2026 MLB Mock Draft: With 3rd Overall Pick, Twins Still Draft Vahn Lackey, But Lower Rounds Move

[Jamie Cameron]

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

Each year, I endeavor to project the draft not by claiming to know every player who will be taken, but by standing on the shoulders of giants. I take MLB mock draft rankings from major industry outlets like MLB Pipeline, ESPN, The Athletic and many others to form a consensus board, with a working hypothesis that using this approach will eliminate some of the noise and variance in MLB Draft mock rankings. This year, that all feels especially important for the Twins, who pick high enough in the first round to make this draft a pivotal moment for the franchise.

The Minnesota Twins’ first five picks are:

• Round 1: 3rd Overall
• Round 2: 43rd Overall
• Competitive Balance Round B: 74th Overall
• Round 3: 79th Overall
• Round 4: 107th Overall

Here's a look at who might be available to them at each stop.

Round 1: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

Every draft cycle seems to produce 2-3 first-round catchers, most of whom have warts offensively, defensively, or both. Georgia Tech's Vahn Lackey may be the most complete college catcher in recent seasons and has a case to make as college baseball’s most improved player in 2026. Lackey entered 2026 viewed as an excellent defensive catcher, with athleticism uncommon for the position, in addition to having strong bat-to-ball skills. He’s continued to look excellent behind the plate, with good receiving and blocking skills, an excellent arm and strong pop and transfer times. He has all the ingredients to be a plus defensive catcher.

Offensively, his power has taken a step forward. After hitting 6 home runs in 60 games in 2025, he managed 20 in 61 games in 2026, with more walks than strikeouts, adding a high on-base floor to his profile. Lackey ended 2026 hitting .397/.519/.772, with 39 extra-base hits, a 17.7 BB%, a 13.4 K%, and 15 steals (94%). Simply put, he’s one of the most complete profiles in this draft class.

Round 2: Aiden Ruiz, SS, The Stony Brook HS (NY)

Ruiz is a diminutive, switch-hitting shortstop currently committed to Vanderbilt. He'll be a fascinating follow on draft day. He'll be 19 and is listed at 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds with limited power projection, so he'll test some of our assumptions about what prospect profiles and traits organizations will and won't lean into.

Ruiz is arguably the best defensive shortstop in the entire class. He has a quick first step, soft hands, and a big arm. He can make any play from any spot in the infield, it's plus defense at one of the most important positions on the field.

Offensively, Ruiz is a switch hitter, with a contact-oriented approach. It's exceptional bat-to-ball skills from both sides of the plate. Ruiz will expand the zone a little, at times, so there's some risk his quality of contact is diminished unless he tightens his approach. There's never going to be a ton of power, but Ruiz is an above-average runner and should be a pesky threat on the basepaths.

The defense and contact skills headline this profile, it's a combination that can rack up plenty of value for a drafting organization.

Competitive Balance Round B: Brett Renfrow, RHP, Virginia Tech

Renfrow was previously a two-way player who began to focus solely on pitching when he got to campus at Virginia Tech. This is a classic draft 'type', a college starter where stuff and ingredients don't line up neatly with outcomes.

I'd classify Renfrow as someone with a significant 'up arrow' this spring, though. It's a good frame, and he's about to surpass 70 innings for the third consecutive season. Renfrow has slowly ticked up his strikeout rate while reducing his walk rate—exactly what you want to see.

In terms of stuff, the fastball is good. It sits 94 mph and has been up to 97 mph, playing well at the top of the zone. There's a slider/cutter hybrid he throws in the upper 80s, a curveball with plenty of depth that sits in the low 80s, and a changeup with good horizontal action.

Renfrow is a pitcher you can see making significant strides in a pro organization. There are plenty of starter traits here. In 73.2 innings in 2026, Renfrow managed a 4.67 FIP, while striking out 27.7% of hitters and walking just 7.9%.

