Cody Christie

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey (Photos of Walker Jenkins & Kaelen Culpepper), Rob Thompson (Photo of Emmanuel Rodriguez) The Twins’ front office has tried to walk a fine line in recent years: remaining competitive while holding onto top prospects that represent the future core. That balancing act is nearing its end. Within the next year, Minnesota is expected to see one of the largest waves of homegrown talent the franchise has had since the early 2000s. The result could be a lineup packed with youth, upside, and plenty of growing pains. Here’s a look at what the 2026 Twins lineup might realistically look like in the second half of next season, and why these names are part of the long-term plan. Catcher: TBD The catcher position remains a question mark, after years of stability. With Ryan Jeffers likely on the move by the 2026 trade deadline, Minnesota seems sure to bring in a stopgap veteran. That player will handle most of the second-half catching duties in 2026, while the organization takes a longer look at its internal options. Most fans will be waiting on Eduardo Tait, the top prospect acquired for Jhoan Duran, but he won’t be ready for Target Field until 2027 or later. First Base: <Insert Veteran First Baseman Name> First base continues to be a revolving door. The club has gone the veteran route in recent years, with Ty France underperforming and Carlos Santana exceeding expectations defensively en route to a Gold Glove. Aaron Sabato lingers as a potential internal option, but the Twins have yet to show real belief in him. Expect another short-term veteran acquisition until a long-term solution emerges—but don't expect it to be a high-profile or high-cost one. Second Base: Luke Keaschall The former third-round pick has made his mark on the Twins this season and pushed himself into the team’s long-term plans. Keaschall’s feel for contact and his athleticism make him a strong candidate to grab hold of the second base job. He likely will also see some time in the outfield as he gets further away from last summer’s Tommy John surgery. His steady bat gives the Twins a reliable option in the middle infield, and his on-base skills fit nicely into a developing core. Third Base: Brooks Lee While Royce Lewis has been the face of the franchise’s future at third base, the Twins may look to move on from him this winter in an attempt to shake up the core of the roster. That would shift Lee to the hot corner, as other shortstop prospects matriculate through the farm system behind him. Lee’s switch-hitting ability and consistent contact skills have shown some flaws in his first full season in the big leagues. He must start proving he can lay off borderline pitches and hit for more power. Shortstop: Kaelen Culpepper Drafted as a projectable shortstop, Culpepper has made steady progress offensively and answered some draft day questions about his defense. His development with the glove gives him a chance to stick at one of the most demanding positions, and his emerging bat could make him a long-term answer up the middle. In his first 100 games this season, he posted an .843 OPS while being two years younger than the average age of the competition in the Texas League. With Lee’s speed as a question mark up the middle, Culpepper may get the nod sooner, rather than later. Left Field: Walker Jenkins The Twins’ crown jewel prospect should be ready to take on Target Field’s spacious left field as early as next year. An argument can be made that the Twins should have him on next year’s Opening Day roster. That likely won’t happen, but Jenkins has all the makings of a franchise cornerstone, including size, power, patience, and an advanced feel for hitting. Minnesota promoted him to Triple-A this weekend, where the 20-year-old will get an opportunity to compile numbers in the offense-friendly International League. When he reaches the majors, he likely will endure some early struggles, but his upside is unmatched in the organization. Center Field: Byron Buxton The heart of the franchise still beats in center field. While health remains an ongoing concern, Buxton continues to be a difference-maker when on the field. If he’s able to stay in the lineup like he has in 2025, his veteran presence will be invaluable to a young group learning how to win. This is a similar role to the one played by Matt Lawton in 2001, when the Twins surprised many by being in contention in the first half (before slumping down the stretch). Right Field: Emmanuel Rodriguez Rodriguez brings a tantalizing power-and-patience profile that should translate well at the big-league level. Unfortunately, injuries have limited him throughout his pro career. His ability to get on base and drive the ball into the gaps could make him one of the most dangerous hitters in the lineup. The Twins see him as a key part of the corner outfield mix moving forward. Designated Hitter: Matt Wallner Wallner has shown flashes of becoming a serious power threat, and the designated hitter role gives him the flexibility to focus on his bat. While contact issues remain a concern, his left-handed power is an asset the Twins will need as they enter a new era. He’s been the team’s second-best hitter (behind Buxton) over the last two seasons. Like Lewis, he could be a trade