Twins Minor League Hitter of the Month - August 2023

mikelink45 · September 2, 2023

I am probably highest on Walker Jenkins. His transition to proball has been fast and productive. I really see him on the Twins after a short minor league career. In fact, the hitters we took in this years draft are the best looking group that I can remember.

FlyingFinn · September 2, 2023

Fajardo with 17 stolen bases in August. Wow, that is amazing. I wonder if he again gets selected by another team in this winter's Rule 5 draft. Playing in AA all year, does that qualify him for the AAA Rule 5 draft? My reading says the Twins just need to add him to the AAA roster to avoid that, if I'm understanding correctly.

saviking · September 2, 2023

Surely one of these guys can hit higher that .175 in the majors ..

DJL44 · September 2, 2023

Does Cossetti know he's a catcher? They aren't supposed to hit like that.

Cody Schoenmann · September 2, 2023

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

I am probably highest on Walker Jenkins. His transition to proball has been fast and productive. I really see him on the Twins after a short minor league career. In fact, the hitters we took in this years draft are the best looking group that I can remember.

Whenever I watch Jenkins the player that always comes to mind is Bryce Harper. I know it's just wishful thinking, but I think Jenkins could end up being an elite MLB outfielder.

dxpavelka · September 2, 2023

1 hour ago, saviking said:

Surely one of these guys can hit higher that .175 in the majors ..

But if that happens who is gonna challenge the team strikeout record?

dxpavelka · September 2, 2023

Wow. Bout time somebody made the Berrios trade look like it has a chance in h$@! of benefiting the Twins--after multiple trades, giving up multiple assets to replace Berrios in the rotation.

TNtwins85 · September 2, 2023

48 minutes ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Whenever I watch Jenkins the player that always comes to mind is Bryce Harper. I know it's just wishful thinking, but I think Jenkins could end up being an elite MLB outfielder.

He’s naturally fitting in at low A. That’s probably where he fits best but gotta start an 18yo in the FCL. He’ll probably hit a couple snags next year playing between Ft.Myers and Cedar Rapids when the leagues figure out his weaknesses. How he handles that determines if he’s in Target field as a 21 yo. Very impressive first couple months though!

madtowntwin · September 2, 2023

I agree with the Bryce Harper comparison and would add Mike Trout in terms of his physique at 18 years of age. The things the kid can do with that body are thus far transitioning well at low minor league levels. Speed, power, arm, baseball moxy all seem part of his player recipe. Long way to go of course, but his performance thus far is certainly encouraging.

Mike Sixel · September 2, 2023

There's nothing surprising about Jenkins continuing to play.

Martin is healthy. That's the difference. He was a top pick and prospect for a reason.

I'm intrigued by the catchers, but it's likely Vazquez blocks them next year no matter how bad he is.

Twinsgypsy · September 2, 2023

I think that the Twins could really use Martin next Year. If they can use him as a position or utility guy that can make good contact for average it would be great. We have become to dependent on the long Ball and need to get back being a balanced hitting team. The Twins minor league teams seem to have a lot of upcoming talent to choose from.

jorgenswest · September 2, 2023

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

There's nothing surprising about Jenkins continuing to play.

Martin is healthy. That's the difference. He was a top pick and prospect for a reason.

I'm intrigued by the catchers, but it's likely Vazquez blocks them next year no matter how bad he is.

Isola and Williams are at best emergency catchers. Astudillo was a better catcher in the minors.

Camargo will strike out a lot with occasional power. He has been pretty consistent the last two years. His wRC+ is 92 and was 92 in AA last year. His strikeout rate of 33 and walk rate of 8 are virtually the same as was his ISO. Jeffers had wRC+ of 151, 112 and 109 at those levels. Caleb Hamilton 117 and 99. Rortvedt had wRCs of 101 and 101. Relative to league Carmago has not been at the level of those three with the bat. I would put him on the 40 this winter in hopes that he can get his strike outs down and walks up.

Right now I don’t see anyone being blocked.

AceWrigley · September 2, 2023

Jenkins game-winning single was pretty impressive situational hitting there. Looked like an outside pitch he just put the bat on the ball and went up the middle. He looks like a great athlete.

gman · September 2, 2023

The number of players having good seasons in the Twins minor league system is more than I can remember in a long time. Cudos to the coaching staff, as well as to the players.

Jenkins 89 plate appearances overall and only 9 strikeouts.

Harry with 4 strikeouts and 13 walks in 98 plate appearances.

