Hendry Mendez Deserves to Be Part of Twins’ September Callup Conversation

[Sam Caulder]

Image courtesy of © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

As we approach the final month of the major-league regular season, many teams bring up some of their top prospects for quick looks and for needed boosts in playoff races. September callups allow teams to add two more players to their rosters, going from 26 to 28 players, and a lot of the conversations around the Twins’ organization lately have been focused on two outfielders: Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez.

They’re two of the best prospects in the organization. Both are right on the doorstep of the major leagues, and it feels like only a matter of time before the Twins give each of them an opportunity. But there’s another outfielder who doesn’t get mentioned nearly enough, in my opinion, and he’s in a very similar spot. It’s Hendry Mendez.

The Harrison Bader trade at last summer’s trade deadline continues to look good. Mendez has done nothing but hit the ball since being acquired from the Phillies—so much so that he’s climbed directly behind Rodriguez in Twins Daily’s prospect rankings. Across 356 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A this year, Mendez is slashing .290/.383/.454. When you compare his Triple-A numbers specifically to those of Jenkins and Rodriguez, you might be surprised by just how well Mendez stacks up.

His extra-base hit production isn’t quite as high, largely because of Mendez’s 52% ground-ball rate. He isn’t going to provide the same raw power that Rodriguez can, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to like about his offensive profile. Mendez is getting on base at a higher clip than Jenkins, and his hard-hit rate is also about four percentage points higher. The biggest difference, though, might be his ability to consistently put the bat on the baseball.

Rodriguez’s overall contact rate is at just 65% (a major concern, but one for another time). Mendez’s contact rate is up at 82%. That gives Mendez a very different offensive profile from Rodriguez. He may not have the same ceiling in terms of power, but there is considerably less swing-and-miss in his game. That could be valuable for the Twins as they try to figure out what their outfield should look like over the next few seasons. Mendez is also already on the 40-man roster, meaning the Twins face no major friction if they decide to promote him. Even after making the jump from Double-A to Triple-A, he’s continued to produce and put good swings on the ball and post impressive numbers.

There’s no reason Mendez has to be viewed as a direct alternative to Jenkins or Rodriguez. The Twins could theoretically bring up multiple young outfielders, especially if they want to use September as an opportunity to get a better look at the players who could be part of the playoff window they hope is opening this season. Each of the three prospects would bring very different things to the table.

Jenkins offers the highest overall prospect pedigree, but isn’t on the 40-man and could be stuck in St. Paul for the rest of the year. Rodriguez brings some of the most impressive raw power in the organization, and Mendez brings a more contact-oriented approach with the ability to get on base and consistently make hard contact. That diversity could actually make Mendez an even more interesting piece of the puzzle.

The Twins have many decisions to make in their outfield moving forward. Some veterans are likely to be moved, with a wave of prospects getting closer and closer to the major leagues. It's all but guaranteed the outfield will shift to a much younger group in the near future. Jenkins and Rodriguez will probably be at the center of those conversations, but Mendez should be part of them, too.

I don’t think the Twins need to rush Mendez to the major leagues, and I wouldn’t argue that he needs to be prioritized over Jenkins or Rodriguez. But if the organization is looking for another young hitter to get a taste of the majors in September, there’s a compelling case to give Mendez a chance.

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[DJL44]

Now do Wallner

[PuckettPond]

Twins need to get rid of the old wood & make room for the young talent. One must manage a team like a forest or bad things happen. Worst to first 1987 Twins!

[ashbury]

There are 40 players on the roster.  Only 28 get to play in the majors in September.  Some will be injured at that point, but there will be others who deserve some playing time and won't get it. 

I'd give priority to those who not only show sufficient bat but also can play a position at at least an average level of accomplishment, and I'm not sure if Mendez has shown that as yet.  The bat alone would have to be nearly at the Juan Soto level of accomplishment for me to think differently; of course Soto was age 19 when he made his case for promotion (and it wasn't September).

[Woof Bronzer]

26 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Now do Wallner

He's not ready.  Check back in a couple years.  

[DJL44]

Mendez has played 59 games in AAA. It won’t hurt him to play another 30 at that level.
 

The Twins have a ton of options on the roster for LF, more than they can legitimately use in a single season. They also have Kalai Rosario, Ricardo Olivar, Caden Kendle and Khadim Diaw off the roster. They need to sell some of this depth to add infielders.

[rdehring]

I think the Twins added their 27th player yesterday, Jackson.  Fantastic seeing he wasn't claimed and is back with the Twins.  I know he replaced Martin, who went on the IR.  But Martin will be eligible to come off only a few days before September 1.  Wouldn't surprise me to see them wait until the 1st, then bring Martin back off the IL. 

Would love to see EmRod getting some time in September to see how he adjusts.  Unless there is an injury, bringing him up will be surprising.