Round 3: Beau Peterson, 3B, Mill Valley HS (KS)

Peterson is one of the more physically imposing frames on the prep side in 2026. The Kansas prepster is committed to Texas and has played third base, corner outfield, catcher and pitcher in recent years.

Peterson has a left-handed swing with good bat speed. He has easy raw power, while currently getting into more line drive power in games. When he learns to add loft with more consistency, he'll be a 25-home run threat as a pro hitter. He has good bat-to-ball skills, too, and controls the strike zone well, giving him a well-rounded offensive profile.

Peterson projects to be an average runner (at best) as he continues to fill out. Despite the lack of foot speed, the glove will play just fine at third base. He's been up to 95 mph on the mound, so there's plenty of arm for the hot corner or a corner outfield spot.

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Curious to see the players around the Minnesota Twins picks in the draft? Click on the button below to view the entire mock draft board!

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[Patzky]

I hope we do our spelling diligence and don't fill in Vhan Lakcey for our pick. Who knows who we'll get.. 🤗

[Wedman13]

Cholowsky still scares me.  I'm probably incredibly far off.  For me it's Emerson or Lombard before him.  But it's a crapshoot 

[twinstalker]

Baseball America just had the Twins picking Tyler Bell, SS (2B, really) from Kentucky.  Emerson went 4th to the Giants.

I'm really struggling, myself.  It's hard to believe Cholowsky could have gone first last year and is so much worse now.  On that basis I still have to rank him first.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

14 minutes ago, twinstalker said:

Baseball America just had the Twins picking Tyler Bell, SS (2B, really) from Kentucky.  Emerson went 4th to the Giants.

I'm really struggling, myself.  It's hard to believe Cholowsky could have gone first last year and is so much worse now.  On that basis I still have to rank him first.

The Twins need one of the consensus top three. Anyone else will be a mistake at the #3 pick.

[Coach JT]

Twins need to draft pitching and more pitching. Time to get restocked on actual pitching . First through 3rd needs to be all pitchers and left handed if available. 

[tony&rodney]

Don't overthink the draft, especially when there is the #3 pick at stake. While it is totally true that no one can guarantee success in a baseball draft, the top three have separated themsleves enough to be the choice: Cholowsky, Lackey, or Emerson. 

I would like the Twins to push for a trade to get themselves a pick in a Comp Round A slot.

[Dman]

I can see Lackey being there at 3.  Just like with Houston there are questions about his power\EV's, but he covers the plate well. You can juggle any of the top three in any order, but they remain the top three.

Not sure I see the Twins picking Ruiz at 43.  While the plus defense is nice they seem to be a team that likes a good bat with good EV's early in the draft.  Not saying it would be a bad pick, just that I don't see them picking him.

Renfrow seems like a Twinsy pick.  He was an arm that looked like he might be late first round or early second, but had a disappointing year and fell down boards.  The Twins don't seem to care much about season results and more about plus pitches or what they perceive they can turn into plus pitches.  It's a good frame and solid delivery.  He could be a pick there or in the third.

The Twins love their power hitters, but I wouldn't take Peterson at least not there.  Our competition in the division seem to be focusing on better athletes to allow for plus defense and speed to put pressure on opposing defenses.  This pick doesn't help with that.  I'd go arm again here and likely the rest of the way.  The system is short on quality arms from High A to AAA right now and it is reflected in how poor the affiliates are doing at high A and AA.  If they want bats with the first two picks that's fine by me, but go primarily arms after that IMO..

[Mike Sixel]

One pitcher? Ugh. 

[Mike Sixel]

Not a fan of the last pick here.... Give me pitching..... Or at least a great athlete. 

[Jeff K]

One of the top 3; hopefully Lackey!

[DataNerd]

While I'm not a big draft for need guy, I don't think Ruiz makes a ton of sense when you just took Houston last year and he looks great.  I think you can get a guy who has the same value as Ruiz but fits the org better.

I'd like to come out of day 1 with 2 or 3 pitchers depending on how the board falls.