Martin with a 14% strikeout rate and 13% walk rate is a free swinger compared to those 2 first year players. He has hit in only 2 double plays this year and only 13 in his career in 1049 plate appearances. Sounds like a good first or second place hitter along with 66 steals in 80 attempts for his career.

Cody Schoenmann · September 2, 2023

1 hour ago, jorgenswest said:

Isola and Williams are at best emergency catchers. Astudillo was a better catcher in the minors.

Camargo will strike out a lot with occasional power. He has been pretty consistent the last two years. His wRC+ is 92 and was 92 in AA last year. His strikeout rate of 33 and walk rate of 8 are virtually the same as was his ISO. Jeffers had wRC+ of 151, 112 and 109 at those levels. Caleb Hamilton 117 and 99. Rortvedt had wRCs of 101 and 101. Relative to league Carmago has not been at the level of those three with the bat. I would put him on the 40 this winter in hopes that he can get his strike outs down and walks up.

Right now I don’t see anyone being blocked.

I don't think Vázquez is blocking anyone in the minor league system either. Camargo has been a nice story, but I don't think he has the ability to be a serviceable backup at the Major League level, and I think your wRC+ example affirms that stance. Down the line, I think Isola or potentially even Winkel could be serviceable backup catchers, but Jeffers and Vázquez are by far the best catching options in the Twins organization.

FlyingFinn · September 2, 2023

1 hour ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

I think Isola or potentially even Winkel could be serviceable backup catchers

Isola has zero chance of being a backup catcher. He rarely plays catcher right now in the minors. Emergency catcher only if he makes MLB.

SteveLV · September 2, 2023

Jenkins is not as lean and quick as Trout at a similar age. Jenkins is a thicker, taller, stouter looking athlete with a longer swing.

Doug Mientkiewicz sees Larry Walker as a good comparison.

I actually see a little (non switch hitting) Mantle in him. How's that for high expectations?!?

jorgenswest · September 3, 2023

3 hours ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

I don't think Vázquez is blocking anyone in the minor league system either. Camargo has been a nice story, but I don't think he has the ability to be a serviceable backup at the Major League level, and I think your wRC+ example affirms that stance. Down the line, I think Isola or potentially even Winkel could be serviceable backup catchers, but Jeffers and Vázquez are by far the best catching options in the Twins organization.

Camargo is young and apparently is solid defensively. He can take a step forward next year. I think he is worthy of a 40 man roster spot. He isn’t blocked yet. Hopefully 2025.

DocBauer · September 3, 2023

A few bullet point thoughts.

1] Jenkins has looked as advertised so far. Glad he gets to play longer. A little disappointed and surprised Winokur didn't join him at A ball. Roster crunch?

2] What's up with Miller? Seems like he's developing his "man muscles" and taking off recently. That's HUGE with his defense!

3] Cossetti just keeps rolling along. I don't think the system is as barren at the catching position as some think, and I've been saying this for a while now. The "issue" is all of the catching prospects were drafted so recently they are just now begining to establish themselves. Winkel is LH and suddenly looking more like the hitter he was in college, if not better. Cardenas is having a solid year and has been on this list previously, IIRC, as an honorable mention. We already know how good Cossetti has looked. Keep your eyes out for Nate Baez, who's been slowed this year due to some nagging injuries. He barely saw the field after being drafted last year and only became a full time catcher his last year in college. He's a tremendous athlete and played all over the field previously. He's got bat and power potential and is a much better athlete than you typically see in a backstop. 2024 might be his breakout season.

I'm higher on Camargo than others, I think. He's reportedly a good defensive catcher with a strong arm and his bat started "working" in 2022 at AA. He began this year slow, holding his numbers down somewhat, but has been pretty good for the past few months. I don't think he's ready yet. But if he can cut the K's down a bit, I think he's got a real shot as a backup catcher with defense and power. To me he's an easy 40 man add with an ETA sometime in 2024.

Williams and Isola are 1B/DH who CAN catch. By reports, Williams is good with pitchers and pretty sharp behind the plate, but seems to lack something defensively. Pretty sure his arm never came back from surgery in college, and just guessing his movement behind the plate isn't great. Really don't know much about Isola defensively. Hard to ignore Williams bat in his first full season at AAA. The power seems real. He might have a shot as a RH power bat. Isola has long looked like a "hitter" but the lack of power never made him a great prospect if he wasn't going to stick behind the plate. Suddenly, he's unlocked his power potential. Not expecting either to make it with the Twins, but I can also see scenarios where either, potentially, can help as a 1B/DH 3rd catcher if their bats continue to play.

