Which Twins Prospects Are Next in Line?

[Sam Caulder]

Image courtesy of © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Twins have already had a handful of prospects get the call this year. We've seen Andrew Morris, Kendry Rojas, Connor Prielipp, John Klein, and Marco Raya make their major-league debuts so far this season. We've also seen a pair of outfielders get their first taste of the big leagues. Gabriel Gonzalez was up for an entire weekend before heading back to Triple-A, while Kyler Fedko got a slightly longer but less fruitful audition. But if you think the prospect promotions are going to slow down, think again.

The Twins currently sit at 48-49, and there's a pretty good chance they'll be moving some established major-league pieces over the next few weeks. If that happens, it impacts a lot of the organizational depth in the process. Even while you're chasing a playoff spot, if you're a team like the Twins, the second half becomes about evaluating talent. It's about figuring out who can help you moving forward; who deserves a spot on next year's roster; and who might force their way into the team's long-term plans. So who else could make their debut between now and the end of September?

I think there's a handful of names worth keeping an eye on. Some are among the organization's very best prospects, while others have quietly played their way into the conversation. Let's start with the obvious one. While a lot of people expect Walker Jenkins to make his major-league debut this season, I don't share that belief. I talked about this earlier this month, but I still think the Twins should slow-play him. Jenkins is obviously one of the best prospects in baseball, but there's no reason to rush him. Unless they reach a point where they feel he'd make a difference in a push for the playoffs, I'd rather see the organization stay patient. I'm sticking with my prediction: Walker Jenkins will not debut in 2026.

That said, I'd be surprised if we didn't see Kaelen Culpepper before the season comes to a close. It feels like we've been waiting on this promotion for about two months now. He's currently sporting an .868 OPS with the St. Paul Saints, and he checks just about every box you'd want to see from a young position player. He hits the ball hard, he gets on base, he can steal a base, and he plays quality defense all over the infield. There's really not much left for him to prove in Triple-A. He just has to get healthy; you can't debut in MLB from the Triple-A injured list. The same goes for Emmanuel Rodríguez, who would already have gotten a look if he weren't hurt.

Kaelen may not even be the only Culpepper making his debut this year. Pitcher C.J. Culpepper has quietly built a very compelling case himself. The 24-year-old has posted a 3.13 ERA across 20 relief appearances with the Saints, while striking out 23.2% of opposing batters. As is the case with any prospect, there are still some things to clean up. His 13.0% walk rate certainly isn't ideal, and command has been an issue at times. But he consistently finds ways to work himself out of trouble. That's an underrated skill for a reliever. Not every outing is going to be clean. Good bullpen arms are often the ones who can strand inherited runners or escape jams after putting themselves in difficult situations. Culpepper has shown an ability to do exactly that. If the Twins don't add external help to the bullpen and try to roll with what they have in-house, I think he'll be one of the first names considered for an opportunity.

The final player I'm willing to confidently predict will make his major league debut this season is Ben Ross. Unless you're a Twins Daily denizen who loves the minor league reports and lives in the forums, Ross has come out of nowhere this year. He's already 25 years old, and if you pull up most prospect rankings, his name isn't exactly going to jump off the page. But sometimes good baseball players force the issue; Ross has done exactly that. He's a versatile defender who can move all over the diamond. He can play shortstop, third base, and center field, giving the Twins plenty of flexibility. That kind of versatility becomes incredibly valuable over the course of a long season.

The role Tristan Gray is playing for the Twins right now could just as easily go to Ross, if an injury compelled the Twins to try it. And it's not like he'd be getting called up simply because of his defensive versatility. Since being promoted to Triple-A, Ross has posted an .846 OPS. If the Twins eventually fall out of the AL Central race, he could be worth a look in September, even if it means jettisoning Gray. If they stay in the race and more injuries strike, that's another path open.

Culpepper, Culpepper and Ross seem like they fit specific things the team either needs now or might need in the near future. If they get and/or stay healthy, and if circumstances warrant in one way or another, they could be the next three guys we see come through the Twins' homegrown pipeline. Jenkins and Rodríguez are bigger names, but might be longer shots to show up in the bigs right now.

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But what do YOU think? Who do you think gets the call before the end of the season? Let us know in the comments!

