The Right-Handed Triple-A Bat the Twins Are Ignoring

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints

The Twins have plenty of young position players pushing toward the big leagues, but not every prospect receives the same level of attention. Sometimes, a player has to spend years grinding through the organization before putting himself firmly into the conversation.

Ben Ross is one of those players. The right-handed hitter has spent most of the past few seasons working to turn his intriguing collection of tools into a more consistent overall package. After struggling at times in Double-A, Ross finally began putting everything together late in 2025. That momentum carried into 2026, when he opened the year by dominating the competition and earning a promotion to Triple-A.

Now, he has continued to show that his breakout might be more than a small-sample-size fluke. With the ability to play multiple positions and provide some right-handed pop, Ross has developed into a player who could have legitimate value for Minnesota's big-league roster.

A Long Road Through the Twins' System

Ross didn't enter professional baseball with the same hype surrounding many of the organization's top prospects. After going largely overlooked coming out of high school in Ohio, he continued his career at Division II Notre Dame College near Cleveland.

He quickly established himself there, becoming the first two-time All-American in school history. That performance eventually caught Minnesota's attention, and the Twins selected Ross in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft. He signed for $220,000, coming in below his assigned slot value.

The early portion of his professional career was anything but spectacular. Ross showed flashes of the tools that made him an interesting draft selection, but he struggled to produce consistently while moving through the organization. He spent more than a full season at Double-A, where the results didn't always match his underlying potential.

That changed as 2025 came to a close. Ross finished that season by hitting .286/.328/.518 (.846) over his final 15 games, collecting three home runs, 12 RBI and five stolen bases. The Twins sent him back to Double-A to begin 2026, and Ross exploded out of the gates, hitting .424/.528/.797 (1.325) in 16 games with the Wind Surge. He added five home runs and 16 RBI while walking in 16.7% of his plate appearances and striking out just 13.9% of the time.

That performance forced Minnesota's hand. Ross earned his promotion to Triple-A in late April.

The Breakout Has Continued

Ross' success didn't disappear when he moved up a level. Through 89 games with the St. Paul Saints, he has hit .258/.367/.475 (.842), and has collected 20 doubles and 13 home runs while posting a 14.3% walk rate. The strikeout rate remains something to monitor at 26.3%, but there are encouraging signs in the overall offensive profile. Ross is showing an ability to impact the baseball while consistently working his way into favorable counts.

He's also been heating up again recently. Over his last 12 games, Ross is 14-for-44 with four home runs, three stolen bases and a .954 OPS. That stretch is another reminder that his offensive development hasn't stalled after his promotion from Double-A.

More Than Just a Utility Player

Calling Ross a utility player is accurate, but it can also undersell what he brings to the table. He's an above-average runner with enough athleticism to move around the diamond. His ability to play multiple positions gives the Twins plenty of flexibility, but there is legitimate offensive potential underneath that versatility.

Ross has shown an ability to hit the ball hard (36.8 Hard-Hit%) to all fields and produce extra-base hits. He's also begun tapping into his pull-side power more consistently, which has helped turn some of his hard contact into home runs. His line drive percentage is up 3.7% and his HR/FB rate has increased by 3%. 

Fastballs have been particularly friendly to him. The challenge will be continuing to handle softer stuff and breaking pitches as he faces increasingly advanced pitching, especially if he eventually earns a regular opportunity in the majors. Still, the offensive profile is considerably more interesting than it was a couple of years ago.

Ross has gone from a player trying to establish himself at Double-A to someone who has demonstrated that he can make an impact in Triple-A. That's a significant development for a player who entered the organization without much fanfare.

An Opportunity for the Twins

The biggest question now is whether the Twins will give Ross a chance to show what he can do in Minnesota. He's already spent significant time developing within the organization. He's experienced the struggles that come with being challenged at Double-A, found a way to adjust, and carried that success into Triple-A.

That's exactly the type of developmental progression an organization hopes to see. Ross may never become a star, and the Twins don't need to project him that way. His value could come from becoming a reliable, right-handed bat who can play several positions, provide some power and steal a few bases. Those players can be extremely useful over the course of a 162-game season. 

