Local Man Already Accuses Vahn Lackey of Being Overrated

Cody Christie · 2026-08-18T13:00:02Z

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

The Minnesota Twins selected Vahn Lackey with the third overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, handing the organization one of the most talented college hitters in recent memory. Scouts praised his advanced approach, athleticism, and all-around offensive upside.

Unfortunately, none of that mattered to 43-year-old Brainerd resident Randy Swenson, who had apparently seen enough.

"I've been patient," Swenson said while refreshing Lackey's game log for the ninth time before breakfast. "But the guy was supposed to be the next Joe Mauer, and now he can't even hit home runs against teenagers in the Florida State League. I don't know what else there is to say."

When reminded that Lackey is, in fact, only a few games into his professional career after signing only a few weeks ago, Swenson remained unconvinced.

"Excuses," he replied. "Joe Mauer would've hit three home runs by now. Probably four. Honestly, I expected him to force a promotion to Double-A by the end of the month."

Swenson admitted he has not actually watched a single plate appearance. Instead, he has formed his opinion almost entirely by checking the box score every morning and comparing Lackey's home run total to players who have several hundred more professional games under their belts.

"If I'm looking at a first-round pick and there's not at least one ball in the parking lot by now, something's wrong," Swenson explained. "You don't draft a guy third overall to go out there and... develop."

His frustration stems from what he describes as "false advertising."

"They kept saying he has an advanced hit tool," Swenson said. "That's great. Where are the moonshots? I was promised Joe Mauer, except with more power. Right now, I'm seeing a guy who's getting on base instead of hitting 500-foot home runs every night."

The reaction has not surprised those closest to him.

"Oh, this is pretty standard," said his wife, Melissa. "He declared Byron Buxton a bust after his first Spring Training because he struck out twice. Two years later he was telling everyone he'd believed in Buxton all along."

His uncle, Dennis, remembers similar behavior stretching back decades.

"When Joe Ryan gave up a homer in his first Grapefruit League outing, Randy wanted to trade him for 'literally any veteran,'" Dennis recalled. "Then Joe became an All-Star, and Randy started wearing his jersey like none of that happened."

Even Swenson's 16-year-old daughter, Emma, has grown accustomed to the cycle.

"Dad once called a prospect untouchable after a three-hit game," she said. "The next week the same player went 1-for-16, and suddenly he wanted him DFA'd. I don't think he fully understands that prospects are allowed to have bad weeks."

Despite Lackey owning just a handful of professional games on his résumé, Swenson believes enough evidence has accumulated.

"I'm just saying," he insisted. "The third overall pick should be batting at least .450 by now. If you're still 'adjusting to pro ball' after a week, are you really a generational talent?"

Scouts continue to praise Lackey's plate discipline, swing decisions, and ability to make consistent hard contact. Twins officials have repeatedly emphasized that player development is measured over years—not days.

Swenson disagrees.

"Prospects are like avocados," he explained confidently. "If they're not perfect immediately, you've waited too long."

As of Thursday afternoon, Swenson had moved on to criticizing the Twins' newest international signing for "only" posting a .417 on-base percentage in his first week of professional baseball.

Family members expect he'll eventually come around on Lackey—roughly two weeks after the catcher reaches the majors and starts hitting.

Until then, Minnesota's newest top prospect can take comfort in one thing: if Randy Swenson already thinks you're overrated, history suggests you're probably on the right track.

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