Which Twins Youngsters Have Earned a 2027 Job?

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins are running out of games on the 2026 schedule, which means the evaluation period is getting shorter. With the club's playoff hopes fading, September becomes less about squeezing every possible win out of the roster and more about determining which young players should be part of the next competitive Twins team. 

There are plenty of intriguing names getting opportunities, but "young" and "ready for a 2027 job" aren't necessarily the same thing. Some players have already done enough to earn a spot. Others still have work to do. Here's where five of the organization's most important young players currently stand.

OF Luke Keaschall

2027 Job: Yes

Keaschall's first impression this season wasn't exactly what the Twins hoped to see. He hit just .217/.267/.275 (.542) over his first 131 plate appearances while striking out 21 times. Minnesota eventually moved him down in the batting order, giving the young hitter an opportunity to work through his struggles without the added pressure that comes with hitting at the top of the lineup.

That adjustment appears to have worked. Since July 1, Keaschall has been one of the better offensive players in the American League. Over 53 games, he's hitting .319/.414/.497 with a .912 OPS. He's collected 59 hits, scored 29 runs, hit seven home runs, added 12 doubles and been hit by a pitch 14 times.

That's a pretty convincing response to his early struggles. The biggest question heading into 2027 is where Keaschall fits defensively. He's been worth negative OAA at both second base and center field, while his work in right field has been worth 0 OAA.

That's where the Twins should look to keep him moving forward. Keaschall has shown enough offensively to earn a 2027 job. Now, Minnesota needs to find the defensive position that allows him to maximize his overall value.

SS Kaelen Culpepper

2027 Job: Yes

Culpepper is getting an opportunity, and earning the trust that comes with it. The rookie was moved up to second in the lineup over the weekend, a clear sign that manager Derek Shelton has confidence in what Culpepper is doing. In his first 100-plus plate appearances, he's hitting .297/.350/.451 with five doubles, three home runs and a 133 wRC+.

The underlying metrics support the production. Culpepper has shown impressive bat speed while making enough contact to give himself a chance to be a productive offensive player. That's an encouraging combination for a player still getting accustomed to the major leagues.

His defense has been just as encouraging. Culpepper has been worth 1 OAA at shortstop in his limited opportunity. More importantly, he has looked comfortable at a position where the Twins have struggled to find consistent production defensively this season.

His arm strength has stood out, too. Culpepper's throws have averaged 89.1 mph, putting him in the 80th percentile. There are still plenty of questions to answer, but Culpepper has already done enough to earn a place on the 2027 roster.

OF Gabriel Gonzalez

2027 Job: Not Yet

On paper, Gonzalez looks like exactly the type of player the Twins could use. Minnesota has plenty of left-handed outfield options, creating a potential need for a right-handed platoon bat. Gonzalez could theoretically fill that role while providing some additional offensive upside.

The problem is that he hasn't quite earned it yet. Gonzalez's stock has taken a hit this season after a breakout 2025 campaign that earned him Twins Daily's Minor League Hitter of the Year honors. His overall production hasn't matched last year's level. At Triple-A this season, Gonzalez owns a .741 OPS and an 88 wRC+. Those numbers aren't overwhelming for a player trying to force his way onto a major-league roster.

That doesn't mean Gonzalez is out of the picture. He could still develop into the short side of a platoon and provide Minnesota with a useful right-handed bat. But that's something the Twins need to see him earn rather than simply assume. For now, Gonzalez belongs in the "not yet" category.

OF Walker Jenkins

2027 Job: Prove It

Few players in the Twins organization have more long-term upside than Jenkins. The tools are obvious. The potential is obvious. But major-league baseball has already provided the highly touted rookie with a few reminders that potential doesn't guarantee immediate success.

Jenkins hasn't recorded a hit since launching the first home run of his career off position player Zach McKinstry on Aug. 31. Since that homer, he's 0-for-14 with seven strikeouts and three walks. Overall, he's hitting .115/.258/.269. Of course, we're talking about just 31 plate appearances. That's nowhere near enough to make a sweeping judgment about Jenkins' ability to hit major-league pitching.

But that's also why he's in the "prove it" category. Jenkins doesn't have much left to prove at Triple-A. The question is whether he can translate that success to the majors consistently enough to force the Twins' hand heading into 2027.

If there's a roster crunch, Minnesota could send Jenkins back to Triple-A to begin next season. That wouldn't be an indictment of his future. It would simply give him more time to adjust. For now, Jenkins still has something to prove.