4] Fajardo is interesting. He's older, coming off a down 2022, but has been very good at Wichita. He's no 40 man add, but it would be nice to hold on to him for AAA in 2024. He might have some 4th or 5th OF potential due to his all around game.

5] I've got a good, "gut feeling" about Keirsey. Due to a major college hip injury, he was a bit older when selected, and had a couple minor injuries that held him back initially after being drafted. But he began to put his offense together in 2022 and has taken it to a different level this year. There's a reason he was drafted so high. I think he should have been promoted to St Paul earlier, but appeared blocked. He hasn't slowed down since his promotion. Not every good ML player reaches the ML level by 24yo. Sometimes things happen. I think he should be protected, especially since CF is such a question mark for 2024. Stevenson is a nice story, hope he helps and does well, but I doubt he's protected. But Keirsey is a younger version that should be. He may not be that far off from being a quality ML contributor. And that brings us to....

6] MARTIN! While admitting to talking out both sides of my face, I can understand the Twins not promoting him at this time. Not saying I agree, but I can see it. FINALLY healthy and raking and looking like the top prospect he was supposed to be, I can understand letting him continue to work on his game and confidence and approach, getting ready for 2024, and running with Taylor, now Stevenson, and MAYBE Buxton to finish this season and having Castro also in the CF mix. And right now, I want to continue to see him play daily.

But I can also very easily see Martin in 2024, healthy, and with a strong instructional league and winter, being a strong candidate for the 4th OF spot, and maybe even a starting CF option. MAYBE time sharing some with Keirsey, or POTENTIALLY Stevenson, depending on roster construction. The Twins might bring Taylor back. And MAYBE, Buxton can be a part time CF, but I'm looking at worst case scenarios with Buck out of the mix. I think Martin is just about ready for a full time gig at the ML level. I'm just not sure what role.

Jocko87 · September 3, 2023

13 hours ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

Whenever I watch Jenkins the player that always comes to mind is Bryce Harper. I know it's just wishful thinking, but I think Jenkins could end up being an elite MLB outfielder.

The comp is Kyle Tucker. High school center fielder picked 5th overall that could have stayed there but won a gold glove in right. Best high school bat in the that draft, got to the majors in 2.5 years and hit everywhere. Similar body type and prospect profile.

Nice to have several choices for this award. Hitters comin.

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Cody Schoenmann · September 3, 2023

3 hours ago, DocBauer said:

A few bullet point thoughts.

1] Jenkins has looked as advertised so far. Glad he gets to play longer. A little disappointed and surprised Winokur didn't join him at A ball. Roster crunch?

2] What's up with Miller? Seems like he's developing his "man muscles" and taking off recently. That's HUGE with his defense!

3] Cossetti just keeps rolling along. I don't think the system is as barren at the catching position as some think, and I've been saying this for a while now. The "issue" is all of the catching prospects were drafted so recently they are just now begining to establish themselves. Winkel is LH and suddenly looking more like the hitter he was in college, if not better. Cardenas is having a solid year and has been on this list previously, IIRC, as an honorable mention. We already know how good Cossetti has looked. Keep your eyes out for Nate Baez, who's been slowed this year due to some nagging injuries. He barely saw the field after being drafted last year and only became a full time catcher his last year in college. He's a tremendous athlete and played all over the field previously. He's got bat and power potential and is a much better athlete than you typically see in a backstop. 2024 might be his breakout season.

I'm higher on Camargo than others, I think. He's reportedly a good defensive catcher with a strong arm and his bat started "working" in 2022 at AA. He began this year slow, holding his numbers down somewhat, but has been pretty good for the past few months. I don't think he's ready yet. But if he can cut the K's down a bit, I think he's got a real shot as a backup catcher with defense and power. To me he's an easy 40 man add with an ETA sometime in 2024.

Williams and Isola are 1B/DH who CAN catch. By reports, Williams is good with pitchers and pretty sharp behind the plate, but seems to lack something defensively. Pretty sure his arm never came back from surgery in college, and just guessing his movement behind the plate isn't great. Really don't know much about Isola defensively. Hard to ignore Williams bat in his first full season at AAA. The power seems real. He might have a shot as a RH power bat. Isola has long looked like a "hitter" but the lack of power never made him a great prospect if he wasn't going to stick behind the plate. Suddenly, he's unlocked his power potential. Not expecting either to make it with the Twins, but I can also see scenarios where either, potentially, can help as a 1B/DH 3rd catcher if their bats continue to play.

