How Does ZiPS View the Minnesota Twins' Top Prospects for 2025?

To be successful in a sustainable way, teams must find value around the margins. For some teams, that means knowing when a prospect is ready to jump to the MLB level. Recently, at FanGraphs, Dan Szymborski released his 2025 Top 100 Prospects based on ZiPS, a projection system built to forecast how players will perform in both the immediate and the longer-term future. He clarifies that ZiPS is only one way to project players and that scouting should still play an evaluative role. His top-100 lists, however, are based on data and don’t have room for individual interpretation. 

On the 2025 list, the Twins' top three prospects are ranked differently than most national lists. Emmanuel Rodriguez is the highest-ranked Twins prospect and sits at No. 8 overall. He finished last season at Triple-A, so ZiPS values his proximity to the majors and his high ceiling. Rodriguez is also the third-ranked outfielder. Walker Jenkins ranks 41st, even though he is widely considered the organization’s top prospect. Luke Keaschall is two spots lower than Jenkins, roughly where he ranks on national top prospect lists. 

Only two teams (Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox) have more prospects in the top 50 ZiPS prospects than do the Twins. When the list is expanded to top-500, the Twins are tied for eighth overall, with 19 ranked prospects. Among AL Central teams, the White Sox (21 players) and Guardians (20 players) are the only teams who rank higher than the Twins on the top-500 list. The Twins have rebuilt their farm system, and the results point to the big-league team keeping their winning window open. 

Danny De Andrade was the most surprising Twins prospect on the 2024 ZiPS list, ranking 68th overall. He was coming off a breakout season in the Florida State League. In 105 games in 2023, he hit .244/.354/.396, with 21 doubles, three triples, and 11 home runs. Over 98 percent of his plate appearances came against older pitchers; he was one of the youngest players at his level. Projections were high on him because he showed moderate power and thought he could stick at shortstop. In 2024, he spent the year at High-A and saw his OPS dip to .693 while continuing to face older pitchers. He continues to be viewed promisingly with Twins Daily ranking him as the team’s 18th-best prospect, but he certainly isn't on the national radar anymore.  

Rodriguez suffered an ankle injury before camp started, so he will be delayed for a week or two from participating in camp. It is an unfortunate setback, but it shouldn’t significantly impact his long-term outlook. He has already established himself as one of the most well-rounded hitters in the Twins system, showing a strong ability to control the strike zone while tapping into impressive power. Even if the injury delays the start of his season, Rodriguez should still be in line for a midseason call-up, assuming he performs well in Triple-A. If everything clicks, he has the potential to be an impact bat in the middle of Minnesota’s lineup for years to come.  

Jenkins, meanwhile, may have the highest ceiling of any prospect in the organization, but patience will be key. His quick rise to Double-A last season was impressive, especially considering it was his first full professional season. However, the Twins have typically been cautious with their top-position prospects, and there’s no need to rush him with depth in the big-league outfield. A strong showing in the upper minors could put him in line for a late-season debut, but 2026 is a more realistic target for him to break into the lineup as a regular contributor.  

Keaschall’s situation is a little different. Returning from Tommy John surgery, he will need to prove that he can handle the rigors of everyday play, but his inclusion in full spring training is a positive sign. He brings a versatile defensive skill set, which could allow him to carve out a role in Minnesota sooner rather than later. If his bat continues to develop and he maintains the strong plate discipline he showed last year, he could force his way into the conversation for a call-up by season’s end.

The ZiPS projections highlight the Twins' talent coming through the pipeline, even if the big-league club won’t see an immediate influx of these prospects in 2025. Rodriguez is the closest to contributing, while Jenkins and Keaschall will likely need more time to refine their skills. If things break right, this trio could form a key part of Minnesota’s next wave of homegrown talent, helping sustain the club’s competitive window for years.

Do you agree with the ZiPS rankings? Which player will have the most significant impact on the Twins roster this season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

Interested in learning more about the Minnesota Twins' top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!