OF Emmanuel Rodriguez

2027 Job: Prove It

Rodriguez might have the most important evaluation left to complete before the offseason. He's out of minor-league options next season, meaning the Twins will need to put him on the Opening Day roster or expose him to the rest of the league. If another organization claims him, Minnesota could lose one of the most talented players in its system without getting the chance to see what he can do at the major-league level.

Rodriguez has certainly done his part in the minor leagues. Across three levels this season, he's hitting .284/.433/.544. His on-base percentage is at least .400 for the fifth consecutive season. With the Saints, Rodriguez has posted a .993 OPS, a mark that would lead the International League if he had enough plate appearances to qualify.

The talent has never been the question. Rodriguez has some of the best tools in the Twins' system. The bigger issue has been his ability to stay healthy long enough to turn those tools into sustained production. That's why Minnesota needs to get him some major-league at-bats before the season ends.

Rodriguez doesn't necessarily need to dominate. He needs to show that he can handle the level well enough for the Twins to feel comfortable putting him on the 2027 roster. The clock is ticking, and Rodriguez needs to give the organization a reason to keep him.

The Final Verdict

The Twins have plenty of young players worth watching, but September isn't simply about seeing who can make an exciting debut. It's about determining who has actually earned a role for next season.

Keaschall and Culpepper have done enough to receive the "yes" designation. Gonzalez is in the "not yet" category because his Triple-A production hasn't forced the Twins to make a decision.

Jenkins and Rodriguez fall into "prove it" territory for different reasons. Jenkins needs to show that his impressive minor-league performance can translate to the majors, while Rodriguez needs to take advantage of his opportunity before his lack of options forces Minnesota to make a decision.

There are still games left to change these evaluations. And that's exactly what makes the final weeks of the 2026 season so important. The Twins may not have much left to play for in the standings, but they have plenty left to learn about the players who could determine where this organization goes next.

---

Do you agree with how the players are categorized above? Who still has something to prove in 2026? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

 

View full article

[rdehring]

Considering he is out of options, EmRod will be with the Twins in '27 unless he is traded over the winter.  That's assuming when/if there is a season.  Add me to those who don't understand why he isn't with the Twins today.  Culpepper will be the Twins shortstop until Houston arrives.

If we look at Jenkins track record, memory reminds me he starts slowly after every promotion or return from the IL.  This is the final and biggest step.  Expect he will be hitting better over the last two weeks. Assuming Buxton is healthy, Jenkins will be the starting left fielder for the Twins come spring.

Keaschall should be the Twins lead-off hitter for many years.  Defensively, the Twins need to put him in one outfield position and keep him there, probably right field.  There have been way too many comments/articles bashing his D.  I went back and looked at how many games he played in the outfield prior to the move earlier this summer.  Since being drafted, he played 20 games in the outfield in MiLB.  Heck most young outfielders played more than that when they were a freshman in high school.  You can't compare someone with 20 games to those having hundreds of games in the outfield. The kid is fast and athletic; he will improve and be a solid in the future.   

 

 

[Wedman13]

Throw Debarge out there.  Sink or swim.

speaking off..... is Charlee Soto still alive?  I don't get it

[farmerguychris]

I appreciate how you put Jenkins in the Prove It Category - He'll be fine long term, but that doesn't mean he has to start the year in the majors -Pretty sure  E Rod is going to be in the majors ready or not - we haven't held his hand due to injuries this long just to let him go for nothing.

[Brandon]

28 minutes ago, rdehring said:

Considering he is out of options, EmRod will be with the Twins in '27 unless he is traded over the winter.  That's assuming when/if there is a season.  Add me to those who don't understand why he isn't with the Twins today.  Culpepper will be the Twins shortstop until Houston arrives.

If we look at Jenkins track record, memory reminds me he starts slowly after every promotion or return from the IL.  This is the final and biggest step.  Expect he will be hitting better over the last two weeks. Assuming Buxton is healthy, Jenkins will be the starting left fielder for the Twins come spring.

Keaschall should be the Twins lead-off hitter for many years.  Defensively, the Twins need to put him in one outfield position and keep him there, probably right field.  There have been way too many comments/articles bashing his D.  I went back and looked at how many games he played in the outfield prior to the move earlier this summer.  Since being drafted, he played 20 games in the outfield in MiLB.  Heck most young outfielders played more than that when they were a freshman in high school.  You can't compare someone with 20 games to those having hundreds of games in the outfield. The kid is fast and athletic; he will improve and be a solid in the future.   