candidate if the Twins want to shake up the core. Projected 2026 Twins Batting Order (2nd Half of Season) Luke Keaschall – 2B Byron Buxton – CF Matt Wallner – DH Brooks Lee – 3B Walker Jenkins – LF Emmanuel Rodriguez – RF Kaelen Culpepper – SS First Base – TBD Catcher – TBD If this lineup comes together as expected, it will be one of the youngest rosters in baseball. That means plenty of ups and downs, similar to the early-2000s Twins teams at the Metrodome. But like those squads, this group has the potential to grow together into a contender. The stands at Target Field may look sparse at first, but the next wave of Twins baseball could bring fans back in a big way. What changes will occur to this lineup before the second half of next season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of David Malamut (photo of Garrett Horn) Each week, standout performances from across the Minnesota Twins farm system shine a light on the next wave of potential big-leaguers. This week’s hot sheet features a mix of Triple-A power, High-A pitching dominance, and a rising arm making steady progress. From veterans of the system making noise at the upper levels to newly acquired talent settling in and thriving, the organization continues to showcase the depth and upside of its pipeline. These performances not only highlight individual growth, but also hint at how the Twins’ future roster could be shaped in the seasons ahead. RHP Ty Langenberg – RHP, Cedar Rapids Kernels How He Got Here: Langenberg, 23, was selected by the Twins in the 11th round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of the University of Iowa. Last season, he split time between Low and High-A, with a 3.67 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 25.4 K%, and 6.6 BB%. His college experience allowed him to immediately show the ability to throw strikes and work deep into games, with all but two of his appearances lasting five innings or more. Hitting the Hot Button: Langenberg has quietly become a steady force in the Kernels' rotation this summer. Since the calendar turned to July, he has posted a 2.63 ERA, with a 43:14 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 48 innings. During that stretch, he has held opponents to a .569 OPS, including not allowing a home run since June 24. His recent outings have highlighted improved command, putting him in a position to finish the season strong and potentially move to Double-A Wichita. OF Kyler Fedko – St. Paul Saints How He Got Here: Fedko, 25, was drafted by the Twins in the 12th round of the 2021 Draft out of UConn. He spent the entire 2024 season with Wichita before breaking into Triple-A this season. In 77 games, he hit .227/.327/.319, with three home runs and 14 doubles. Minnesota had him repeat Double-A to start the 2025 season, and he found his groove with an .868 OPS and 35 extra-base hits in 88 games. Hitting the Hot Button: Fedko has been the talk of the Twins system in recent weeks, and was named the Twins’ Minor League Player of the Week after a dominant run with St. Paul. In six games, he hit .407 (11-for-27) with two doubles, three home runs, four RBIs, and a 1.299 OPS. On Tuesday against Round Rock, he tied a Saints franchise record with five hits in a single game. The Twins promoted him to Triple-A on August 1, and he’s posted a 1.061 OPS in 20 games. Fedko’s power surge has been especially encouraging, and he’s quickly proving he can handle upper-level pitching. LHP Garrett Horn – Cedar Rapids Kernels How He Got Here: Horn, 22, joined the Twins organization last month from Texas, in exchange for reliever Danny Coulombe. The Greensboro, NC native was a sixth-round pick by the Rangers in the 2024 MLB Draft, out of Liberty University. Before the trade, he made six starts at Low-A, posting a sub-3.00 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. His 29.6 K% and 4.2 BB% had to be intriguing for the Twins, especially since they were dealing Coulombe and his expiring contract. Hitting the Hot Button: Horn’s strong start to his Twins career reached a new peak this week, as he earned Minor League Pitcher of the Week honors. In two starts for Cedar Rapids, he allowed just one run on one hit across eight innings. He struck out 13 batters, while holding opponents to a .042 batting average and a .233 OBP. Walks remain something to monitor, as he has issued 10 free passes in 11 2/3 innings since joining the Twins organization. His swing-and-miss stuff has been electric, though, giving him one of the highest ceilings in the Twins’ High-A rotation. The Twins continue to see contributions from across all levels of the farm system, and this week highlighted how both recent draft picks and trade acquisitions are finding ways to stand out. With Fedko heating up in St. Paul and Horn and Langenberg carving their paths in Cedar Rapids, the system is once again flashing depth that could impact the big-league roster in the near future. Whose performance stands out the most in recent weeks? