Cody Christie

For years, the Minnesota Twins have prided themselves on developing homegrown talent, but one troubling trend continues to haunt the franchise. The organization’s top prospects continue to get injured. As spring training gets underway, the latest setback belongs to Emmanuel Rodriguez, a consensus top-50 global prospect, who sprained his ankle in the days leading up to camp starting. The injury is expected to sideline him for one to two weeks, but it’s another frustrating hurdle for a player who has struggled to stay on the field. Rodriguez was limited to just 47 games last season due to multiple thumb injuries, and now his 2025 campaign begins with another setback. Unfortunately, Rodriguez’s situation is hardly unique among the Twins' top prospects. Injury woes have plagued some of the most promising players in the organization, often slowing or even derailing their ascent to the big leagues. Royce Lewis, the first overall pick in the 2017 draft, was considered one of the best prospects in baseball. However, injuries have defined much of his professional career. Two ACL surgeries robbed him of critical development time, and just as he began to establish himself at the major league level last season, an oblique strain sidelined him again. He’s entering his age-26 season, so there is still hope for him to put it all together, but injuries have impacted his potential development into a superstar player. Austin Martin, Twins Daily’s top-ranked prospect in 2022, had a chance to make an impact in 2023 before a UCL sprain sidelined him early in spring training. That injury significantly limited his availability and set back his development in a crucial year. He played 67 games and reached Triple-A, posting a .791 OPS. Expectations were very high for him coming out of Vanderbilt, and last season was his first professional season where he played more than 100 games. When the Twins traded for Martin, they hoped he’d be a centerpiece of their plans, but he’s looking to be a utility, role player. Alex Kirilloff was Twins Daily’s number two ranked prospect entering the 2019 season behind Lewis. He looked like a future middle-of-the-order bat but battled persistent wrist and back issues throughout his professional career. He played 249 big-league games and hit .248/.309/.412 (.721) with a 99 OPS+. Those ailments took such a toll that he ultimately decided to retire after last season, a stunning end to what once seemed like a promising career. And then there’s Byron Buxton, the quintessential example of a supremely-talented player whose career will be forever marked by injuries. Buxton was once considered among baseball's top prospects, but a lengthy list of ailments (including knee, hip, and shoulder issues) has prevented him from reaching his full potential. He’s one of the game’s best players when healthy, but those stretches have been all too fleeting. The injury trend isn’t just limited to the current crop of prospects. Looking back, the Twins have seen numerous highly-touted players deal with injuries that impacted their careers. Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Francisco Liriano, and Jason Kubel all suffered significant injuries in their early years, preventing them from having a smooth, uninterrupted transition to the big leagues. Some, like Mauer and Morneau, went on to have fantastic careers, but the road was far from easy. As the next wave of Twins prospects prepares to make their mark, the team can only hope for better fortune on the health front. Prospects like Walker Jenkins and Brooks Lee have immense potential, but staying on the field will be as critical as their on-field performance. Both missed significant time in 2024. Injuries are a part of baseball, but for the Twins, they have become an unfortunate and all-too-common obstacle for their most talented young players. Is there anything the Twins can do to keep their top prospects healthy? Whose career was most impacted by injuries? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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.