With his recent offensive production and defensive versatility, Ross has put himself in position to become more than organizational depth. Whether that opportunity comes later in 2026 or becomes part of Minnesota's plans for 2027 and beyond, the Twins have a player worth keeping an eye on.

For years, Ross was working to prove he belonged. Now, he's starting to make a case that the Twins should find a place for him.

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Should the Twins give Ross a chance at the big-league level? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

 

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[wesnewy]

With guys in the minors, you never really know, but hey, if this guy gets his chance with the big league club and shows out great. At the surface, this looks like another Fedko situation to me. I know they were drafted like 7 rounds apart, lol, but it looks like they have similar minor league paths. 

[PuckettPond]

Is he the player to replace the disappointing Austin "need a haircut" Martin?

[mnfireman]

15 minutes ago, PuckettPond said:

Is he the player to replace the disappointing Austin "need a haircut" Martin?

I don't know, he may be related to this Ross:

[Cory Engelhardt]

If he can be a strong defender at 2b, and not just average to below, then he very much should get a shot. 3b too frankly. If his defense will be sub par, then it’ll be hard to find a fit

[bean5302]

Ben Ross is probably a lesser version of Ryan Kreidler.

[twinstalker]

So you say the Twins are ignoring Ross but also that Ross has a 26.3% K rate.

It's pretty obvious the Twins are doing exactly the opposite of ignoring him.  What do you think is a more predictive of success or failure at the MLB level:

1. An .842 OPS by a 25 yr old at one of the easiest parks in the minor leagues to hit in in a year where all the upper minors are hitting more?  or

2. A 26.3% K rate by a 25 yr old non-power profile in AAA?

(Spoiler: Ross should have a K rate of closer to 15% to even entertain the possibility of a call-up)

Do you really believe the Twins might be ignoring Ross, or is this click-bait?

 

[ashbury]

20 minutes ago, twinstalker said:

So you say the Twins are ignoring Ross but also that Ross has a 26.3% K rate.

It's pretty obvious the Twins are doing exactly the opposite of ignoring him.  What do you think is a more predictive of success or failure at the MLB level:

1. An .842 OPS by a 25 yr old at one of the easiest parks in the minor leagues to hit in in a year where all the upper minors are hitting more?  or

2. A 26.3% K rate by a 25 yr old non-power profile in AAA?

(Spoiler: Ross should have a K rate of closer to 15% to even entertain the possibility of a call-up)

Do you really believe the Twins might be ignoring Ross, or is this click-bait?

 

[Patzky]

3 hours ago, PuckettPond said:

Is he the player to replace the disappointing Austin "need a haircut" Martin?

Funny that success eliminated the need for Keaschall and Kremer to get a buzz.

[Road trip]

2 hours ago, twinstalker said:

So you say the Twins are ignoring Ross but also that Ross has a 26.3% K rate.

It's pretty obvious the Twins are doing exactly the opposite of ignoring him.  What do you think is a more predictive of success or failure at the MLB level:

1. An .842 OPS by a 25 yr old at one of the easiest parks in the minor leagues to hit in in a year where all the upper minors are hitting more?  or

2. A 26.3% K rate by a 25 yr old non-power profile in AAA?

(Spoiler: Ross should have a K rate of closer to 15% to even entertain the possibility of a call-up)

Do you really believe the Twins might be ignoring Ross, or is this click-bait?

 

I don't really disagree with anything you wrote, but I'm amused that over the past decade the board has gone from "strikeouts don't matter", to a significant percentage of people looking at strikeout rates first to judge players.  It isn't wrong, just noting the change in public perception.

And btw, for the strikeout haters, do NOT look at Quentin Young's strikeout rates.  Your eyes will bleed.

[Coach]

Why is it we always hear about the bat?  How's his glove?

[Major League Ready]

10 minutes ago, Coach said:

Why is it we always hear about the bat?  How's his glove?

I have seen quite a bit of ross.  He is a good defender and very versatile.  I have been rooting for this guy forever because his versatility and quality defense would be an asset.  Ross has had some great streaks bit I just don't think the bat will play at the ML level.  