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Bryon Houlgrave/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK Major League Baseball is headed back to Iowa, and this time, the Twins will get their moment in the spotlight. The Athletic is reporting that Minnesota is set to face the Philadelphia Phillies in a special regular-season game at the Field of Dreams site during August 2026. It will be a home game for the Twins, with MLB’s full schedule for next season set to be released on Tuesday. Baseball Returns to Dyersville It’s been a few years since MLB last ventured into the Iowa cornfields. The Cubs and Reds played the most recent game there in 2022, while the Yankees and White Sox opened the tradition the summer before. After those first two showcases, the temporary stadium was torn down, but a new, permanent ballpark has been built on the grounds. Seating will be limited compared to the roughly 8,000 fans that packed the original games, but the intimacy adds to the charm of the event. Twins fans looking for tickets will likely have to shell out a pretty penny. MLB has experimented with staging games in unique venues recently, bringing contests to places like Tennessee (Bristol Motor Speedway) and Alabama (Rickwood Field). Still, few locations resonate with fans quite like the movie-inspired diamond in Dyersville. With a dedicated stadium now in place, this matchup could cement the Field of Dreams event as a recurring part of the league calendar, much like the annual Little League Classic. Rare Spotlight for the Twins The Twins haven’t been frequent participants in these showcase series. Their last alternate-site game came in 2018, when they played in Puerto Rico against Cleveland. Minnesota had multiple players on that roster who were of Puerto Rican descent, so it made sense for the club to play in the game. This Iowa contest offers Minnesota a chance to step back into the national spotlight, and it’s a particularly fitting venue for a franchise rooted in the Midwest. The Phillies, on the other hand, are no strangers to these special events. In recent years, they’ve suited up in Williamsport twice and traveled overseas for the London Series in 2024. Adding Iowa to their résumé fits right into MLB’s push to make the game more accessible and visible in unique ways. Twins vs. Phillies Storylines Beyond the setting, the matchup itself carries extra juice. The two clubs were linked earlier this year in one of the biggest trades of the season, with Minnesota sending flamethrower Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia in exchange for a package that included top pitching prospect Mick Abel and talented young catcher Eduardo Tait. Duran has flourished in his new role as the Phillies’ closer, bringing his triple-digit heat and his electric entrance to the back end of their bullpen. Abel, meanwhile, made his Twins debut just days ago, though his first outing was a rough one against the White Sox. Still, his upside remains considerable, and it isn’t hard to picture a national TV audience watching Abel start against his former organization next summer. If the Twins move veteran starters like Pablo López or Joe Ryan this offseason, the door for Abel could swing wide open. And if Duran gets the chance to close out the game against Minnesota, it would make for one of the most compelling storylines of the season. (What, one might fairly ask, is the Field of Dreams version of the Duran entrance? It's a contrast of aesthetics that begs to be played with in an interesting way.) Kody Clemens has also settled into an essential role with the Twins. Minnesota acquired Clemens from the Phillies in late April for cash considerations, after he had been designated for assignment. In 83 games for the Twins, he has slashed .217/.285/.455, with a 99 OPS+, 14 home runs and 10 doubles. Clemens already has a famous last name that draws attention, so a revenge game against his former club could add to the game’s intrigue. The Field of Dreams Games is about more than just the standings, because it's a celebration of baseball’s past, present, and future. For the Twins, it’s an opportunity to showcase their young core and connect with fans on a national stage in a uniquely Midwestern setting. In August 2026, the spotlight shifts to Iowa. The corn will be tall, the crowd will be small, but the storylines will be massive. What are you most looking forward to with the Field of Dreams game? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The International League is a very hitter friendly environment. It will be interesting to see if Jenkins can continue to produce with the promotion.

Image courtesy of © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images When the dust settled on this year’s trade deadline, the Minnesota Twins looked like a team in transition, but not necessarily one that had been truly overhauled. On the surface, dealing 10 players from the 26-man roster sounds like a seismic shake-up, but most of those moves involved expiring contracts, bullpen arms, and one high-priced veteran who had long since failed to live up to his contract. Relievers often burn bright and fast, and then (just as quickly) flame out. We’ve seen this before in Minnesota. Tyler Duffey was an indispensable piece of Rocco Baldelli’s bullpen for a short stretch, before he became expendable. Taylor Rogers rose to All-Star status, only to be dealt when the shine wore off. It’s the cycle of relief pitching, with high volatility and short shelf lives. The Twins cashed in on most of their current crop while they still had value. The headliner, of course, was moving