Simeon Woods Richardson entered last spring with something to prove to the Twins. His 2023 season had been an unmitigated disaster. He spent most of the season pitching in Triple A, where he recorded a 4.91 ERA, a 1.50 WHIP, and a 19.3% strikeout rate. His mechanics were inconsistent and stiff, causing his fastball velocity to dip below 90 mph. As a result, Woods Richardson’s prospect status took a significant hit. Without improvement, his chances of becoming a viable major-league pitcher appeared slim. Improbably, though, Woods Richardson saved the Twins rotation last season. He was thrust into the rotation on Apr. 13 after injuries and poor performances from other starters, and he never looked back. Across 133 2/3 innings, Woods Richardson struck out 20.6% of batters and held an ERA of 4.17. His ERA was significantly lower before the season’s final month, when he pitched past his career high in innings. At Twins Daily, SWR was the runaway choice for the team’s Rookie of the Year. Based on that performance, does he deserve the fifth starter job coming out of spring training? “We have another spot that we have guys that they’ve shown us a lot already,” Baldelli told reporters. “We have some young guys that have really stepped their game up in the last 12 months, and we’re going to look to those guys to go out there and show us what they can do.” We knew that, though. Which pitchers have an edge, in the skipper's eyes? “Festa looked great. Simeon Woods Richardson had a great year for us as well. But we're not going to set the rotation or put them in any order any time soon," Baldelli said. "We'll start with Pablo on day one, Joe and Bailey sometime early and we'll discuss what the rest of the orders and shapes and things like that look like.” Baldelli didn't name Chris Paddack during that off-the-cuff remark, but it sounds like Paddack will get the inside track on the fourth starting gig. That just leaves one. Woods Richardson will have to separate himself from Festa, Zebby Matthews, and more. The other options for the team’s fifth rotation spot have plenty of upside, even if they have less big-league experience than Woods Richardson. Festa leads the pack, armed with a mid- to upper-90s fastball and a slider that has shown huge promise. He made 14 appearances with the Twins last season and flashed the ability to generate swings and misses, though refining his command will be key. Matthews emerged as one of the system’s biggest risers, displaying elite strike-throwing ability (7 walks in 97 IP) while carving up hitters at multiple levels. His mix of polish and control could give him a legitimate shot if the Twins value a steady presence at the back of the rotation. Beyond those two, Marco Raya and Travis Adams remain intriguing but slightly less plausible options. Raya possesses some of the best pure stuff in the system, but workload concerns have followed him throughout his professional career. The Twins have been careful with his innings, and it’s unclear if they’d entrust him with a full starter’s workload right away. Adams doesn’t have the same level of prospect hype, but the Twins thought highly enough of him to add him to the 40-man roster in November to shield him from December's Rule 5 Draft. His ability to generate weak contact and limit damage makes him a dark-horse candidate. The competition among these young pitchers will be one of the most compelling storylines of camp. Woods Richardson earned some trust last year. He should get the first shot in the team’s rotation, but it sure looks like he'll have to seize his opportunity, rather than having it offered to him. He’s out to prove himself again, and that might help to drive the entire pitching staff to improve. Does Woods Richardson deserve the final rotation spot based on his 2024 performance? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

The Minnesota Twins head into 2025 with high expectations, but the stakes are even higher for the artist formerly known as Louie Varland. After a turbulent 2024 campaign, the Minnesota native finds himself at a career crossroads. With a crowded rotation, an increasingly competitive bullpen, and younger arms surpassing him on the depth chart, Varland must prove he belongs. If he can’t, his long-term role with the Twins could be in jeopardy. What Went Wrong in 2024? Heading into the 2024 season, the Twins viewed Varland as a valuable depth starter who could step into the rotation when needed. Unfortunately, his performance didn’t match expectations. After starting the year in Triple A, Varland struggled when called upon in the majors. In 16 appearances (49 2/3 innings), he posted a 7.61 ERA with a 1.69 WHIP. His strikeout rate plunged from 25.1% in 2023 to 20.6%. His command wavered, leading to an increased walk rate (6.7 BB%), and his once-effective cutter went from a weapon to a pitch pummeled for a .603 SLG. Varland saw opponents' hard-hit rate increase, as he had extended at-bats and struggled to put hitters away. As a result, the Twins shifted him to the bullpen late in the season, hoping his stuff would play up in shorter stints. While he has shown flashes of dominance in relief, inconsistency continued to be an issue. Entering 2025, Varland finds himself pushed further down the depth chart by the emergence of other arms, like Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, and David Festa. What Can Go Right in 2025? If Varland wants to solidify his place in the Twins’ plans, he needs a strong showing in 2025. The best path forward may be a full-time move to the bullpen. His fastball could regain its life in shorter outings, and his secondary pitches might play up with a more simplified approach. The Twins have seen success with similar transitions, and Varland has the raw stuff to thrive as a high-leverage reliever. He provided the Twins with -1.4 WAR last season, so reprising last year's attempt to salvage his starting career seems unlikely. However, the challenge remains: there isn’t a clear opening in the bullpen to start the season. The Twins project to have baseball’s best bullpen, meaning Varland will need to force their hand with a dominant spring training or early-season performance in Triple A. There is also a chance that injuries will impact the projected bullpen group, which could give Varland an opportunity. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has been impressed with Varland’s previous relief appearances. He could become an impact arm by midseason, if he can sharpen his command and regain the velocity that he's previously shown in the bullpen. “[Varland] is just preparing for the season. He's not preparing for one role in particular. He's a guy that can adapt very quickly if we needed him to,” Baldelli told Twins Daily’s John Bonnes in Fort Myers. “I think it's very possible that we see a good amount of him out of the bullpen this year. We've seen the way he looks when he pitches out of the bullpen, but I'm not ready to say 100 percent locked in that Louie will pitch there.” How Will This Impact the Twins? The Twins’ pitching staff is in a strong position heading into 2025, but injuries and underperformance are inevitable over a 162-game season. If Varland can rediscover his form, he will give the club valuable depth in the bullpen. Conversely, if his struggles continue, the Twins may be forced to make a tough decision regarding his future as other pitchers pass him on the team’s depth chart. With younger pitchers like Woods Richardson, Matthews, and Festa climbing the ranks, the Twins may not have the patience to wait for Varland to figure things out. The Twins must give him a season to adjust to being a full-time reliever without jerking him back and forth from Triple-A to the big leagues. He took value away from the Twins in 2024, but now he can seize a new role and thrive. For Varland, 2025 is about finding sustained success at the big-league level, albeit in a different role than the one he might have hoped to fill. The Twins have options, and he is no longer a guaranteed part of their long-term plans. It’s now or never for the Minnesota native, as he either finds a way to contribute or risks being left behind. What value can Varland provide to the Twins? Is he best suited as a starter or reliever? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

A shocking development has surfaced as the Minnesota Twins report to Fort Myers for spring training. Every single player has arrived in the best shape of their lives. That’s right, folks. The Twins are in such pristine condition that local Florida gyms have reported an unprecedented shortage of free weights, and protein shake supply chains are struggling to keep up. Royce Lewis, now allegedly boasting an 8% body fat percentage and an entirely new set of abs, was the first to comment on his own new physique. “I just really committed this offseason,” Lewis said while effortlessly flipping a tractor tire across the outfield. “Some guys do yoga, some do pilates. I personally just ran up and down Mount Everest every morning. It really unlocked something in me. I don't do slumps, but I do slopes, brother.” Carlos Correa, whose plantar fasciitis was a major talking point last season, dismissed any concerns with a bold declaration. “My foot? It’s stronger than ever,” Correa said, balancing on one foot atop a Bosu ball while juggling kettlebells. “I trained exclusively on a surface of uneven rocks to make sure it’s indestructible. Also, I might have developed the ability to levitate. We’re still testing that.” Meanwhile, Byron Buxton, who entered the offseason healthy for the first time in over half a decade, revealed his new approach. “I decided to just rebuild my entire body from scratch,” Buxton said. “[Surgery] is a tough habit to kick. Had some experimental procedures done. Some people have called it ‘extreme’ or ‘potentially illegal.’ But, let’s just say if I collide with an outfield wall this year, the wall is what’s going to break.” Perhaps the most shocking transformation came from flamethrowing closer Jhoan Durán, who insists his offseason gains have translated directly into his pitching. “My fastball now sits at 112 mph,” Durán said nonchalantly. “It's sitting there now, but I'm touching higher. Hopefully, by the time the weather warms up, I'll be closer to 117, 118." Manager Rocco Baldelli was left speechless, with every player reporting in peak condition. “I—I don’t even know what to say,” Baldelli muttered while gazing at his roster of apparent superhumans. “It’s either a dream come true or a science experiment gone too far. Our chances in 2025? Let’s just say the league might need to implement a mercy rule.” Trainer Nick Paparesta, the mastermind behind these transformations, shared his secret. “It’s really just a mix of science, grit, and a few experimental techniques that are still pending FDA approval,” Paparesta admitted. “We focused on biomechanics, cutting-edge recovery methods, and a whole lot of protein. Also, there may have been some cryogenic freezing involved. But hey, results speak for themselves—and I think the FDA's enforcement officers all got laid off anyway.” With Opening Day still weeks away, one thing is clear: the Minnesota Twins are bigger, faster, stronger, and possibly defying modern sports science. If this trend continues, opponents may soon request hazard pay before taking the field.