 

 

I think the Twins want E Rod to get everyday AB in AAA cause he wouldn't get them in the majors after the long layoff from his injury.  As soon as the AAA season ends he will probably be up for the last few games of the season here.  

[weitz41]

Pretty hard to say who should make the 2027 team outside of Keaschall and Culpepper.

This hanging out on the very very edge of the wildcard chase is taking away a lot of AB's from GG (8 AB ), Ross(4 AB) and why isn't Emma (0 AB) up?? He has a unique approach that is hard to know if it can work in MLB. Especially without facing MLB pitchers...

My guess Jenkins will make the team out of spring training. Emma 🤷‍♂️=IDK, GG starts the year in AAA.

[Fatbat]

27 minutes ago, Wedman13 said:

Throw Debarge out there.  Sink or swim.

speaking off..... is Charlee Soto still alive?  I don't get it

Soto has been injured and he is still super young. The Twins should start several rookies next April!

[Mike Sixel]

Anyone not starting Jenkins in the majors next year should be fired. 

[DJL44]

7 minutes ago, weitz41 said:

Pretty hard to say who should make the 2027 team outside of Keaschall and Culpepper.

This hanging out on the very very edge of the wildcard chase is taking away a lot of AB's from GG (8 AB ), Ross(4 AB) and why isn't Emma (0 AB) up?? He has a unique approach that is hard to know if it can work in MLB. Especially without facing MLB pitchers...

My guess Jenkins will make the team out of spring training. Emma 🤷‍♂️, GG starts the year in AAA.

Not being all that good has been the reason Ross and Gonzalez are getting so few at bats.

[HarmonK03]

11 minutes ago, weitz41 said:

My guess Jenkins will make the team out of spring training. Emma 🤷‍♂️, GG starts the year in AAA.

Emma will likely be out of options, he wont be in AAA.

[weitz41]

3 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Not being all that good has been the reason Ross and Gonzalez are getting so few at bats.

Sample size does matter.

[MeleMouth]

"His defense has been just as encouraging. Culpepper has been worth 1 OAA at shortstop in his limited opportunity. More importantly, he's looked comfortable at a position where the Twins have struggled to find consistent production defensively this season."

We should be more optimistic about Culpepper's ability to stay at SS. He's a great athlete and seems very smart. Once the game slows down for him and he gets more reps, he could easily be a plus defensive shortstop. Maybe he won't become that good, but he should get a full chance to show what he can do.

[weitz41]

Just now, HarmonK03 said:

Emma will likely be out of options, he wont be in AAA.

🤷‍♂️ was meant as IDK. That he isn't up now with Buxton and Martin on the IL make me wonder what the plan is or if there even is one. It's a head scratcher to me.

[MeleMouth]

6 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Anyone not starting Jenkins in the majors next year should be fired. 

Are you basing it on his pedigree, because his performance isn't earning anything?

All jobs should be earned.

[DJL44]

Just now, weitz41 said:

Sample size does matter.

They each had a rather large sample size at AAA that wasn’t impressive. Neither one could out-hit Ryan Kreidler.

[Cory Engelhardt]

6 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Anyone not starting Jenkins in the majors next year should be fired. 

Came here to add both this, as well as, can we please stop trying to make Gonzalez a thing. I'm sure he is a nice guy, but he had a .741 ops at AAA this year in a super hitter friendly environment and his best defensive position is dh. He shouldn't be listed with the other players here,

I have no idea what to think of Rodriguez either. Clearly they haven't brought him up yet for a reason.

 

[AceWrigley]

13 minutes ago, weitz41 said:

My guess Jenkins will make the team out of spring training. Emma 🤷‍♂️, GG starts the year in AAA.

E-Rod will be out of options so he is either with the Twins or he will be exposed to other teams claiming him if they want to send him down and I don't think he would go unclaimed.

[bean5302]

3 minutes ago, weitz41 said:

Sample size does matter.

They haven't been very good in the minors, generally, either.

[weitz41]

1 minute ago, DJL44 said:

They each had a rather large sample size at AAA that wasn’t impressive. Neither one could out-hit Ryan Kreidler.

If they both started today and went 2 for 4 they'd be outhitting Kreidler over the last week...

[HarmonK03]

3 minutes ago, weitz41 said:

🤷‍♂️ was meant as IDK. That he isn't up now with Buxton and Martin on the IL make me wonder what the plan is or if there even is one. It's a head scratcher to me.

Well it is Zoll in charge and he has no plan other than to run the same players out there and hope for better results.

