe there is enough raw power in his bat to support annual 20-plus home run production at the professional level, and his increasing ability to elevate the baseball has unlocked another level of offensive impact this season.

What makes his profile especially intriguing is that he remains relatively new to his current level of physical development. Lackey was a classic late bloomer in high school. He received little recruiting attention until his senior season and was largely overlooked by scouts because he rarely attended showcase events.

As a freshman, Lackey struggled against ACC competition and posted a .174 batting average in conference play. Yet, Georgia Tech remained committed to his long-term development. That patience has paid off in a major way. Each season has brought significant improvement, culminating in one of the most impressive campaigns in college baseball this spring.

For organizations that prioritize player development and growth potential, Lackey's story is particularly appealing. He has already shown an ability to identify weaknesses, make adjustments, and maximize his natural tools.

The Defensive Value
The offensive production alone would make Lackey a top draft prospect, but his defense behind the plate elevates his overall profile. Lackey was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and has developed into one of the nation's premier defensive catchers. His athleticism stands out immediately. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he moves exceptionally well for a catcher and displays the agility needed to handle the position at a high level.

His arm strength is another significant weapon. Last season, he threw out 14 of 29 attempted base stealers, a remarkable success rate that showcases both arm strength and accuracy. This season, he has thrown out 7 of 31 runners. He also posted a .985 fielding percentage while continuing to refine his receiving skills.

Perhaps most importantly, his athleticism provides a potential fallback option if catching ever becomes too demanding. He played 13 errorless games at third base in 2025, giving teams confidence that his bat could remain valuable elsewhere on the diamond if necessary. For a Twins organization that values versatility and defensive flexibility, that added layer of security could be attractive.

The Concerns About Taking a Catcher Third Overall
As impressive as Lackey's resume may be, there are legitimate reasons for caution. The first concern is positional risk. Catchers carry some of the highest attrition rates in professional baseball. The physical demands of the position often slow offensive development, and even elite amateur catchers can struggle to handle the workload required at the major-league level.

Recent draft history provides examples of highly regarded catching prospects who required significant developmental time before reaching their ceilings. Pittsburgh took Henry Davis with the first overall pick in 2021, and he’s accumulated -1.7 rWAR. Adley Rutschman looked like a slam-dunk pick at number one for the Orioles in 2019, but injuries derailed his rapid ascent toward superstardom. Though it looks like he'll stop the trend this year, he's posted fewer wins above replacement (WAR) in each of his big-league seasons than in the one before it.

There are also some questions about Lackey's offensive profile. While his power is undeniable, scouts have noted that his swing can produce too many ground balls. Although he has made meaningful improvements in that area this season, professional pitchers may challenge him differently than collegiate competition.

Defensively, while his tools are excellent, evaluators still point to occasional lapses in focus and consistency. Those issues are common among young catchers, but they will require continued development.

Another factor is organizational fit. The Twins have invested heavily in catching talent in recent years. While drafting for need is rarely advisable at the top of the draft, Minnesota must determine whether Lackey's upside clearly exceeds that of other available options, particularly if a premium shortstop or another impact position player remains on the board.

Why the Twins Might Ultimately Be Sold
The strongest argument in favor of Lackey may be that his best baseball could still be ahead of him. Most top-three picks arrive with years of national attention and showcase experience. Lackey's path has been different. He entered college as an under-the-radar recruit and has improved dramatically every season since arriving at Georgia Tech.

That developmental curve suggests there may still be additional upside. Organizations are constantly searching for players who have not yet reached their ceiling. Lackey's combination of athleticism, intelligence, work ethic, and year-over-year growth makes him one of the more compelling bets in the class.

His profile also aligns with traits the Twins have traditionally valued. Minnesota has often targeted players with strong baseball instincts, defensive versatility, and a demonstrated ability to improve. Lackey checks all of those boxes.

For the Twins, the decision may come down to a simple question: Do they believe Lackey's future is still ascending? If the answer is yes, Minnesota could be looking at a franchise cornerstone capable of impacting the game on both sides of the ball for years to come. If his development continues on its current trajectory, the Twins may not simply be drafting the best catcher in the class. They may be drafting one of the best players in baseball's next generation. Of course, it could also be a decision that's made for them, if the Chicago White Sox or Tampa Bay Rays take Lackey first. A month and a half out from the draft, it's just beginning to be time to assess choices like this one, as the options come slowly into focus.

