2024 Prospect Previews: Brandon Winokur

The Twins took Brandon Winokur 82nd in the 2023 Draft, although he was (on our consensus board) the 124th prospect in the draft class. Let's take a look at what prompted them to take him above that expected spot.

Leaning into one of the strengths of the 2023 draft at the top of their class, the Twins grabbed Walker Jenkins and Charlee Soto with their first two selections. After taking high-floored college infielder Luke Keaschall in the second round, they circled back to an incredibly deep prep class in the third round to take Winokur, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound outfielder. Though more common parlance in college football recruiting, it might be more accurate to list Winokur simply as an ‘athlete’. I mean that as a compliment, rather than a jab at defensive uncertainty.

Heading into the draft, Winokur raised his stock with a performance for the ages at the still-new Draft Combine, sending baseball after baseball into orbit. He had the second-hardest-hit ball at the event (113.5 mph), and the hardest average exit velocity of any player with at least a nine-batted ball sample (108.3 mph).

Coming into the draft, scouting reports on the UCLA commit centered on his extraordinary athleticism. A two-way player in high school (somewhat reminiscent of Matt Wallner), Winokur was regularly pumping 96-mph fastballs his senior year, in addition to manning shortstop for Edison High School.

Winokur has easy plus power now, with a chance to be double-plus when it’s all said and done. His ceiling will be determined by his hit tool. As you’d imagine for a hitter of his size, maintaining a swing that is short and direct to the ball with consistency is likely to be a challenge, particularly against elite velocity up in the zone. Winokur moves extremely well for such a large human being (evidenced by his use at shortstop and in center field), and should be at least average defensively with a plus arm, so power is the carrying tool, but certainly not the only one.

The Twins famously benefited from a $2.3-million bump to their bonus pool from moving up in the inaugural draft lottery. Having the fifth-most money to spend overall helped them find leverage within an uncommonly strong prep class. They pried Winokur away from his college commitment with a $1.5-million signing bonus (a handsome bump from that pick's $859,700 slot allotment).

Winokur got a 17-game taste of pro ball in Fort Myers in the FCL after signing, and had a promising start. He put together a .288/.338/.545 line, with four home runs and five doubles to go with 23 strikeouts and just four walks--pretty much as advertised. The Twins elected not to move Winokur up a level at the culmination of the FCL season.

There will be plenty to monitor in 2024. Can he develop a more selective approach at the plate? Work to close holes in his swing? Find a consistent defensive home? Winokur will likely start his 2024 season in Fort Myers. I’d bet he’s one of the most fun new Twins prospects to track this season. Expect big power, expect plenty of strikeouts, and expect to be patient. Winokur is a high-risk, high-reward prospect. When a player with his raw athleticism and toolset clicks, it’s spectacular viewing. It rarely happens right away.

What are your thoughts on Brandon Winokur? How do you expect him to fare in 2024?

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!