Not every top prospect in an organization gets an invite to big-league camp. Some players are far enough away from the big leagues that it doesn’t make sense to rush them. Others have yet to be added to the 40-man roster so they can stay in minor league camp and focus on preparing with the players who are more likely to be their teammates. For the Twins, some of the organization's top prospects will be in big-league camp, with some getting their first opportunity for the big-league coaching staff to get a long look at potential future stars. Here are the top five Twins prospects who will have a big-league locker as the team reports to Fort Myers. 5. Cory Lewis, SP TD Top Prospect Rank: 9 Lewis was the organization’s 2023 minor league pitcher of the year, so hopes were high for him entering last season. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury in spring training last year and missed the season’s first three months. In 19 starts, he posted a 2.51 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP and a 27.9 K%. Most of his starts last season were at Double-A, but he finished the year with one start in St. Paul, where he allowed two earned runs in five innings. Lewis should start the year at Triple-A with the chance for a call-up by the middle of the season. 2025 Prediction: Lewis makes his debut ahead of other pitchers on this list. 4. Marco Raya, SP TD Top Prospect Rank: 5 The Twins have taken a unique approach with Raya by aggressively pushing him up the organizational ladder while also limiting his innings. In his first 55 career appearances, there was only one time where he threw more than 75 pitches. In his age-21 season, he finished the year at Triple-A and posted a 4.05 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP and a 24.6 K%. He has a five-pitch mix, including a mid-90s fastball that he uses up in the zone with high spin rates. His slider is a devastating outpitch with an elite spin rate. His slower curveball and changeup also change the eye level of batters. He must prove he can handle a starter’s workload in 2025. 2025 Prediction: The Twins will unleash Raya this year by allowing him to pitch a career-high innings while pitching further into games. 3. Andrew Morris, SP TD Top Prospect Rank: 6 Morris has used his college experience at Texas Tech to quickly move through the Twins system. Last season, he nearly followed Zebby Matthews from High-A to the MLB level in one season. Morris topped out at Triple-A, but his overall numbers were impressive. In 133 innings, he posted a 2.37 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP and a 24.5 K. His over-the-top delivery helps him to hide the ball, making it more difficult for batters to track his five-pitch mix. He follows a recent trend with Twins draftees as the club takes college arms in the mid-to-late rounds and quickly finds a way to add velocity. In 2024, he averaged 94 mph and showed an ability to amp it up to the high 90s. Morris pounds the strike zone with solid pitch offerings, which is a recipe for success at the big-league level. 2025 Prediction: Morris will establish himself as a mid-rotation starter in what is becoming a fruitful Twins pitching pipeline. 2. Luke Keaschall, UTL TD Top Prospect Rank: 3 Keaschall is returning from Tommy John surgery, but the Twins expect him to be ready for the season’s start. Last year, he was the organization’s breakout hitter, batting .303/.420/.483 (.903) with 21 doubles and 15 home runs in 102 games. Keaschall enters this season as a consensus top-100 prospect, with Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus ranking him in their top 45 players. He finished last season at Double-A so the Twins could send him back to Wichita to get his feet under him before a promotion to St. Paul. He seems like the kind of player Twins manager Rocco Baldelli will gravitate towards. Look for the manager to sing Keaschall’s praises this spring. 2025 Prediction: Keaschall will debut in the first half and provide enough value that it will be tough for him to be sent back down. 1. Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF TD Top Prospect Rank: 2 In many other organizations, Rodriguez would be the top-ranked prospect. His approach is unique, with some of the best plate discipline of any Twins prospect in recent memory and showcasing elite power potential. His professional career has been hampered by injury, but he's shown tremendous ability when healthy. Last season, he hit .280/.459/.567 (1.026) with 14 doubles and nine home runs in 209 plate appearances. His 29.7 K% is high, but he pairs it with a 24.4 BB%. The Twins think highly of Rodriguez and pushed him to Triple-A last season despite missing time due to multiple injuries. He’s one of baseball’s best prospects and will impact the Twins lineup sooner rather than later. 2025 Prediction: Rodriguez will provide a second-half spark to the Twins lineup that propels the team to the postseason. Rodriguez and Keaschall will get a lot of attention, but the trio of top pitching prospects also brings excitement to big-league camp. None of the players seem destined to make the Opening Day roster, but they should all play regularly in St. Paul at some point in 2025. The Saints will have an exciting roster, and these five players will be only one step away from making their MLB debuts. Which prospect are you most excited to see during spring training? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