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[bjorks]

I can't remember if it was written here or somewhere else, but as it relates to guys like WJ who are NOT on the 40-man, if they're on the 40-man by the time the new starts, if there's a labor stoppage, guys on the 40-man can't play in the minors. Don't know how big of an issue that is. I'd agree though in slow playing someone like WJ. If there's an abbreviated or no season in '27 (which sadly I think there won't) a year of not being able to play for prospects will do more harm than trying to make a push for a WC spot this year. 

[GopherMike]

I've been waiting for this article.

“There’s a pretty good chance they’ll be moving some established major-league pieces over the next few weeks.”

"Some" is doing a lot of work here.....but I'm increasingly leaning towards "no there's not". 

Based on everything we know, that is not the most likely organizational direction. They are 48–49, tied for a Wild Card spot, ownership has publicly supported adding, and they have already made bullpen additions. They could trade a redundant player such as Bell or make a baseball trade involving surplus, but that is very different from treating the second half primarily as an evaluation period.

In general, I think this site (and probably Twins fans in general) are:

1) Too hasty to assume we will trade off every veteran or demote anyone not immediately producing
2) Too quick to assume everyone in AAA is genuinely ready or deserving a promotion

C.J. Culpepper is intriguing, but currently too flawed. He needs a full year in AAA. A 13% walk rate is not offset by saying he “finds ways to work himself out of trouble” and I don't see that happening nearly as much in the MLB until he figures out how to establish better command. We've already demoted more established veterans for the exact same reason. 

Ben Ross is intrguing and the versatility is real. But “confidently predict” is too strong because:

• He is 25 and not regarded as a major prospect.
• His Triple-A sample is still limited.
• He is not currently on the 40-man roster.
• Kreidler and Martin already offer defensive flexibility.
• Gray can be optioned rather than removed from the organization.
• Culpepper would probably receive priority if both are healthy and an infield opening develops.

I think he is a situational possibility if there are multiple injuries, but far from a sure thing.

Saying Rodriguez “would already have gotten a look if he weren’t hurt” feels too confident. His sample size is small and his strikeout rate is concerning. He has the power and athletic ability, so it's possible he gets that cup of coffee that Gonzalez got. But there's really no way to know. His sample size is super small. 

I actually like the names (and agree we will not see Walker Jenkins this year), but Culpepper is probably the only one on this list I would put at greater than 50% odds....and I'm still not even convinced he's currently more likely than another shot at Arcia if/when Gray goes down. 

Now go ahead and down vote me. 😀

[Mike Sixel]

I also think they hold Jenkins down, depending completely on their record and Buxtons health.....

I think they hold the shortstop Culpeper down also, again depending on record and health. 

They'll want those two eligible to play at the beginning of the lockout, and to win rookie of the year. 

Unless, of course, they've really changed their tune at the top of the org... hahahaha. 

[bean5302]

Culpepper's injury struggles over the past month have thrown a wet blanket over what seemed like an imminent call up. This front office is pretty random, but Ben Ross' production at SS and his time in CF may well have him as the next man up. Ross is a slightly younger Kyler Fedko, but one who can cover SS. Personally, I'd DFA Gray and call up Ross.

[Linus]

I think there is a very real possibility the Twins decide to go for it. If so, prospects will only be called up as injury replacements. Take K Culpepper for example. The Twins will value Kreisler’s reliable glove at SS more than giving a prospect a chance. To be clear, I don’t agree with this as it’s just another path to mediocrity but I can sure see it happening. 

[Possumlad]

8 minutes ago, Linus said:

I think there is a very real possibility the Twins decide to go for it. If so, prospects will only be called up as injury replacements. Take K Culpepper for example. The Twins will value Kreisler’s reliable glove at SS more than giving a prospect a chance. To be clear, I don’t agree with this as it’s just another path to mediocrity but I can sure see it happening. 

I agree with you. Cullpepper will get the call if/when there's an opening at the full-time SS or 2B position. They're not going to call him up for spot starts. Kreidler or Clemens injury would force the issue (although we may just see more Gray in that case). Outside of that, I'd actually prefer they leave both Jenkins & Cullpepper down till 2027.