[bean5302]

Just now, AceWrigley said:

E-Rod will be out of options so he is either with the Twins or he will be exposed to other teams claiming him if they want to send him down and I don't think he would go unclaimed.

No team in baseball would allow one of their top 5 prospect to be claimed by DFA'ing them. It would be grounds for an immediate dismissal of the GM.

The fact the Twins have never given Rodriguez a single plate appearance and he's still on the roster speaks volumes about the level of ineptness this front office has already.

[bean5302]

1 minute ago, weitz41 said:

If they both started today and went 2 for 4 they'd be outhitting Kreidler over the last week...

So now sample sizes don't matter anymore? Also, out hitting one of the worst hitters in the history of MLB isn't impressive. 

[LyleCole]

This is why the rebuilding strategy made so much more sense at the deadline than the half way buy strategy they attempted at the trade deadline.   

You have an entire outfield of higher rated minor league prospects ready to play, all at AAA or higher: Jenkins, Rodriguez, Mendes, and Gonzales, along with Roden and even Matt Wallner.  You have Culpepper and Lee at the MLB level at infield with Marek Houston probably ready in AA.   Kody Clemens and Luke Keaschall can be the 1B/2B/OF type of utility that you can use in DH role too.  The only position that has no immediate answer is catcher but the pipeline starting at the AA level is very loaded, and I think they should give Diaw an opportunity to win a roster spot next season because he is a professional type of hitter (natural lead off man with .400+ OBP that ahs held at every level).

The biggest weakness of this team is long term pitching, and we should have used our very valuable trade pieces to fill in those holes.  

Rebuilding helps the Twins financially and by tanking they get high draft picks to keep the prospect pool filled.  You then use attrition to figure out the lineup, and then if you can make smart moves like finding useful players like Chili Davis, Shane Mack, Big Train Willis, and Brian Harper to fill the remaining holes you can convert a rebuilding team into a winner.

[HarmonK03]

4 minutes ago, MeleMouth said:

Are you basing it on his pedigree, because his performance isn't earning anything?

All jobs should be earned.

He has earned a shot based on his play at AAA.  He is a potential cornerstone of this team, you let him play through his struggles.  Other teams have done this and been rewarded, need to have some patience,

 

[bean5302]

Anyway, who has earned a spot? It's an interesting premise. I think a lot of teams try to build a roster constructed with obvious strengths they don't have to worry about, and then leave in a handful of spots on the roster for rookies or the unestablished.

The Twins have precious few positions locked in for next year. It's a free for all mess thanks to never establishing roles.

[weitz41]

4 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

No team in baseball would allow one of their top 5 prospect to be claimed by DFA'ing them. It would be grounds for an immediate dismissal of the GM.

The fact the Twins have never given Rodriguez a single plate appearance and he's still on the roster speaks volumes about the level of ineptness this front office has already.

This is kinda my point about my original comment about Rodriguez. 🤷‍♂️...But there's room for GG, Ross, Kreidler and Jackson...

[Andy MacPhail]

GG is a big liability defensively & we have too many DH candidates. MLB will quickly figure out his hitting. For a long time, I've said we need to take advantage of his hype & trade him before he's worthless.

[HarmonK03]

1 minute ago, weitz41 said:

This is kinda my point about my original comment about Rodriguez. 🤷‍♂️...But there's room for GG, Ross, Kreidler and Jackson...

Ross and Kreidler are redundant, move on from Kreidler before he hurts someone on a pop up.

[Mike Sixel]

13 minutes ago, MeleMouth said:

Are you basing it on his pedigree, because his performance isn't earning anything?

All jobs should be earned.

You can't earn or lose a job in one month. He's the best prospect they've had since Buxton. He's already up. I'm not sure how this is debatable by anyone who watches how Milwaukee and Cleveland and Tampa win. 

[MeleMouth]

1 minute ago, HarmonK03 said:

He has earned a shot based on his play at AAA.  He is a potential cornerstone of this team, you let him play through his struggles.  Other teams have done this and been rewarded, need to have some patience,

 

Four weeks of excellence at AAA should not guarantee a permanent starting job in the majors. It guarantees an opportunity, but Jenkins still needs to show, on an extended basis, that he's better than three other outfielders.

Of course, if next year is to be a rebuilding year, then, sure, have him take further lumps. He could crash, which could be a big set-back, but maybe the Twins and fans like you are OK with that risk.

My opinion could of course change if he shows more over the next few weeks.