Reporting to spring training is a time when most fan bases can have hope for the upcoming season. This year, it’s an opportunity for Twins fans to get the bad taste out of their mouth after one of the worst collapses in team history. The AL Central projects to be a tight race, with multiple teams in contention for the top spot. Minnesota might have the best projected roster, but a lot can happen throughout 162 games. Here are four hot topics to consider as the team reports to Fort Myers. Topic 1: Can the Twins stay healthy? Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Brock Stewart missed significant time in the second half, while the rest of the roster imploded down the stretch. There were positive reports from TwinsFest around Buxton and Correa’s health, but there are no guarantees with their lengthy injury histories. Stewart is a little behind entering camp, so the Twins will ensure he is fully healthy. He could be a candidate to begin the year on the IL. There will likely be other injuries that pop up as the team ramps up for the regular season, and the Twins have depth at multiple positions to provide a cushion. Buxton and Correa are the key to the offense producing at a high level so that all eyes will be on the team’s two superstars. There were no new updates by manager Rocco Baldelli on new injuries of note or concern as of yesterday. That's a great first step in the right direction. Topic 2: Who’s on first? The Twins lost Carlos Santana to free agency this winter, and it seemed like the front office might be satisfied with handing the reins to José Miranda or Edouard Julien. However, the Twins signed Ty France to a non-guaranteed one-year deal this week to add depth to the position. He was an All-Star as recently as 2022, but his offensive numbers have dipped over the last two seasons (97 OPS+, 0.1 WAR). Perhaps France’s addition is a way to push Miranda and Julien this spring, because it seems in the team’s best interest for that duo to be the regulars at first in 2025. There have also been discussions about Willi Castro playing some time at first base. France is an interesting bounce-back candidate in his own right. Topic 3: Who gets the final bench spot? There are clear options for the team’s bench, with Christian Vázquez and Harrison Bader locked into spots. Brooks Lee and Julien aren’t guaranteed roster spots, after poor offensive performance in the second half. FanGraphs currently projects the team’s bench to include Vázquez, Bader, France, and Julien. Mickey Gasper is another potential bench option, with a modicum of positional flexibility. Jair Camargo and Diego Cartaya are also options in a third catcher role. It seems likely that injuries will arise during spring training, and that’s when the team’s depth will be tested. Topic 4: Will any non-roster invitees make the Opening Day roster? Earlier this week, the Twins announced their non-roster invites, and there are some exciting names on the list, including multiple top prospects. Top pitching prospects Andrew Morris and Cory Lewis will likely make their debuts during the 2025 season, but neither is expected to be on the Opening Day roster. Luke Keaschall is returning from Tommy John surgery and should be a big-league option in the season’s second half. Usually, though, it's the veteran NRIs who make the biggest pushes for Opening Day jobs. Castro was an NRI in 2023. Armando Alvarez and Mike Ford have played at the big-league level with other organizations, and that could give them an inside track for a bench role if injuries impact the projected roster. Scott Blewett, Randy Dobnak, and Ryan Jensen pitched at Triple-A last season and have an outside chance at impacting the bullpen in 2025. Minnesota enters spring with a positive outlook, but there will be questions for the front office to answer. Are Buxton and Correa prepared for a healthy 2025? Who takes over as the team's regular first baseman? What other players could be surprise additions to the Opening Day roster? Spring training is here; it's time to get excited about 2025. How would you answer these questions? What other topics will you be following during spring training? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

Most national outlets have released their top prospect lists in recent weeks, making for some fun discussions about where prospects land on the rankings. Jamie Cameron and Cody Christie were inspired by MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo, who recently mock-drafted a 10-player team of prospects based on the top 10 players at each position. For this draft, Jamie and Cody used a similar 10-player team format, but focused on prospect-eligible players throughout the Twins system. Each team could only have one player per position, except for the outfield, where there were three roster positions. For pitching, each team selected one right-handed and one left-handed pitcher. It was a snake-style draft, which made for some fun strategy and surprising picks. So, who ended up with the best team? Let’s find out. NOTE: For the purposes of this draft, we considered Zebby Matthews ineligible after making his MLB debut in 2024. We kept these picks strictly to prospects who haven’t seen MLB action yet. Round 1 Christie (1st Overall): Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF Walker Jenkins is the consensus top prospect in the Twins organization, but I went for Rodriguez with the first pick because I believe he can stick in center field. Obviously, he needs to stay healthy after being limited to 47 games last season. However, his upside is through the roof, and the Twins have aggressively promoted him through the system. Rodriguez is going to be the cornerstone of my team at an up-the-middle position. Cameron (2nd Overall): Walker Jenkins, OF Wow, can’t say I saw a top-five global prospect being available with the second pick, but I gratefully accept. Jenkins displayed an elite hit tool in 2024, reaching Double A as a 19-year-old, despite missing 60 games through injury in a season he called ‘disappointing’. I think the power is coming for Jenkins. He has a chance to be the best prospect in baseball this time next year, and could even be knocking on the door of the majors by the end of this season. Round 2 Cameron (3rd Overall): Luke Keaschall, 2B I’m focused on acquiring as much high-end talent as possible, and Keaschall is clearly the third-best prospect in the system. Planned Tommy John surgery cut his season short in August, but he thrived through two levels, managing a .416 wOBA and 158 wRC+ in 102 games with 15 bombs. Getting Jenkins and Keaschall despite picking second feels like a win. Now things will get really interesting. Christie (4th Overall): Kaelen Culpepper, SS As with Rodriguez, I’m picking Culpepper to solidify the up-the-middle positions on my roster. During his professional debut (112 PA), he posted an impressive 110 wRC+ with a 13.4 K%. Many outlets believe he can stick at shortstop, and his arm is good enough to stay on the left side of the infield if the Twins need to move him to third. The 2025 season is going to be big for Culpepper, as he has a chance to move quickly into the system’s upper levels. Round 3 Christie (5th Overall): Charlee Soto, RHP This was my toughest pick so far, as I was wavering between selecting another position player or taking the pitcher I view as the system’s best. I decided on Soto because I believe he has the highest ceiling and the best chance to be a front-line starter. His fastball sits in the upper 90s, his changeup gets a lot of swings and misses, and his slider continues to improve. He has future ace written all over him, and I’m excited that he’s anchoring my staff. Cameron (6th Overall): Connor Prielipp, LHP That’s two great picks from Cody. Soto has already made a top-100 list and Culpepper made Baseball America's 100-200 list. Left-handed pitching is in short supply in the Twins system, so I’m taking Connor Prielipp here. While the injury history and lack of track record is a concern, it’s a tantalizing arsenal, with a wipeout slider and a changeup that has come on by leaps and bounds. Prielipp struck out over 40% of hitters after making his comeback last season. Round 4 Cameron (7th Overall): Kyle DeBarge, SS I had a few interesting options here, but I’m going to keep stacking exceptional hit tools. DeBarge took off in his junior year at University of Louisiana-Lafayette, with a 21-home run season. He has a good approach at the plate and great bat-to-ball skills. He’ll handle shortstop just fine. The only question mark in his short debut was getting more consistent loft in his batted-ball events. I’m counting on DeBarge to make short work of the low minors in 2025. Christie (8th Overall): Brandon Winokur, OF Last season, the Twins used Winokur at three different defensive positions, including shortstop, third base, and center field. I’m selecting him to slot him into a corner outfield spot, because he’s 6-foot-6 and will continue to fill out as he enters his 20s. Last season at Low A, his OPS was over 100 points higher than the league average and added a 116 wRC+. He strikes out a lot (28.0 K%), but he’s going to have the power to make him an offensive threat. Round 5 Christie (9th Overall): Billy Amick, 3B Some strategy is starting to come into the draft as we reach the halfway point. We know the needs of the other team, and that makes it easier to plan future picks. Amick’s professional debut showcased some positive signs for a player projected to be a slugger. He limited whiffs (19.5 K%) and controlled the strike zone (15.6 BB%). He hits the ball with authority, and that’s what I want from the hot corner. Cameron (10th Overall): Rayne Doncon, 3B I have a value I like here with Doncon. Not a heralded prospect, but he was quietly productive in 2024. Across Low- and High A, he put up a .773 OPS, good for a 121 wRC+. The trade acquisition whacked 38 extra-base hits, walked 11% of the time and struck out at a 22% clip. That’s a really solid platform. Doncon has already entered some Twins top 10 lists. He’s passed the tests presented to him so far. He’ll face a tough one with a jump to Double A at some point in 2025. Round 6 Cameron (11th Overall): Yasser Mercedes, OF This was a tough pick, as I had a few candidates in mind. Aside from some injury challenges in 2023, Mercedes has shown a bunch of above-average tools. He has an .860 OPS with 56 extra-base hits and 57 steals in 127 career games, all before turning 20 years old. Add solid strike zone control (12.3 BB% and 25 K%) to above-average defense in center field, and there’s an exciting prospect who showed folks why he secured a $1.7-million bonus in the international market. I thought about Beltre here, but I’m going with the track record in the US. Christie (12th Overall): Ricardo Olivar, C I left Mercedes on the board in the fifth round because I thought he’d make it to me with the 12th pick. Jamie had other plans and sniped him. Instead, I’m going to draft for need and take a catcher in Olivar, even though I don’t fully trust his defensive chops. Over the last three seasons, his 143 wRC+ ranks second in the Twins system behind Rodriguez (my first overall pick). He gets on base and has enough pop to provide a ton of offensive value for a backstop. Round 7 Christie (13th Overall): Eduardo Beltre, OF This was my most challenging pick so far, as I wavered between the high ceiling of Beltre or the sturdier floor with a player like Kala’i Rosario. Beltre signed for $1.5 million as part of last year’s international class and quickly made a name for himself in the Dominican Summer League. In 181 PA, he posted a 177 wRC+ while ranking in the league’s top three for home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS. He’s a long way from Target Field, but has the potential to be a dynamic player. Cameron (14th Overall): Payton Eeles, OF I thought about going Keirsey Jr here, but that felt a little safe (and he’s 27). Instead, I’m going with Payton Eeles (who might be an infield option for Cody), mostly to recognize the incredible 2024 ride he had as an undrafted free agent (he logged time at CF and RF for the Saints). Eeles played 111 games across 3 MiLB levels in 2024, finishing the season at Triple A. He hit .306 (.932 OPS) with 14% BB%, 14% K%, a 155 wRC+, and 39 extra-base hits. The next 50 games or so will tell us if Eeles has a shot at major-league playing time. Round 8 Cameron (15th Overall): Carson McCusker, 1B I’m going back-to-back undrafted free agents, taking McCusker as my big dude who dings dongs and can stand at first base. At 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds, McCusker is another unheralded prospect, but he managed a 132 wRC+ across 122 games in the minors' two highest levels in 2024 (.841 OPS). It’s a lot of strikeouts (close to 30%), but he also hit 19 home runs. The power is real, and if the timing is right, he might just get a shot with the big-league club in 2025. Christie (16th Overall): Dasan Hill, LHP The Twins took Hill in the fourth round of last summer’s draft out of Grapevine High School in Texas. Some viewed him as a potential first-round pick and Minnesota had to go overslot to sign him. He is a monster on the mound at 6-foot-5 with room to add some weight to his frame (165 pounds). His fastball is currently in the low- to mid-90s and he pairs it with a pair of breakers and a changeup that lags behind the rest of the arsenal. The slider is the real deal. I’m not super excited about both pitchers on my roster being high school picks, but their upside is undeniable. Round 9 Christie (17th Overall): Dameury Pena, 2B There are some clear comps between Pena and former Twin Luis Arráez. After signing in 2023, he posted a .382 BA during his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League. Last season, Pena came Stateside and posted a .282 BA while his wRC+ dropped from 156 to 120. He’s going to need to find a way to keep hitting for a high average for the Arráez comps to continue. Cameron (18th Overall): Andrew Morris, RHP Andrew Morris has a good chance to remain a starter and will make his major-league debut in 2025. Like Zebby Matthews, his stuff has continued to tick up since turning pro to add to a close-to-elite strike-throwing profile. It’s a five-pitch mix for Morris, with a plus fastball and slider and average cutter, curveball, and changeup. He posted a 2.36 FIP in 133 innings in 2024 (striking out 25% of hitters and walking just 5.9% while reaching Triple A). Don’t be surprised if Morris has a tweaked arsenal when he reports for spring training. It’s likely a back-end profile, but he could end up a strong number three if he continues to miss bats at a solid clip. Round 10 Cameron (19th Overall): Khadim Diaw, C The Twins draft board held up better than expected for hitters in 2024 and they took Diaw in the third round, 96th overall. He’ll be 21 for almost all of the 2025 season, and there’s plenty to like in the profile. In his first 100 plate appearances at Single A, he hit .271/.374/.341, walking 11.1% of the time and striking out just 14%. His wRC+ of 114 is a solid start to his pro career, particularly for a catcher. Age and positional scarcity are on his side. He might progress a little slower than some of his collegiate hitting counterparts from the 2024 class, but he’s worth keeping an eye on in 2025. Christie (20th Overall): Yunior Severino, 1B It seems fitting for Severino to be the Mr. Irrelevant in our mock draft. In 2023, he led all the minor leagues in home runs with 35 between Double- and Triple A. Following the season, the Twins added him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. The 2024 campaign was a disappointment, as his wRC+ dropped to 101, but he cut back on strikeouts (27.3 K%) and drew more walks (11.9 BB%). The Twins believed enough in him to re-sign him, and he gets another shot to prove 2023 wasn’t a fluke. Pos. Team Christie Team Cameron C Ricardo Olivar Khadim Diaw 1B Yunior Severino Carson McCusker 2B Dameury Pena Luke Keaschall 