[DJL44]

Kaelen Culpepper is potentially better than the players on the 26-man roster. 
 

I think we are more likely to play the waiver game than to call CJ Culpepper up. Danny Coulombe is available right now.

Ross has no shot. They will grab a waiver claim or bring back Arcia rather than add him to the 40-man roster.

Jack Anderson could make his debut. He is on the 40-man roster.

 

[amjgt]

56 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I also think they hold Jenkins down, depending completely on their record and Buxtons health.....

I think they hold the shortstop Culpeper down also, again depending on record and health. 

They'll want those two eligible to play at the beginning of the lockout, and to win rookie of the year. 

Unless, of course, they've really changed their tune at the top of the org... hahahaha. 

I can't remember the last time this organization made a move (or non-move) that was viewed as, in any way related to Rookie of the Year possibilities. 

 

[Patzky]

6 minutes ago, amjgt said:

I can't remember the last time this organization made a move (or non-move) that was viewed as, in any way related to Rookie of the Year possibilities. 

 

Luke Keaschall was called up pretty early last season; He wasn't going to be a serious contender but even so he was exciting until getting hit by a pitch after a handful of games.

[mnfireman]

Kaelen Culpepper and Walker Jenkins are not on the 40-man and don't need to be added until after the '27 season. Both have missed time and could probably benefit from staying at AAA for the rest of '26.

Emma will be out of options next season, the team needs to see what he has this season, even it is only for the month of September.

CJ Culpepper can stay at AAA, but will have to be added to the 40-man or will be subject to the Rule 5 draft again. That decision can wait until after the season. 

The clock has started on Roden (1 option left next season), Gonazalez (2), Mendez (2), and Fedko (2), so that means decisions will have to made concerning Larnach, Martin, and Wallner, and, to a lesser extent, Clemens. Those last 4 will all be out of options next year. 

I don't see any SP options being recalled this year, but the clock is ticking on a few guys, some of whom are on the IL right now and won't be able to improve their status. As long as the team is in contention (even if only on paper), I think they hold onto Ryan this year. 

[amjgt]

1 hour ago, Patzky said:

Luke Keaschall was called up pretty early last season; He wasn't going to be a serious contender but even so he was exciting until getting hit by a pitch after a handful of games.

If he had won rookie of the year, I don't believe the Twins would've been eligible for the draft pick compensation (whatever that thing is called) because although he was called up early (April 18th), it was past the threshold for "service time manipulation" 

I believe Luke was called up because they needed a middle infielder and it just so happened to be mid April. 

[Mike Sixel]

13 minutes ago, amjgt said:

I can't remember the last time this organization made a move (or non-move) that was viewed as, in any way related to Rookie of the Year possibilities. 

 

It hasn't been a rule for long that you get an extra pick....

[amjgt]

I think this might be the 3rd year

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, amjgt said:

I think this might be the 3rd year

Sure....but how many guys were even close to an option in those three for the Twins? Zero?

[mikelink45]

The wild card in this discussion in the MLB/players union impasse - what gets finally decided?  Because if we continue without interruption I would bring up Jenkins - don't waste good talent on speculation. 

[Road trip]

3 hours ago, Linus said:

I think there is a very real possibility the Twins decide to go for it. If so, prospects will only be called up as injury replacements. Take K Culpepper for example. The Twins will value Kreisler’s reliable glove at SS more than giving a prospect a chance. To be clear, I don’t agree with this as it’s just another path to mediocrity but I can sure see it happening. 

I think I agree.  This is where it is trending in my mind.  The Twins are underwhelming, but the AL as a whole is so very, very bad this year that they are contenders. It feels absurd to type that, but here we are at the All Star Break.  FanGraphs has them at 34% to get a playoff berth.

It'll depend on how things progress through late July, but I could see ownership deciding to gamble on the current roster and trade none of the current 25-man.  Maybe they trade a spare minor league outfielder for immediate bullpen help?  Beyond that, prospects will likely have to earn a promotion until the Twins drop out of contention, or get promoted due to injury.   And who knows.... 1% chance that the Twins can replicate the 2006 Cardinals, win 83 or so games, and make an irrationally wild postseason run.  