4] Fajardo is interesting. He's older, coming off a down 2022, but has been very good at Wichita. He's no 40 man add, but it would be nice to hold on to him for AAA in 2024. He might have some 4th or 5th OF potential due to his all around game.

5] I've got a good, "gut feeling" about Keirsey. Due to a major college hip injury, he was a bit older when selected, and had a couple minor injuries that held him back initially after being drafted. But he began to put his offense together in 2022 and has taken it to a different level this year. There's a reason he was drafted so high. I think he should have been promoted to St Paul earlier, but appeared blocked. He hasn't slowed down since his promotion. Not every good ML player reaches the ML level by 24yo. Sometimes things happen. I think he should be protected, especially since CF is such a question mark for 2024. Stevenson is a nice story, hope he helps and does well, but I doubt he's protected. But Keirsey is a younger version that should be. He may not be that far off from being a quality ML contributor. And that brings us to....

6] MARTIN! While admitting to talking out both sides of my face, I can understand the Twins not promoting him at this time. Not saying I agree, but I can see it. FINALLY healthy and raking and looking like the top prospect he was supposed to be, I can understand letting him continue to work on his game and confidence and approach, getting ready for 2024, and running with Taylor, now Stevenson, and MAYBE Buxton to finish this season and having Castro also in the CF mix. And right now, I want to continue to see him play daily.

But I can also very easily see Martin in 2024, healthy, and with a strong instructional league and winter, being a strong candidate for the 4th OF spot, and maybe even a starting CF option. MAYBE time sharing some with Keirsey, or POTENTIALLY Stevenson, depending on roster construction. The Twins might bring Taylor back. And MAYBE, Buxton can be a part time CF, but I'm looking at worst case scenarios with Buck out of the mix. I think Martin is just about ready for a full time gig at the ML level. I'm just not sure what role.

I appreciate what you have to add on to the list @DocBauer! Always very insightful.

Cody Schoenmann · September 3, 2023

1 hour ago, Jocko87 said:

The comp is Kyle Tucker. High school center fielder picked 5th overall that could have stayed there but won a gold glove in right. Best high school bat in the that draft, got to the majors in 2.5 years and hit everywhere. Similar body type and prospect profile.

Nice to have several choices for this award. Hitters comin.

I like the Kyle Tucker comparison a lot. Extremely similar in many ways.

Edited September 3, 2023 by Cody Schoenmann

saviking · September 3, 2023

23 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

But if that happens who is gonna challenge the team strikeout record?

Or pinch run for Julien last night only to get caught stealing.

wabene · September 3, 2023

Man the Twins like left handed hitters. Martin could be a very valuable addition to the Twins outfield mix next year with that righty bat

dxpavelka · September 3, 2023

1 hour ago, saviking said:

Or pinch run for Julien last night only to get caught stealing.

Ouch. What does that say about your roster makeup? Granted, better alternatives are on the IL, but, still. Just ouch.

D.C Twins · September 3, 2023

21 hours ago, Twinsgypsy said:

I think that the Twins could really use Martin next Year. If they can use him as a position or utility guy that can make good contact for average it would be great. We have become to dependent on the long Ball and need to get back being a balanced hitting team. The Twins minor league teams seem to have a lot of upcoming talent to choose from.

They will.... in CF

Bill Lumbergh · September 3, 2023

I can’t find his stat line for August but I’m surprised Willie Joe Garry Jr. didn’t at least rate an honorable mention. He had a pretty solid month Wichita both offensively and defensively.

Seth Stohs · September 5, 2023

On 9/2/2023 at 8:27 AM, FlyingFinn said:

Fajardo with 17 stolen bases in August. Wow, that is amazing. I wonder if he again gets selected by another team in this winter's Rule 5 draft. Playing in AA all year, does that qualify him for the AAA Rule 5 draft? My reading says the Twins just need to add him to the AAA roster to avoid that, if I'm understanding correctly.

He was taken in the minor-league Rule 5 draft.

1.) The Twins aren't going to put him on their 40-man roster, so he will be eligible for the MLB Rule 5.

2.) So, if he's not on the Triple-A roster, he would again be eligible for the minor-league Rule 5.

3.) He signed with the Pirates in 2018, so I don't think he becomes an MILB free agent yet.

Seth Stohs · September 5, 2023

Gotta love reading prospect comps... You never see Walker Jenkins get comped to Rich Becker or Mike Restovich or Joe Benson or... or... or...

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Twins Minor League Hitter of the Month - August 2023

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