[Coach]

1 minute ago, Major League Ready said:

I have seen quite a bit of ross.  He is a good defender and very versatile.  I have been rooting for this guy forever because his versatility and quality defense would be an asset.  Ross has had some great streaks bit I just don't think the bat will play at the ML level.  

Thank you!

[ashbury]

2 hours ago, Road trip said:

I don't really disagree with anything you wrote, but I'm amused that over the past decade the board has gone from "strikeouts don't matter", to a significant percentage of people looking at strikeout rates first to judge players. 

Was that your takeaway from the conversations back then?

Outs are bad.  If you strikeout more than the next guy on the roster, and if you don't hit a lot of balls out of the park or walk a lot, and if you don't have some kind of special BABIP sauce (a few players do) relative to the league, then the strikeouts put you at an immediate disadvantage.  Outs are bad.

[Road trip]

3 hours ago, ashbury said:

Was that your takeaway from the conversations back then?

Outs are bad.  If you strikeout more than the next guy on the roster, and if you don't hit a lot of balls out of the park or walk a lot, and if you don't have some kind of special BABIP sauce (a few players do) relative to the league, then the strikeouts put you at an immediate disadvantage.  Outs are bad.

My takeaway a decade or more ago was essentially that "3 true outcomes" hitters are a good thing.  Outs were all equal, be they strikeouts or other outs.  In fact, because a small percentage of groundouts became double-plays, you actually wanted guys that lifted the ball, worked deep counts, hopefully hit a lot of HR's and drew walks, and were willing to pay the cost of also striking out a lot and tolerating relatively low batting averages so long as OBP/OPS was solid. It was a core Billy Beane/Moneyball ethos.  Power and walks were desired, so strikeouts were tolerated so long as the power was there. 

The league has moved away from this mindset, and the board with it to a large degree.  It was a philosophy I embraced as well at one time, but the game has evolved as it always does.  Miguel Sano's skill set was highly desired a decade ago despite clear holes in his game.  Today...guys who hit for power but strike out a lot and can't field aren't desired  (see: Wallner), unless they are Kyle Schwarber-level performers. 

[mikelink45]

Lots of judgments on how Minor League stats don't mean anything.  Why bother with minor leagues then?  If someone is doing well and someone on the roster is not - try them out.  See what we have.  It is only by playing in the majors that we can judge how well they will do in the majors.

We have expendable players and a losing record - I think its time to experiment even though the team has managed to score in both the last two games. (2 runs total).

[Mike Sixel]

Twins promote guy to AAA and play him every day. Also, Twins ignoring guy.....

[saviking]

I've got my eye on Caden Kendall in AA .. Having a terrific year at both Cedar Rapids and Whitchita were he is batting 3.88 OBP 455 SLG 641 AND he's a right handed hitting outfielder. 

Guess we will see what he's got in AAA next year .. 

[Major League Ready]

1 hour ago, saviking said:

I've got my eye on Caden Kendall in AA .. Having a terrific year at both Cedar Rapids and Whitchita were he is batting 3.88 OBP 455 SLG 641 AND he's a right handed hitting outfielder. 

Guess we will see what he's got in AAA next year .. 

He was really good in Cedar Rapids but he has been a beast since arriving in Wichita.  He looks pretty good in the OF too.  His stock is going to shoot up if he finishes the season strong,  

[DJL44]

6 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Lots of judgments on how Minor League stats don't mean anything.  Why bother with minor leagues then?  If someone is doing well and someone on the roster is not - try them out.  See what we have.  It is only by playing in the majors that we can judge how well they will do in the majors.

We have expendable players and a losing record - I think its time to experiment even though the team has managed to score in both the last two games. (2 runs total).

I think minor league stats do matter. An 800 OPS in the International League is not special. It means you’re a slightly above average AAA hitter. The best AAA players are the ones who deserve a promotion, not the slightly above average players.

[DJL44]

23 hours ago, bean5302 said:

Ben Ross is probably a lesser version of Ryan Kreidler.

He’s a Tristan Gray level player, maybe a little better. Good to have for minor league depth when he can he optioned.