We aren't going to be in a good position to be playing games with the bonus pool this year; likely spending slot on whoever is available at 3, while CHW/TBR can potentially save some money while still taking a top 3 guy and SFG/PIT will probably both be underslot since there is low consensus after the top 3.

[saviking]

3 hours ago, Coach JT said:

Twins need to draft pitching and more pitching. Time to get restocked on actual pitching . First through 3rd needs to be all pitchers and left handed if available. 

I agree, but I prefer Lackey if he is their for #1 .. After that load up on potchers. I follow the minor league box score before I hit the sack each night and our minor league pitchers eras are horrendous. 

I remember a few years back after the 1st to picks I believe we took 8 pitchers in a row and most panned out. 

 

[weitz41]

There's a consensus top 3. Same as when Jenkins landed with the Twins at #5. No need to overthink it. Not many pitchers from the later rounds of 2025 and 2024 (maybe 2023 as well) draft have stood out so far. After that I'd go heavy on pitching 2nd round, comp round plus other early rounds. Hopefully get a fast mover or two to join Quick, Hill and Soto for the next wave of pitchers.

If I wanted to go the under-slot route to invest later...Hmm Rojas maybe Lebron.

[LyleCole]

13 minutes ago, saviking said:

I agree, but I prefer Lackey if he is their for #1 .. After that load up on potchers. I follow the minor league box score before I hit the sack each night and our minor league pitchers eras are horrendous. 

I remember a few years back after the 1st to picks I believe we took 8 pitchers in a row and most panned out. 

 

The yield on draft picks is so low you just have to keep hammering.  I agree with your approach.  Take the absolute top guy on your board without overthinking ("we can pay under slot and try to sign someone later").  Then draft college arms rounds with the next three picks and get them moving up the system.

[DocBauer]

While I'd be ecstatic for any of the top 3, I really want Lackey. Big bat with control and he plays a premium defensive position and seems to be qualitt there. So you get the good college bat, the good defense, and he also fits a team need. All wins. Plus, he probably arrives quickly as well, to join Lee, K-Pepper,  Houston, Jenkins, Rodriguez, etc, as part of the same wave.

Renfrow sounds like a typical Twins pitching selection. They love the upside, even if they didn't have a great season, especially if they have at least 1 really good pitch to work off of.

If they draft a prep kid in the 2nd round, I'd expect it to be an arm, not a SS like Ruiz. It will be a talented arm, or a Winokur/Young position player who has the huge upside, even if there are some floor concerns.

Peterson sounds interesting. Good glove, big arm, solid bat, big power. Hey, you need those guys too. But something doesn't "feel" quite right about him in this spot. 

I slightly disagree with other opinions the Twins should focus really heavy on pitching past #1. They went pretty hard on arms last year. Some of them, unfortunately, got hurt like Elwanger, or began the season on the IL, but it was a pretty good looking group and many are showing promise. I just don't think you can be successful as an organization without maintaining balance as well. 

I like their change last season in going for arms a little earlier than some past drafts. And I expect at least 2 or 3 out of those first 5 picks, at least 1 prep kid. And I have zero problem with 12-13 pitchers. But you've still got to grab another catcher, a couple OF, and a couple INF along the way as well. Your organization needs depth and balance. And you can never predict who from what round might end up a quality prospect. 

I really wish we had a Comp A this year to go along with the #3 pick, but I'm pretty excited about this draft. We basically draft a Top 100, if not Top 50 player, there's OK depth, and the HS arms seem plentiful with intriguing prospects. I could see 2 HS arms and that might be it for the prep ranks.

Getting impatient for draft day!

[Cory Engelhardt]

5 hours ago, Coach JT said:

Twins need to draft pitching and more pitching. Time to get restocked on actual pitching . First through 3rd needs to be all pitchers and left handed if available. 

So you don’t subscribe to taking the best player?

[Mike Sixel]

43 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

So you don’t subscribe to taking the best player?