on from Carlos Correa. It’s difficult to frame it as anything but a salary dump. Correa seemed relatively healthy this season, with a chance to match his superstar paycheck. Instead, he turned in another year of inconsistency and nagging health issues. From a roster-construction standpoint, the Twins are probably better for reallocating those dollars. But does that really constitute shaking up the “core?” Not exactly. The Real Core Problem If Minnesota truly wants to change its long-term trajectory, the team can’t stop at moving veterans and relievers. The elephant in the room remains a group of once-promising, now-underperforming position players: Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien, Jose Miranda, and Trevor Larnach. All are still in their mid- to late 20s. All have flashed stretches of MLB productivity. And yet, none have proven they can be cornerstone-caliber players over a 162-game season. The Twins have banked heavily on these players to fill everyday roles, but the return has been wildly inconsistent. Larnach’s power has always been enticing, but his approach leaves too many empty at-bats. Miranda has contact skills, but too often puts pitchers’ pitches in play, and now is stuck at Triple-A, even in a lost season. Julien’s bat is supposed to carry him, but holes in his defense and streaky offense leave questions about his long-term fit. And Lewis, who still flashes the tools of a star, has struggled to live up to his numbers from earlier in his career. Some of the career numbers below are sufficient, but all four of these players are trending in the wrong direction. Lewis has an 83 OPS+ in 2025, Julien and Miranda have a negative WAR, and Larnach is going to cost even more through the arbitration process. At this point, none look like long-term core pieces. Player OPS+ WAR WPA Royce Lewis 112 3.9 -0.05 Edouard Julien 99 1.6 -1.37 Jose Miranda 101 2.0 -2.80 Trevor Larnach 101 3.2 -2.08 A Developmental Reckoning All of this leads to a larger question: can the Twins actually develop their top young players once they reach the majors? Prospects are drafted because of raw tools and potential. But turning tools into production requires consistent coaching, development, and refinement at the big-league level. This has long been a weak point for Minnesota. When Derek Falvey arrived from Cleveland, his reputation was as a pitching guru, someone who could spot and develop talent as well as anyone in baseball. The Twins have, indeed, made strides in pitching depth, from drafting college arms to maximizing trade acquisitions. But the organization’s track record with position players leaves plenty to be desired. The list of recent homegrown hitters who turned into actual core pieces is short, and the jury remains out on whether this current crop will ever get there. Matt Wallner and Luke Keaschall have shown promising signs, but there is a long way to go before either can be considered a star, rather than another promising bat—in an environment where that promise feels a lot like a threat. What Comes Next So, did the Twins really shake up their core at the trade deadline? Not yet. They shed bad contracts, moved relievers at peak value, and cleared a few short-term veterans off the books. Those were necessary steps, but they weren’t revolutionary. The actual test of this front office’s vision will be whether they stick by Lewis, Julien, Miranda, and Larnach or finally decide to move on from players who may never reach the heights once expected of them. There is little to no value left in these players, so the front office may have to trade them for underwhelming returns. Until that happens, the so-called “core” of the Twins remains essentially unchanged. Do you believe the Twins shook up their core at the trade deadline? Which player's leaving would signal a true shake-up? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Nick Wosika- -Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins find themselves in an interesting position with their pitching staff. With Pablo López and Simeon Woods Richardson both working their way back from the injured list, the club must balance the short-term goal of finishing the season strong with the long-term considerations tied to each pitcher’s future. Their recent rehab outings with St. Paul provided the first glimpse of what the road back might look like. López’s Return: A Balancing Act of Health and Trade Value López made his first rehab start on Thursday and worked through a demanding outing. The right-hander labored in the first inning, throwing 32 pitches before being removed after hitting his 45-pitch limit in the second. He finished 1 2/3 innings, surrendering a run on four hits, walking one, and striking out two. His velocity looked encouraging, with fastballs averaging 94.3 mph and sinkers holding steady at 93.9 mph. For López, this rehab stint is about more than just regaining his rhythm. Following the Twins’ trade deadline sell-off, López is now the club’s highest guaranteed contract, set to make $21.5 million in both 2026 and 2027. That contract status complicates the picture, because he is a team leader and would like to compete, but his performance down the stretch also doubles as an audition for other clubs should the Twins pursue a trade this winter. Minnesota will