Get to Know Twins 2024 Draft Pick: Caden Kendle

This wasn't the first time Caden Kendle was drafted, and despite betting on himself as a senior sign, he put up even more gaudy numbers. The Minnesota Twins took note and made the UC-Irvine product their fifth round selection.

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UC-Irvine has been an impressive baseball program for some time, and grabbing a player like Caden Kendle in the fifth round is a nice come-up for the Twins. If you remember, Irvine is where Twins star Royce Lewis was committed prior to going first overall in the draft. Jacob King, who recently returned from the 60-day injured list of the Mighty Mussels, was an Anteater. Current Twins prospect Dillon Tatum also played with Kendle at Irvine.

Kendle is a talented outfielder that posted an OPS north of 1.000 for the first time this season as a senior. He has continued to get better each year, and looks the part of a contact hitter that could quickly blitz the system.

Following his selection on Monday afternoon, I was able to catch up with him to introduce him to Twins Territory.

Twins Daily: This isn't your first rodeo after having been drafted by the Cardinals last year. What went into the decision to go back to school?

Caden Kendle: The decision was mainly to finish up my last year in college. You only get those memories one time in your life. I didn’t want to miss out on that opportunity with such a great team as well. I also wanted to finish my degree.

TD: You put up the best numbers of your collegiate career, and significantly improved your draft spot because of it. What changes attributed to that?

CK: I didn’t really change much at the plate. I trained hard in the offseason to control the strike zone better and be more aggressive early on in counts. I wanted to hit more home runs, but oh well.

TD: You're definitely a high average and on-base guy. What can you tell use about your style at the plate and how you play the outfield?

CK: I just try to get my best swing off early in the count on good pitches. I am definitely an all-out player. I believe I play the game the right way, and will never take a pitch or play off. You never know when you are going to hang up the cleats, so I just try to play every game like it’s my last.

TD: Is there a current or former big leaguer that you have emulated or feel like you have characteristics of?

CK: I have always looked up to Mike Trout because the Angels are 20 minutes from me. I try to play like him and appreciate how humble he is. I feel like my fire and passion from the game is kind of like the way Bryce Harper plays.

TD: What is your knowledge of the Twins organization and Minnesota as a whole? Have you ever been to Target Field?

CK: I don’t really have any knowledge about the Twins, but I am fired up to play for them. My old teammate Dillon Tatum and Jacob King play for them as well.

TD: What do you like to do away from baseball that helps you reset? What do you do for fun?

CK: I love to play poker, fish when I have time, skateboard, body surf, and boogie board.

Already inked to a deal with the Twins, Kendle can't wait to get started.

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A blogger for over a decade, passion for baseball and the Minnesota Twins runs deep. Whether at the ballpark or on the couch, I'm probably tweeting.

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