Get to Know Minnesota Twins 2024 Draft Pick: Michael Carpenter

Of course Wisconsin, is more Brewers country than Twins Territory, but Michael Carpenter is plenty familiar with the Minnesota Twins, as well. Recently named the NJCAA Division II pitcher of the year, it was clear that he would draw draft interest. Slated to play for East Carolina next season, the Twins needed to (and did) do enough to sway him from his collegiate commitments.

Posting a 1.03 ERA and 10.1 K/BB last season, Carpenter was nothing short of dominant. He also appeared in Northwoods League action, and received further exposure to what the next level might look like. Headed out to professional action in short order, I was able to catch up to him prior to his career kicking off.

Twins Daily: You had an incredible season picking up NJCAA Pitcher of the Year honors. What went into such a dominant season and where do you feel like that success came from?

Michael Carpenter: That success came from hard work in the offseason, with preparation every start. Being prepared before every start took the stress away from me being ready. I would say going into every start, I just knew everything was gonna be the same as a start before, and I kept my mindset that way. It kept driving me to pitch better every single outing. Also, from offseason work, I developed way better command with my fastball from the year before. This helped me have a lower amount of walks and more strikeouts this year, which led to getting all those honors.

TD: Last summer you spent time in the Northwoods League and were dominant there as well. What was that experience like against wood bats and how does it help you in pro ball?

MC: The season I had with Lakeshore really helped me improve in the fact of facing better hitters that were at Division I schools. It also helped me learn the importance of preparation before every start. I learned a lot from the guys on the team about what they do before and after games. I wasn’t told about any of that at my junior college during my freshman year. It really helped me move forward my sophomore year at Madison to help me develop and be more prepared every outing. I would say pitching against wood bats was a cool experience and different than the college spring season.

TD: A 45-inning scoreless streak is ridiculous. What do you do mentally each time you go out to lock in and make sure you aren't thinking about that while still competing?

MC: For a while during the season, I was not paying attention to my stats. That isn’t that unusual for me. I don’t really like looking at my stats until after the season. This really helped me just focus on competing and pitching well every single game.  Mentally it was easy, and made me just have a lot of confidence going into every start.

TD: What does your repertoire look like? You clearly have strikeout stuff. What is your favorite pitch, or what you go to when you absolutely need a strike?

MC: My repertoire is four-seam, two-seam, knuckle curve, and changeup. My pitch when I need a strike is my four-seam fastball, which I can throw about anywhere in the zone for a strike. My favorite pitch would be my knuckle curve, just because I’ve been throwing it for the longest and it has always been my strikeout pitch.

TD: As a Wisconsin native, and playing so close to Twins Territory, what do you know about the organization? I assume you were a Brewers fan growing up?

MC: I don't know too much about the organization, and I’ve never really watched too many Twins games. I was always a big Brewers fan, but now I get to learn more about a great organization with the Twins.

TD: Obviously, the game is always changing. It sounds like the electronic strike zone could be more highly implemented in pro ball. Do you feel like that benefits you?

MC: I feel like the electronic strike zone would definitely help me to be more consistent and knowing exactly what the zone looks like every outing. At the same time, I like when I have the umpires back there just for the sake of the game and the history behind it.

TD: What do you do away from the game for fun to reset? What are your hobbies?

MC: My hobbies off the field would be playing golf, fantasy football, shooting hoops, hanging out with family and friends, card games, and watching sports.

Welcome to Twins Territory, Michael! 

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