[Mai.K]

I still believe Ross is not a minor league free agent yet, but there’s no doubt that he is Rule 5 eligible.

With the kind of AAA numbers he put up this year, I think he’s absolutely the type of player who could get selected in the Rule 5 Draft by another team as a versatile backup who can play shortstop and center field — which basically means he can play anywhere except pitcher and catcher.

Are we really going to use Kreidler again next year? What about Gray? Probably not.

If that’s the case, I think it might be a good idea to give Ross a chance in the majors right now and see what he can do.

Kreidler has options remaining, and there’s already an open spot on the 40-man roster.

Isn’t this a good opportunity to give Ross a shot?

[tony&rodney]

I'm sorry to report for those who haven't seen Ross play a couple dozen times, he is not MLB ready. That said, I'm always happy to see someone get a shot at playing out their dreams. I think people have underestimated the contributions of Ryan Kreidler but if the Twins are moving on from him next year, Ross would love the gig. 

[ashbury]

15 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

It is only by playing in the majors that we can judge how well they will do in the majors.

If teams thought that were true, then the world would be a very different place.  They would bring up every prospect to see what they have.

Funny how, when a team promotes a player, it's usually someone with good AAA stats.

Minor league stats have predictive power.  So do a major leaguer's previous year stats.  Neither one provides absolute certainty; either will provide a pretty good guide much of the time. 

Sometimes you get a Manny Margot whose major league numbers at the plate are remarkably consistent and then suddenly fall off a cliff when the Twins trade for him at the ripe old age of 29.  Playing in the majors didn't let the Twins FO judge how well he would do.

 

[RpR]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

I'm sorry to report for those who haven't seen Ross play a couple dozen times, he is not MLB ready. That said, I'm always happy to see someone get a shot at playing out their dreams. I think people have underestimated the contributions of Ryan Kreidler but if the Twins are moving on from him next year, Ross would love the gig. 

T&R, you probably think I am  curmudgeon stuck in the sixties and seventies, but I like your writing style.

[RpR]

5 hours ago, Mai.K said:

I still believe Ross is not a minor league free agent yet, but there’s no doubt that he is Rule 5 eligible.

With the kind of AAA numbers he put up this year, I think he’s absolutely the type of player who could get selected in the Rule 5 Draft by another team as a versatile backup who can play shortstop and center field — which basically means he can play anywhere except pitcher and catcher.

Are we really going to use Kreidler again next year? What about Gray? Probably not.

If that’s the case, I think it might be a good idea to give Ross a chance in the majors right now and see what he can do.

Kreidler has options remaining, and there’s already an open spot on the 40-man roster.

Isn’t this a good opportunity to give Ross a shot?

 

Kreidler is here for his glove. They found out an infielder without a good glove is a hindrance. Gray played as long as he did due to the Grand Slam bogey man.  Ross is not Kreidler with a glove.  

[mikelink45]

13 hours ago, ashbury said:

If teams thought that were true, then the world would be a very different place.  They would bring up every prospect to see what they have.

Funny how, when a team promotes a player, it's usually someone with good AAA stats.

Minor league stats have predictive power.  So do a major leaguer's previous year stats.  Neither one provides absolute certainty; either will provide a pretty good guide much of the time. 

Sometimes you get a Manny Margot whose major league numbers at the plate are remarkably consistent and then suddenly fall off a cliff when the Twins trade for him at the ripe old age of 29.  Playing in the majors didn't let the Twins FO judge how well he would do.

 

It is not a fact that promoting every prospect will make a difference or that they will succeed, but when you have the veterans not performing, I am willing and desire to try something else. There are numerous rookies who have come up and made a difference this year.  Would you have them stay in AAA because you do not trust their minor league stats?  

Hear is an article about the top 20 rookies this year.  The Twins are not on the list. Top 20 MLB Rookies For 2026 or check out the Baseball reference stats for all rookies - On position players we have Gonzales with 4 ABs  in the top 100 - soon we will have Culpepper

In pitching. We have Andrew Morris at 19, Rojas at 27.  Parades 48 

We could afford to have more.  This is based on BR WAR, but that is as good as anything for a quick look.