[darin617]

I may be wrong but with September isn't it basically a taxi squad where they can have Jenkins on Monday and then Rodriguez on Tuesday and back to Jenkins? So technically they can cycle through the guys without having to wait.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

It appears in either case we have several prospects with good hit tools.  Similar to Keaschall though we may have to many with questionable defense.  Now they initial tried Mendez at 1st but he ended right back in the outfield this year.  We have a bit of a glut with Gonzalez, Rodriguez, Jenkins, Mendez - Then add in Roden and Buxton.  

Mendez is on the 40 man and his approach appears to be MLB level.  I would be ok with giving him a shot at the big leagues but my guess is Wallner, Rodriguez or Gonzalez would be the 1st options.  

[DJL44]

5 minutes ago, darin617 said:

I may be wrong but with September isn't it basically a taxi squad where they can have Jenkins on Monday and then Rodriguez on Tuesday and back to Jenkins? So technically they can cycle through the guys without having to wait.

The option rules still apply.

[bean5302]

Mendez is a plodding corner outfielder with a good hit tool and no power. His ceiling is utility outfielder. He's "above average" as a AAA minor league baseball hitter. He's been a lousy fielder with a .945 fielding percentage in left this year and a poor range factor aside from that.

Translated, Mendez projects as a below average hitting DH. eeerrrrrmagggahhhhhd, look at his OPS against he worst pitching MiLB has ever seen! Immediately call him up!!!!

[thelanges5]

Twins OF…

[Cory Engelhardt]

If Buxton is available and Keaschall is on the team, then there is only room for one other starting outfielder. There will be a lot of trades, or should be, of outfielders for pitching in my opinion

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

Now do Wallner

He will be 29 in a few months. I imagine both he and Sabato will be lights out in the kbo in 2027

[DJL44]

8 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

He will be 29 in a few months. I imagine both he and Sabato will be lights out in the kbo in 2027

But they’re trying to win now and his OPS is 100 points higher than Mendez.

[Dman]

15 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Mendez is a plodding corner outfielder with a good hit tool and no power. His ceiling is utility outfielder. He's "above average" as a AAA minor league baseball hitter. He's been a lousy fielder with a .945 fielding percentage in left this year and a poor range factor aside from that.

Translated, Mendez projects as a below average hitting DH. eeerrrrrmagggahhhhhd, look at his OPS against he worst pitching MiLB has ever seen! Immediately call him up!!!!

Yeah I think this assessment is pretty spot on.  I don't know if many people have watched him go back on a ball in the outfield, but in general it isn't pretty.  I assume he would have Larnach type range and skills out there in time.  Like many have mentioned he seems better suited to 1st Base DH IMO as I can't see him as anything but negative in the outfield.  

I still like his bat and think he could be a Larnach type replacement if they trade Larnach or let him walk after next year.  If he can't play 1st then DH seems his best position though he can play in the outfield in a pinch.  If they wanted to bring him up it would seem he would need to replace Larnach or Bell in the lineup.  Not opposed to them bringing him up as he is burning an option no matter what this year.  

I haven't seen much HR power from him recently.  Still it likely wouldn't hurt to get him exposed to some ML pitching and see if he can hit any of it.

 

[MeleMouth]

Twins should have traded Mendez at the deadline for a decent pitching prospect.

Twins 40-man has 4.5 left-handed corner outfielders who are either bad or mediocre at fielding: Larnach, Wallner, Roden, and Mendez, with Clemens as a PT, plus ERod with Jenkins to follow. They should have converted at least one into pitching and Mendez was the best combo of youth, hitting well, and being expendable.

Mendez was also part of a past regime. Future roster construction should prioritize fielding higher. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

15 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

But they’re trying to win now and his OPS is 100 points higher than Mendez.

Ok, Mendez can go to the kbo too

[HarmonK03]

24 minutes ago, MeleMouth said:

Mendez was also part of a past regime. Future roster construction should prioritize fielding higher. 

The same regime is still here that traded for Mendez.  That is why Outman was left on the roster at the beginning and they are trying to force Roden into the lineup.  

I don't understand this narrative that there was change to the front office.  Falvey was let go and Zoll his #2 was made the top voice.  But all the same people are still advising and assisting Zoll that did the same duties for Falvey. Nothing has changed and bringing up Gray a month ago and Jackson again pretty much proves the point it is business as usual as it has been for the last 10 years.

[FlyingFinn]

No, Mendez can't play anywhere on defense and can't hit many HR's. He is another DH and thus is stalled at AAA. He would make the team defense and team speed worse. We can't win playing so many DH types in the field. 1B would have been his ticket but he apparently can't play there.

[Stone Temple Twins]

Hendry Mendez will not be called up because he is basically like a cloned Larnach, and having two Larnachs in the outfield does not bode well for success. We will probably see what he has next year if/when we trade Larnach.

[MeleMouth]

11 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

The same regime is still here that traded for Mendez.  That is why Outman was left on the roster at the beginning and they are trying to force Roden into the lineup.  

I don't understand this narrative that there was change to the front office.  Falvey was let go and Zoll his #2 was made the top voice.  But all the same people are still advising and assisting Zoll that did the same duties for Falvey. Nothing has changed and bringing up Gray a month ago and Jackson again pretty much proves the point it is business as usual as it has been for the last 10 years.