[bjorks]

4 hours ago, Linus said:

I think there is a very real possibility the Twins decide to go for it. If so, prospects will only be called up as injury replacements. Take K Culpepper for example. The Twins will value Kreisler’s reliable glove at SS more than giving a prospect a chance. To be clear, I don’t agree with this as it’s just another path to mediocrity but I can sure see it happening. 

Define "go for it", please. If it's just to make the playoffs than IMHO no way. Losing in WC round does nothing. The needs for this team are too great (physically and financially) to commit going for it this year prior to a possible labor stoppage. If they come out and go 9-1 over these next 3 series, than I can make a case, but it'd be foolish to add guys like KC/WJ to 40-man and trade capital just for a 35%> of maybe making the WC.

[tony&rodney]

Today is July 13 and other than that it seems early to guess at the next person up. Ask me on August 2 and I might have a stronger thought on what players fill the Twins roster. The next player to get an intro to MLB is largely dependent on injuries and the performance of those currently on the team. It also depends on the health and performance of the individuals in AAA. I do not believe 2027 is a part of the discussion or formula. There will be more clarity on who comes next in 16 games.

[Rosterman]

Will the Twins give Sabato a major league look to see if he is a keeper? Mendez deserving of a callup? What to do with Gonzalez. The whole "will they walkout" in 2027 means you MIGHT avoid adding anyone to the roster that doesn't need to be... added.

[Linus]

52 minutes ago, bjorks said:

Define "go for it", please. If it's just to make the playoffs than IMHO no way. Losing in WC round does nothing. The needs for this team are too great (physically and financially) to commit going for it this year prior to a possible labor stoppage. If they come out and go 9-1 over these next 3 series, than I can make a case, but it'd be foolish to add guys like KC/WJ to 40-man and trade capital just for a 35%> of maybe making the WC.

Please re- read my post. I don’t advocate for this idea but think the Twins might do it. T Pohlad has been clear he wants to win this year. What that looks like at the trade deadline is only known by the FO. 

[Cris E]

1 hour ago, bjorks said:

Define "go for it", please. If it's just to make the playoffs than IMHO no way. Losing in WC round does nothing. The needs for this team are too great (physically and financially) to commit going for it this year prior to a possible labor stoppage. If they come out and go 9-1 over these next 3 series, than I can make a case, but it'd be foolish to add guys like KC/WJ to 40-man and trade capital just for a 35%> of maybe making the WC.

I think Tom P would be thrilled to call Not Selling! a "go for it" move.  Others may disagree, but in the face of so many calling another fire sale the obvious move it would be a solid vote of confidence for his roster and something to sell the public. 

You may think that a playoff run does not have value, or that a further sell-off is the only way to advance the franchise, but he's trying to sell seats, engage his fanbase and pump up his players' confidence and experience. 

No, I really don't expect to see a lot of buying. But moving parts like Wallner, Larnach and even Jeffers or Martin plus a single decent body like ERod could advance team fortunes beyond this season. All it takes is one over-confident team...

[Dman]

I don't see the Twins adding Ross in season with Culpepper this close he seems like the better add as he is a for sure starter.  If the Twins fall out of the race maybe they would add him as They'll have to make a decision on Ross for Rule V.  Given his numbers and flexibility he could be gone if they don't add him.

I don't think CJ is sure thing either unless they fall out of it.  He too would to be added to the 40 man and battling for that spot(s) with Hidalgo and Pasqualotto.  CJ has been better than most at AAA, but not overly dominant IMO.

The outfield looks pretty full right now.  Barring a trade it seems unlikely we see Rodríguez all that soon.  He's going to have to a rehab stint and if the Twins are still fighting for a spot unlikely to mess with what they have.  He needed to beat Roden there to get his shot right away IMO.

[amjgt]

1 hour ago, bjorks said:

Define "go for it", please. If it's just to make the playoffs than IMHO no way. Losing in WC round does nothing. The needs for this team are too great (physically and financially) to commit going for it this year prior to a possible labor stoppage. If they come out and go 9-1 over these next 3 series, than I can make a case, but it'd be foolish to add guys like KC/WJ to 40-man and trade capital just for a 35%> of maybe making the WC.

You think having young players come up and be part of a playoff run (no matter how brief it is) is “nothing”?