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Will Lackey be Minnesota’s selection at number three? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[thelanges5]

Our current catching situation is dire and the cupboard is bare. I would normally say draft the best available not for need. But he may be both.

[Patzky]

21 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Our current catching situation is dire and the cupboard is bare. I would normally say draft the best available not for need. But he may be both.

Considering the timeline that Lackey would be on I'd hardly call the Twins catching cupboards bare. This year it is, but we have two premium prospects already in the minors courtesy of last year's selloff. (Tait and Jimenez, plus Khadim Diaw is trending up). One of them could easily become our backstop by 2028, ahead of Lackey. I'd draft him for his talent more than for his position. But wouldn't expect to see him before 2030.

[laloesch]

If he falls into the Twins lap, draft him.  Nothing wrong with an elite catching prospect.

[Trov]

You cannot have too many catching prospects.  If you are sold on his offense and concerned he will break down at catcher, reports are he can move to 3rd or at least 1st I am sure, if other catchers get ahead of him.  You have to like the growth he has made over the years which would suggest he can continue to grow and learn and adapt. 

[mluebker]

“His profile also aligns with traits the Twins have traditionally valued. Minnesota has often targeted players with strong baseball instincts, defensive versatility, and a demonstrated ability to improve. Lackey checks all of those boxes.”

As did too many of the Twins’ recent draft choices, guys who can’t seem to find a regular position to play or spot on the roster. And as mentioned above, it’s not as though there aren’t a some decent catching prospects already in the pipeline. 

[Dman]

I'm not so sure he makes it to Minnesota at number 3.  hard to believe Chicago would move off of Cholowsky since he is likely a fast mover with a good power stroke at a premium position, but we've seen teams strikes deals and catchers like Lackey don't come around often.  

While Tampa does value younger players more than most teams I could still them trying to upgrade their catcher position for the future and it's a nice bonus to have a catcher who can hit on your team. So hard to say if he is even there at three.,

It seems like on pretty much all mock drafts there is a solid three developing and it's Cholowsky, Emerson and Lackey.  I'd be happy with any one of them, but I think if I had to choose it would be Lackey as it's just so hard to find a good catcher.

Still if they did miss out on Lackey there is a decent chance they could grab a catcher in the second round as well.  We'll see what happens, but the Twins should be in good shape at number 3 no matter what.

[Patzky]

5 minutes ago, Dman said:

I'm not so sure he makes it to Minnesota at number 3.  hard to believe Chicago would move off of Cholowsky since he is likely a fast mover with a good power stroke at a premium position, but we've seen teams strikes deals and catchers like Lackey don't come around often.  

While Tampa does value younger players more than most teams I could still them trying to upgrade their catcher position for the future and it's a nice bonus to have a catcher who can hit on your team. So hard to say if he is even there at three.,

It seems like on pretty much all mock drafts there is a solid three developing and it's Cholowsky, Emerson and Lackey.  I'd be happy with any one of them, but I think if I had to choose it would be Lackey as it's just so hard to find a good catcher.

Still if they did miss out on Lackey there is a decent chance they could grab a catcher in the second round as well.  We'll see what happens, but the Twins should be in good shape at number 3 no matter what.

UCLA happened to be on Tv when the wife and I were having lunch yesterday and Cholowski came up to bat. Wifey was less than impressed when I told her he would be the top pick in the draft 😁 but he was fun to watch, repeatedly fouling off good pitches , intimately walking, and easily scoring in a single. I'm terrified to consider a Sox team with him, Montgomery,  Antonnacci, Nishida, and Vargas. I don't think the Sox will waver on taking him first.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Yes. Please select Lackey if he is available.   Picking # 3 this year is win - win- win.  I never thought  I would write the following sentence but.... The Twins have  numerous  young pitching prospects and OF prospects and SS prospects. (Maybe I wrote this because I have just drunk the Kool Aid.). Draft this promising  catcher, who apparently checks every box that exists for a  prospective MLB catcher. 

[HrbieFan]

1 hour ago, laloesch said:

If he falls into the Twins lap, draft him.  Nothing wrong with an elite catching prospect.