want to prove he’s healthy and effective, which makes his workload management even more delicate. Woods Richardson’s Path Back to Stability Woods Richardson followed López in St. Paul and tossed 3 1/3 innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits, while walking one and striking out four. He threw 64 pitches, landing 40 for strikes, with his fastball sitting at 93.3 mph and topping out at 95.2. The results weren’t perfect, but the velocity and ability to miss bats remain encouraging signs for a pitcher returning from injury. Unlike López, Woods Richardson’s situation is less about showcasing trade value and more about development. Still just 24 years old, the Twins hope he can take another step forward as a reliable rotation option. His workload down the stretch needs to be carefully managed, with an emphasis on building innings in a controlled way. Over the last two seasons, he has posted a 100 ERA+ with a K% north of 20.0% and a BB% just above 9.0%. If he can get back to consistently pounding the zone and avoiding the big inning, Minnesota will feel much better about penciling him into next year’s plans. How the Twins Should Handle Them Down the Stretch The Twins are out of contention, but these rehab assignments underline that the rest of the season still matters. López’s starts should be approached with two key goals in mind: proving he is healthy and helping the front office position him as a valuable asset. That doesn’t mean pushing him to his limits. It means measured progress, targeting outings of four to five innings before letting him finish the year in the big-league rotation. For Woods Richardson, the priority is experience and confidence. Minnesota should aim to get him stretched out to around 80–90 pitches, focusing on refining command and sequencing rather than raw results. His ability to consistently compete deep into outings will go a long way toward determining whether he’s viewed as a rotation lock or depth option moving forward. This stretch run may not carry playoff implications, but it still holds weight for the Twins’ future. López needs to show health and effectiveness to either remain a frontline piece or become a centerpiece in a winter trade. Woods Richardson needs to show progress and stability so the team can confidently rely on him in 2026. Both pitchers represent different parts of the Twins’ puzzle, and how the club handles their usage over the next six weeks could have ripple effects far beyond this season. How should the Twins handle these two pitchers over the season’s final month? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints (Photo of Mick Abel) When the Twins acquired Mick Abel, they were getting a former first-round draft pick and taking on a developmental project with frontline potential. Abel, the 15th overall selection in the 2020 MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, carried ace-level upside when he entered pro ball. Still, like many young pitchers, the road to the majors has included both mechanical adjustments and growing pains. Phillies Beginnings Coming out of Jesuit High School in Oregon, Abel was the first high school pitcher off the board in 2020. With a prototypical 6-foot-5 frame and a fastball that sat mid-to-upper 90s, he quickly earned attention as one of Philadelphia’s top prospects. His early years in the Phillies’ system showed flashes of that promise: a four-pitch mix, high strikeout numbers, and the kind of mound presence that screamed rotation anchor. In 2021, he posted a 4.43 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP and 34.9 K% at Low-A. The Phillies were aggressive with him in 2022 as he moved from High-A to Double-A, where he was 4.5 years younger than the average age of the competition. Across 108 1/3 innings, he posted a 4.13 ERA with a 27.6 K% but shrunk his BB% by nearly 4%. He made all but one start at Double-A in 2023 with a 4.13 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. His K% stayed consistent, but his BB% increased back to 13.5%. There were some positive signs, and he was still considered a top-100 global prospect. But there were also challenges as he moved up the organizational ladder. Command wavered, particularly with his secondary pitches, and the fastball-heavy approach left him vulnerable when he couldn’t land his slider and changeup for strikes. In 2024, he had career-worst marks with a 22.7 K% and a 15.1 BB%. Questions began to swirl about whether Abel’s stuff would truly translate against advanced hitters. A New Home in Minnesota Fast forward to 2025, and the Twins saw an opportunity. Abel made a brief MLB debut with the Phillies earlier in the season, but the bulk of his appearances were at Triple-A. His walk rate dropped below 11% for the first time since 2022, and his strikeout rate increased by nearly 4% compared to 2024. Abel became part of a prospect package the Phillies used to acquire Jhoan Duran, and Minnesota immediately identified him as a candidate for a mechanical overhaul. Early results in St. Paul showed improved strike-throwing and a sharper pitch profile, with one of the most intriguing developments being the addition of a new pitch. The Twins asked Abel to experiment with a sweeper, a pitch that has become increasingly popular across baseball. In his most recent