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As the Twins look to stay competitive in the AL Central, help may not be far away, with several prospects making noise throughout the minor-league system. Whether it’s a college bat on a power tear, a once-hyped arm finally stringing together dominant starts, or a dynamic infielder terrorizing opposing batteries on the basepaths, Minnesota is seeing real development in key areas. Jaime Ferrer, Marco Raya, and Kyle DeBarge are each making compelling cases for more attention and (possibly) a faster track toward Target Field.
C/1B/OF Jaime Ferrer, Cedar Rapids Kernels
The Twins selected Ferrer in the 4th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, out of Florida State University. While he wasn’t a headliner on draft day, the organization saw potential in Ferrer’s bat speed, plate discipline, and strength. All tools that gave him a chance to outplay his draft slot. After a solid pro debut (.748 OPS in 24 games), he entered 2025 with a chance to establish himself as a legitimate power-hitting prospect. The Twins moved him between catcher, corner outfield and first base to find the best fit for his glove, while letting the bat do most of the talking.
Hitting the Hot Button
That bat has been shouting over the last week. In a three-game stretch for High-A Cedar Rapids, Ferrer hit .545, with a double, a triple, two home runs, four RBIs, and four runs scored. His OPS for the series? A staggering 1.947. That kind of offensive explosion isn’t just impressive for a 22-year-old playing his first full professional season. He’s showing the ability to punish mistakes while also controlling the zone, drawing walks and laying off breaking pitches in the dirt. His walk rate has improved from 6.5% to 7.4% in 2025. If the hot streak continues, Ferrer could force his way to Double A before the end of the season and join a growing list of under-the-radar hitters turning into legitimate threats in the Twins’ system.
RHP Marco Raya, St. Paul Saints
Raya has been one of the Twins’ more tantalizing pitching prospects since being selected in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of high school in Texas. Injuries delayed his early development, but by 2023 and 2024, he had emerged as one of the more intriguing arms in the system thanks to a fastball that touched the upper 90s and a sharp slider that missed bats. While he was used carefully to protect his health, the flashes of dominance were enough to keep evaluators and fans excited. He entered the 2025 season looking to build innings and prove he could handle a full starter’s workload.
Hitting the Hot Button
Raya may be answering those questions. Pitching for Triple-A St. Paul, Raya turned in one of his best starts of the season last Thursday against Iowa. He went six innings, allowing just one run on three hits with one walk and seven strikeouts. It was a commanding performance that showcased the full arsenal. His fastball velocity held deep into the outing, his slider induced empty swings, and his command was crisp throughout. Over his last four starts, he has posted a 1.64 ERA while holding batters to a .547 OPS. Now 22 years old, Raya is starting to show that he’s more than just potential; he’s a near-ready contributor. If the Twins need a spot starter or bullpen help down the stretch, Raya is beginning to look like a legitimate option, especially if he can continue to prove durable and efficient.
INF Kyle DeBarge, Cedar Rapids Kernels
When the Twins picked DeBarge with the 33rd overall pick of the 2024 draft out of Louisiana-Lafayette, they saw an athlete with energy, bat control, and defensive versatility. What wasn’t immediately clear was how quickly he’d turn into one of the system’s premier base-stealing threats. Still just 21 years old, DeBarge opened his pro career at Fort Myers, holding his own at the plate (.322 OBP) while wreaking havoc on the bases (15-for-18 in SB attempts). He’s played mostly at shortstop and second base, flashing soft hands and solid instincts in the field, but it’s the wheels that are drawing the most attention in 2025.
Hitting the Hot Button
DeBarge is up to 46 stolen bases on the season, and it’s only mid-July. He’s swiping bags at a rate that few in the league can match, often turning routine singles or walks into immediate scoring threats. He’s only been caught stealing three times. What makes his success even more impressive is the fact that he’s more than a year younger than the average player in High-A, facing older pitchers in over 88% of his plate appearances. Despite that, he’s shown poise and maturity at the plate, keeping his on-base percentage north of .360. DeBarge is smart on the bases, picking the right spots and rarely running into outs. If he continues this level of production and stays healthy, a promotion to Double-A Wichita seems inevitable, and he could enter the Twins’ long-term middle infield discussion in the years ahead.
The farm system doesn’t just exist to nurture future All-Stars. It also helps round out rosters, spark midseason promotions, and provide value when trade deadline conversations start heating up. Ferrer’s offensive outburst is putting him on the prospect map. Raya is finally pairing health with performance and showing he’s close to ready. And DeBarge’s elite speed and developing offensive profile make him one of the most unique prospects in the Twins’ pipeline.
The Twins have plenty of star power in their top 10 prospects, but this trio reminds us that big-league help often comes from throughout a prospect list. With performances like these, Ferrer, Raya, and DeBarge won’t stay under the radar much longer.
Which performance stands out the most? 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!
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