Given you said they mostly fail past pick, what, 50 or so, is there a "best" player? 

How big a delta is there at their next three picks past number three, that you just keep passing on pitchers, even though you need 8 starters and 12 or so RPs every year?

[bjorks]

We need a lefty, OF bat so I'm hoping Booth or Curiel!

Living in the desert, I've been lucky to see Cholowsky since his SO or JR year. I definitely think fatigue has set in with him. His "down year" was still better than 95% of the college SSs. The baseball draft is the hardest of them all and it's been interesting to see once the experts started to poke their holes, others did too. Cholowsky may or may not be a HoF'er, All Star, or a bust, but he''s arguably been the top college SS for almost 2 years and his "crater" was nothing like Lebron's for example. IF he somehow falls to 3, would it shock me the Giants scare the Twins off by offering a record bonus? No, but if the Twins have a chance they'd be absolute fools to take anyone other than Cholowsky and I'm in the camp you take pitching every time if you have a Top 5'ish pick. 

He's got a shot to be in the majors in 3 > years. If this scenario happens it will be fun to see what they do with Houston/Lee. In 3 years you could have Cholowsky and Houston on the left and Culpepper and Clemens on the right. I say Clemens to get people riled up!

 

[DataNerd]

1 hour ago, DocBauer said:

I really wish we had a Comp A this year to go along with the #3 pick, but I'm pretty excited about this draft. We basically draft a Top 100, if not Top 50 player, there's OK depth, and the HS arms seem plentiful with intriguing prospects. I could see 2 HS arms and that might be it for the prep ranks.

I'm not sure that they will start out there, but all of the top 3 should be in the 10-25 range imo.

[Mike Sixel]

15 minutes ago, bjorks said:

We need a lefty, OF bat so I'm hoping Booth or Curiel!

Living in the desert, I've been lucky to see Cholowsky since his SO or JR year. I definitely think fatigue has set in with him. His "down year" was still better than 95% of the college SSs. The baseball draft is the hardest of them all and it's been interesting to see once the experts started to poke their holes, others did too. Cholowsky may or may not be a HoF'er, All Star, or a bust, but he''s arguably been the top college SS for almost 2 years and his "crater" was nothing like Lebron's for example. IF he somehow falls to 3, would it shock me the Giants scare the Twins off by offering a record bonus? No, but if the Twins have a chance they'd be absolute fools to take anyone other than Cholowsky and I'm in the camp you take pitching every time if you have a Top 5'ish pick. 

He's got a shot to be in the majors in 3 > years. If this scenariw happens it will be fun to see what they do with Houston/Lee. In 3 years you could have Cholowsky and Houston on the left and Culpepper and Clemens on the right. I say Clemens to get people riled up!

 

Chowlosky should be in the majors in 1.5 years if healthy, imo. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

I hope the Twins do not have a high draft pick next year and the following years. Top draft picks are available for teams which  failed miserably the year before. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

Given you said they mostly fail past pick, what, 50 or so, is there a "best" player? 

How big a delta is there at their next three picks past number three, that you just keep passing on pitchers, even though you need 8 starters and 12 or so RPs every year?

They can take all pitching after their 3rd pick if that is best player. You need lots of pitching prospects to make pitchers that are mlb quality. All of it is a numbers game right?

[Mike Sixel]

8 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

They can take all pitching after their 3rd pick if that is best player. You need lots of pitching prospects to make pitchers that are mlb quality. All of it is a numbers game right?

What if a pitcher is never the best player on your board?

[bjorks]

don't disagree it could be 1.5 years, but there's not going to be a sea...

[Cory Engelhardt]

11 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

What if a pitcher is never the best player on your board?

Based on this board and the sheer number of pitchers in the top 100, that’s almost statistically impossible. But even then, if they are debating between the 44th and 45th player available, pitching can win out. But the top 3, who are all 60 or above grade prospects, I wouldn’t take a 55 grade player above that