He will be there and if the Twins don't take him, he might not go top 10. I am in favor of this pick, only if we have agreed in principal to a below slot contract 

[mike8791]

This is a difficult choice, for sure.  While the Twins seemed to have a surplus of starters, injuries and/or poor performance have decimated the staff: Lopez, SWR, Abel, Ober, Rojas.  Since you can never have enough pitching, I'd opt for Flora at #3.  One of Lackey, Cholowsky or Emerson would be hard to pass, but the presence of Tait and Jiminez seems likely to produce a Catcher for the future and the Rays seem more likely to go for Lackey.  Same for the SS position - both Culpepper and Houston look like above average prospects, so why go for a HS SS(Emerson)?

Of course, the ideal situation would be for TP to put his money where his mouth is and resign Jeffrey, but does anyone believe this is likely?  Flora seems to have a track record that seems to fit well for a 2027/8 rotation spot.  And by adding Flora the Twins might be more willing to part w/Ryan at the trade deadline, bringing back maybe 2 major leaguers ready to fill the huge holes in the IF.  Lots of guesswork here.  Hopefully, Zoll and co. have more sense than Failvey did when drafting Lewis.

[chpettit19]

27 minutes ago, HrbieFan said:

He will be there and if the Twins don't take him, he might not go top 10. I am in favor of this pick, only if we have agreed in principal to a below slot contract 

What do you base this stance on? You don't think he's a top 10 talent and needs to agree to an under-slot deal just to get picked?

[jmlease1]

When you have the 3rd overall pick, you don't draft for need. Pick whomever you think is the best player on the board. lackey seems to be quite good: a strong bat who can also play a premium defensive position, with the athletic ability to move to 3B or elsewhere and still have his bat play. Works for me.

Is his bat good enough? Who the hell knows. Will his arm translate into a real weapon at the pro level? who the hell knows. It's a baseball draft, and as William Goldman so wisely said, "Nobody knows anything."

[Wedman13]

38 minutes ago, HrbieFan said:

He will be there and if the Twins don't take him, he might not go top 10. I am in favor of this pick, only if we have agreed in principal to a below slot contract 

I know the mlb draft gets weird but by all consensus it's a top 3 draft.  Both SS's and Lackey.  What makes you think he should take under slot, and would fall out of the top 10?

[chpettit19]

I view this year as relatively similar to the Jenkins draft, but the Twins are picking 3rd in a 4-player draft instead of 5th in a 5-player draft. It may actually be a 3-player draft, but the top high school guy is always going to be part of the discussion (Emerson isn't as tooled up as I'd like a top 3 pick HS guy to be).

I'd be happy with any of the Roch, Lackey, Flora, Emerson group, but that's probably the order I'd put them in. Bonus demands will play a bit of a role in who's there for the Twins at #3, I think. Roch hasn't run away with the #1 player spot like everyone expected, and it wouldn't be the most shocking thing ever if the White Sox went another direction if someone is willing to take a below slot deal to go #1. I would be pretty shocked if Roch made it to #3, but certainly happy to have him if he does drop for whatever reason.

I think the most likely decision the Twins have to make is Flora vs Lackey. And I'd be fine either way. If they think Flora is a front of the rotation arm, I'd certainly understand that pick. If they think Lackey is an elite bat, I'd be more than happy to have him.

My preference is for one of the 3 college players over Emerson, and Lackey would make me very happy. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to draft him because of Tait or Jiminez. He's on a different level than both of them. He'd come in as a top 100 prospect. Maybe top 50. If all 3 make it, that'd be a wonderful problem to have. It's more likely only 1 of them will, and Lackey has the best chance. Don't overthink it. If you think his bat is elite, take him.

[nicksaviking]

If the Twins think he's the best bet to hold down a spot in the middle of the order for the next half decade, great, make the pick.

If they simply think he's a good hitting catcher, no, don't. 

The Twins catcher situation has looked bleak since Mauer moved to 1B, but it's never actually been bleak. The bar for the position is just so, so low, and in just about every season, someone always jumps that bar by a mile. Fixing the offense should be so much more of a priority than fixing a specific position.

[farmerguychris]

Love this idea, especially the part where he can possibly play elsewhere if the catcher role becomes a challenge physically.  We need more talent in this role in the entire minor system.