Twins Select Walker Jenkins, Option Alan Roden, & DFA Woo-Suk Go

The Minnesota Twins made it official Friday, selecting the contract of outfielder Walker Jenkins and bringing one of the organization’s most anticipated prospects to the major leagues. The move was reported Thursday, but Minnesota officially announced the promotion Friday.

To make room for Jenkins on the active roster, the Twins optioned outfielder Alan Roden to Triple-A St. Paul. Minnesota also needed to clear a spot on its 40-man roster, designating right-handed pitcher Woo-Suk Go for assignment.

For the Twins, the move marks the arrival of a player who has been viewed as a cornerstone of the organization since he was selected fifth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. Jenkins has continued to establish himself as one of baseball’s top prospects throughout his professional career. Across multiple minor-league levels, he has compiled a .303/.404/.490 batting line.

His plate discipline has been particularly impressive. Jenkins has posted a 13.4% walk rate while striking out just 15.9% of the time. His 144 wRC+ shows just how productive he has been offensively, as he has performed 44% better than league average.

The 21-year-old also brings plenty of ability beyond the batter’s box. Jenkins has good speed and a strong throwing arm and is considered a capable defender at all three outfield positions. That versatility could give the Twins multiple options for how they use him during the final weeks of the season.

Jenkins’ promotion comes as Minnesota attempts to remain in the American League playoff race. The Twins have struggled to find consistency throughout the season, but the arrival of one of their best young players gives the club another option as it navigates the final month.

There will naturally be an adjustment period for Jenkins as he faces major-league pitching for the first time. However, his minor-league track record gives the Twins plenty of reason to believe he can contribute immediately.

For Roden, the move provides an opportunity to get regular playing time in St. Paul. The Twins acquired Roden as part of last year's trade involving Louis Varland, and he has remained part of the organization's plans despite struggling to establish himself offensively in Minnesota. He has received limited playing time in recent weeks, making just 10 starts in August.

Roden is hitting .254/.333/.313 this season, producing a .647 OPS and an 84 OPS+. Sending him to Triple-A should allow Roden to get consistent at-bats and continue developing rather than spending extended periods on the major-league bench.

The Twins' 40-man roster move ends Go’s brief run with the organization, at least for now. Minnesota took a chance on the 28-year-old right-hander earlier this season after he opted out of his contract with the Detroit Tigers organization. Go joined the Twins hoping to provide another option for a bullpen that has undergone significant changes throughout the season.

Go appeared in four games for Minnesota in July, allowing four runs. He posted a 3.91 ERA between Triple-A Toledo and St. Paul this season, although his numbers were much different between the two stops. Go struggled significantly in Toledo, posting a 12.54 ERA, before pitching better after joining the Saints.

His time in St. Paul also included a 10-game suspension after he was found to have an illegal substance on his glove. Now, Go will head to the waiver wire following Minnesota’s decision to designate him for assignment.

Those roster moves, however, are secondary to the biggest news of the day for the Twins. After more than three years of development, Jenkins has officially reached the major leagues. The former fifth overall pick is at Target Field, giving the organization an opportunity to see one of its most important young players against major-league competition. The next chapter of Jenkins’ career begins now.