4 Twins Prospects Who Could Provide a Second-Half Boost

The Minnesota Twins are nearing the All-Star break with a flawed roster that will need more than just their current group to carry them the rest of the way. With key injuries and performance questions lingering, some help could arrive from within the organization. The Twins have several upper-level prospects who may be ready to contribute in the second half, and each brings a unique skill set to the big-league roster.

Here’s a look at four potential second-half contributors already in the system, and one dark horse who could make things interesting down the stretch.

Luke Keaschall: Ready for a Return
TD Current Prospect Rank: 2
Keaschall burst onto the scene earlier this year, with a brief but memorable debut in Minnesota. He collected seven hits in his first seven big-league games and showed the type of energy that can reshape a lineup. He also tied the MLB record for most stolen bases (5) in a player’s first five career games. Unfortunately, a fastball to the forearm cut that run short, as he broke his arm.

Now nearing a rehab assignment, Keaschall is expected to ramp up later this month and could rejoin the Twins by early August. Over the weekend, the Twins reported that he has progressed to hitting in the cage and off a pitching machine, and could be cleared to face live pitching in a simulated environment within the next few days. His blend of contact ability, sneaky pop, and defensive versatility gives the coaching staff options, especially with the current lineup struggling to score runs. If healthy, Keaschall could be a table-setting force in the final months of the regular season.

Emmanuel Rodriguez: The Power Is Real
TD Current Prospect Rank: 3
Rodriguez has dealt with more than a fair share of injuries since signing out of the Dominican Republic, but when he’s healthy, his talent is undeniable. The left-handed slugger has been working his way back from a right hip strain after dealing with a left thumb injury earlier this season. There is a strong possibility he will make his major-league debut sometime in the second half.

Rodriguez brings big-time power and a disciplined approach that’s rare for a player his age. He’s walked at an impressive clip (19.7%) while still producing extra-base hits (128 wRC+). Depending on the health of Minnesota’s outfield and how things shake out at the trade deadline, Rodriguez could find himself in the mix for meaningful at-bats down the stretch.

Marco Raya: Rebounding at the Right Time
TD Current Prospect Rank: 11
The Twins added Raya to their 40-man roster this past offseason, with the hope that he’d be part of the long-term pitching puzzle. His early-season results didn’t reflect that optimism, as he posted an 8.66 ERA while allowing a .916 OPS in his first 12 appearances. However, recent outings have hinted at a turnaround. Over his last three starts (16 IP), he has allowed three earned runs while holding batters to a .545 OPS. Raya has sharpened his command and is working deeper into games, putting himself back on the radar as the Twins continue to search for starting pitching depth.

It’s also important to note that he was a high school draft pick back in 2020, so he is only 22 years old and has faced older batters in all but 15 of his batter-pitcher showdowns. Minnesota’s rotation has dealt with injuries and workload concerns all season. If the need arises again (and it likely will), Raya could be next in line to fill a gap. He may not be a frontline option just yet, but he’s trending in the right direction at the right time.

Connor Prielipp: A Bullpen Weapon?
TD Current Prospect Rank: 5
Few pitchers in the Twins’ system have had a more winding road than Prielipp. The former Alabama standout missed significant development time after Tommy John surgery, but he’s finally showing flashes of why the Twins made him their second-round pick in 2022.

While the hit rate against him remains high, his strikeout and walk numbers (28.7 K%, 5.3 BB%) suggest he has the stuff to miss bats in high-leverage situations. The Twins are managing his innings carefully, which could point toward a bullpen role if he’s called upon. Prielipp’s slider is a legitimate out pitch, and a short-relief gig could allow him to air it out during the final stretch.

Dark Horse: Walker Jenkins
TD Current Prospect Rank: 1
Jenkins began the season behind schedule after an ankle injury, but he’s been rounding into form at Double-A Wichita over the past month. The 2023 first-round pick still projects as a middle-of-the-order mainstay, and while there’s no urgency to push him to the majors this season, he remains an intriguing wild card.

With his advanced approach and natural ability, Jenkins could force the issue, especially if injuries or trades thin the outfield depth chart. He’s a long shot, but the kind of talent who could arrive ahead of schedule and make a late-season push all the more exciting.

The Twins will no doubt explore the trade market in the coming weeks, but internal reinforcements might be the team’s only way to improve in the second half. Minnesota’s front office has been handcuffed at the last two trade deadlines, with minimal payroll space to add players. Keaschall, Rodriguez, Raya, and Prielipp all offer legitimate upside, and their paths to Target Field may be clearer than ever. Keep an eye on this group in coming weeks.

Which player will have the most significant impact on the team’s second half? Leave a comment and start the discussion.