3B Billy Amick Rayne Doncon SS Kaelen Culpepper Kyle DeBarge OF Emmanuel Rodriguez Walker Jenkins OF Brandon Winokur Yasser Mercedes OF Eduardo Beltre Payton Eeles LHP Dasan Hill Connor Prielipp RHP Charlee Soto Andrew Morris Team Christie Draft Recap: I probably overthought the first pick and should have gone with the best available player. However, I had a specific strategy in mind, and I’m happy with how the up-the-middle players shaped up early in the draft. My outfield has a lot of power potential and my pitchers might be the organization’s highest-upside arms. On defense, my outfielders have all played center field and I think the double-play duo can be strong. The Twins continue to do a strong job of drafting, signing, and developing players and this draft showcases some of those strengths. Team Cameron Draft Recap: I’m happy with how my team turned out. I landed who I see as the Twins' best and third-best prospects, and have a ton of great hit tools in this lineup. I’d add that I feel good about my team’s defense in general, although I definitely came up short in the power category. I like the balance of having a high-floor righty to go with a high-ceiling lefty as my pitching group. This was a fun exercise and highlights some of the depth of the Twins' system beyond the top 3-6 prospects, who are discussed the most. Who has the best team? Who was picked too low? Too high? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

The Minnesota Twins have had an interesting offseason, announcing the team's impending sale, but there were relatively few roster changes until last week. The front office agreed to deals with Danny Coulombe and Harrison Bader for a combined $9.25 million. While these moves improve the team’s bullpen and outfield depth, they also raise questions about the organization’s payroll strategy. The Pohlads, long known for their measured spending habits, slashed payroll from $158 million in 2023 to $130 million last season. Early indications were that the 2025 payroll would remain around that mark, yet the Twins currently sit at an estimated $147 million. So, what changed? One possibility is that ownership has decided to loosen the purse strings slightly, in an effort to keep the roster competitive. After all, the team was left reeling at the end of 2025 after one of the worst collapses in team history. However, there have also been rumors that the Twins are shopping veterans like Willi Castro, Christian Vázquez, and Chris Paddack. Each of these players fills a critical role, whether as a versatile utility option (Castro), an experienced catcher (Vázquez), or a back-end starter (Paddack). Trading any of them would take away from the team’s depth, so why explore those moves if payroll isn’t a significant issue? Another potential explanation is that the Pohlads are expecting to sell the team in full before some of these bills come due. Reports indicate that new ownership could be in place by midseason, meaning the current regime may not be overly concerned with keeping payroll at a strict level. By June, another owner might be writing the payroll checks. President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey recently spoke on the subject, acknowledging that the team had been granted additional financial flexibility. The spending space came about after Twins chairman Joe Pohlad “greenlighted… the ability to add a little bit here to this team. I think that’s a credit to them and certainly a tick up for us that allows us to add a little bit more to this roster that we feel already had a good base, but now we’ve clicked off some of those needs." Falvey also mentioned that the trade market has cooled in recent weeks, as teams prepare to head to spring training. This could mean the Twins' trio of expiring contracts might stay with the club. However, this front office has made trades late in previous offseasons, so never say never. “I think teams are a little more focused internally now, as they’re ready to ship off to Arizona and Florida and try to get things squared away [for spring training],” Falvey said. “Some of those last remaining free agents, I think that’s been the vast majority of the noise.” Yes, the Pohlads were willing to stretch the budget beyond initial projections, but it remains unclear just how far they are willing to go. Some reports have the Twins interested in adding a backup shortstop, which would likely put the team’s payroll closer to $150 million. Will they really continue to make additions, or will they look to trim payroll before Opening Day? If the team does end up moving one or more veterans, it could signal that ownership is still mindful of finances, even as they prepare for a sale. For now, ownership has pushed the payroll. The additional spending has allowed them to solidify their roster, but the looming uncertainty surrounding ownership makes future moves challenging to predict. It seems a foregone conclusion that the Pohlads are on their way out the door, and they may be willing to let payroll rise as a final gesture of goodwill to the fans (or a cheap sop to a frustrated baseball operations department). Either way, Twins Territory will watch closely to see how the situation unfolds. Do the Twins have any more wiggle room in the payroll for 2025? What’s the team’s most significant need at this point? Leave a comment and start the discussion.