You could be right. I am still thinking (hoping?) that the change happened too late in the offseason for any changes to be material and that bigger changes will happen next year.

My bigger concern - and maybe this is similar to your comment about things still being about the same - about the Gray and Jackson moves, along with the trades at the deadline, is that the team is still trying to be two things at once - competitive and rebuilding - which splits their resources in a way that makes it hard to be successful at either. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

10 minutes ago, Stone Temple Twins said:

Hendry Mendez will not be called up because he is basically like a cloned Larnach, and having two Larnachs in the outfield does not bode well for success. We will probably see what he has next year if/when we trade Larnach.

I still doubt that. Let's say Larnach is somewhere else in 2027 (I'd be shocked if he isn't.) If both Buxton and Keaschall are here (their bats obviously deserve it) then  is Mendez going to hop all of Jenkins and Rodriguez and Roden to get playing time, when arguably Mendez has both the least amount of power among those options and is arguably the worst defender?

The hit tool is good. I hope they can turn him into an arm they are interested in.

[HarmonK03]

9 minutes ago, MeleMouth said:

You could be right. I am still thinking (hoping?) that the change happened too late in the offseason for any changes to be material and that bigger changes will happen next year.

My bigger concern - and maybe this is similar to your comment about things still being about the same - about the Gray and Jackson moves, along with the trades at the deadline, is that the team is still trying to be two things at once - competitive and rebuilding - which splits their resources in a way that makes it hard to be successful at either. 

The moves with Gray and Jackson are neither for rebuilding or competitive, that's the problem.  And it shows how there is no change, they value the fringe players or over their own prospects.  Gray has no business being on a major league roster and shouldn't be recalled.  The only role Jackson should have is backup catcher and that role is currently being filled by Caratini.

They are making these moves because they think it makes them competitive.  I don't know what more evidence Tom P. needs but Zoll should be fired today, not the end of the season.

[Road trip]

1 hour ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

He will be 29 in a few months. I imagine both he and Sabato will be lights out in the kbo in 2027

Sabato to KBO makes a lot of sense, although it is possible some other MLB org will give him a shot.  I'm skeptical he will get a chance with the Twins.

Wallner probably will be getting his release this offseason.  He's torn up AAA again, but it seems pretty obvious the Twins org won't be giving him another chance based on Roden and Jackson being on the roster all summer.   Likely they will want the 40-man spot for someone else. 

I do expect to see him in the majors somewhere else though next year.  If a different coaching staff can fix the hole in his swing perhaps he could return to 2023-24 production which would make a valuable DH.  

[weitz41]

I really like Mendez's 20% K rate and his hit tool. The ground ball rate will eat away at his BA playing against major league defenses and the lack of power with have pitchers coming right at him. Still, he's pretty young, like Gaberial Gonzalez. He could grow into a little more power yet. I suspect both those guys would be on the 26-man, for the team they came from, right now if they were still there. I'd like to see him get a run at MLB pitching...

I really don't know how they're (or any team for that matter) going to make this many outfielders fit on one team. 

Buxton, Larnach, Martin, Keaschall, Clemens, Roden, Wallner, Jenkins, Rodriguez, Gonzalez and Mendez for what should be...4? 26-man roster spots in 2027...Zoll's got his work cut out for him.

[purplesoldier4u]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Now do Wallner

Wallner is a AAAA player, nothing more.

[purplesoldier4u]

On 7/14/2026 at 3:46 PM, jkcarew said:

Also…did the Pohlads pocket our International signing pool last winter? Because the DSL Twins are horrendous.

That is wild, wacky stuff!

[Woof Bronzer]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

Mendez is a plodding corner outfielder with a good hit tool and no power. His ceiling is utility outfielder. He's "above average" as a AAA minor league baseball hitter. He's been a lousy fielder with a .945 fielding percentage in left this year and a poor range factor aside from that.

Translated, Mendez projects as a below average hitting DH. eeerrrrrmagggahhhhhd, look at his OPS against he worst pitching MiLB has ever seen! Immediately call him up!!!!

They should just cut him, and frankly most of their prospects.  Just no room for any of them on this talent-laden championship roster.  What are you going to do, sit Austin Martin and his career .690 OPS and 0.7 WAR?  Take the bat out of Ryan Kreidler's hands and his career .522 OPS and -0.4 WAR?  Lunacy!

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

Mendez is a plodding corner outfielder with a good hit tool and no power. His ceiling is utility outfielder. He's "above average" as a AAA minor league baseball hitter. He's been a lousy fielder with a .945 fielding percentage in left this year and a poor range factor aside from that.

Translated, Mendez projects as a below average hitting DH. eeerrrrrmagggahhhhhd, look at his OPS against he worst pitching MiLB has ever seen! Immediately call him up!!!!

He has 11 home runs - not exactly no power and currently an .857 OPS.  The approach likely remains and have a mid/high .700 OPS to begin.  You are looking for an Arraez like bat out of him at his full potential.