Triple-A start, Abel unveiled the new breaking ball, and the results were promising. He only used the pitch to right-handed batters, and it had the second-highest spin rate of any pitch he threw. In that start, he had a 43.1 Whiff% and struck out 11 batters. For Abel, the sweeper represents another weapon to keep hitters guessing. Combined with a mid-90s fastball and a developing curveball, his arsenal suddenly looks far more dynamic. What Comes Next? The Twins haven’t rushed Abel, and for good reason. He’s only 24, and despite his pedigree, the organization sees him as a long-term piece, and that’s why they wanted him to get some time to acclimate to the organization. But the progress is tangible: a simplified delivery, more consistency in the strike zone, and now, a new breaking ball that could give him the out pitch he’s lacked in recent seasons. “I think some opportunities for us to help him refine his slider a little bit more and make that a little bit more of a weapon against righties,” Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll explained. “For him, it’s really just keep getting innings under your belt and make sure you are as prepared as possible. He got a cameo of sorts at the big-league level earlier this year, and we want to make sure he can keep pushing forward developmentally to take that next step.” Minnesota has had success in reshaping young arms, with Joe Ryan being the team’s biggest success story in recent years. Abel’s path won’t look identical, but the framework is in place. If the Twins can continue to harness his raw stuff while building confidence in the sweeper, Abel could go from former first-round question mark to a legitimate playoff-caliber starter in the seasons ahead. What stands out about Abel's time in the minor leagues? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge (Photo of Walker Jenkins) The Minnesota Twins find themselves in an interesting spot when it comes to their crown jewel prospect, Walker Jenkins. The 20-year-old outfielder has handled everything the organization has thrown his way. His strong showing at Double-A Wichita has positioned him for a late-season bump to Triple-A St. Paul, setting the stage for a pivotal spring training next year. The question becomes: can Jenkins break camp with the big-league club in 2026? The Path Forward Minnesota has taken a patient approach with its position players in recent years, preferring to give them plenty of at-bats at each level. But Jenkins has looked like an outlier since the moment he signed. His bat speed, pitch recognition, and advanced approach scream "big-league ready" sooner than most recently drafted players. If he carries that success into a late-season Triple-A stint, he’ll enter Fort Myers next March with the chance to push his way onto the 26-man roster. The Twins’ outfield picture also creates opportunity. Injuries and inconsistencies have left room for a cornerstone to emerge. If Jenkins’ bat proves too loud to ignore, the organization may have no choice but to let him skip the final developmental checkpoints and see how he handles major-league pitching right away. Is He Ready? Jenkins has already shown in 2025 that his bat is ahead of the curve. Through his Double-A season, he’s posted an OPS north of .880 while limiting strikeouts against advanced pitching (17.9 K% vs. 14.3 BB%), a sign of his mature approach at the plate. He also flashed the all-around game that made him a top-five draft pick, with steady defense in the outfield and improved baserunning instincts (12-for-16 in stolen base attempts). Simply put, he hasn’t just held his own, he’s looked like one of the best players on the field most nights, which is precisely the kind of performance that forces an organization to consider skipping the usual development timeline. Since July 18, he is hitting .362/.436/.574 (1.011) with six doubles and four home runs. The Twins haven’t had a prospect of Jenkins’ caliber in quite some time. Royce Lewis and Byron Buxton were in the same category of prospect, but injuries slowed their progress in the minors. That made it less likely for them to start the year on the big-league roster, and it also gave the Twins more service time control. Joe Mauer was the last prominent Twins prospect to make the jump from Double-A to the majors the next season. Those are some big footsteps to follow, but the Twins may have another incentive to move quickly with Jenkins that didn’t exist when Mauer was a prospect. Prospect Promotion Incentive Factor The Collective Bargaining Agreement added another wrinkle for teams making decisions with elite prospects. The Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI) was created to encourage teams to promote their top players when they’re ready, rather than holding them down for service-time manipulation. The rules are clear: to qualify, a player must rank on at least two of the three major preseason Top 100 lists (MLB Pipeline, Baseball America, ESPN), retain rookie eligibility, and make the Opening Day roster. If the rookie accrues a full year of service time and finishes in the top three of MVP or Cy Young voting or wins Rookie of the Year, the team earns an extra draft pick. It’s happened four times since the system was implemented: Julio Rodríguez (2022 AL ROY) → Mariners gained an extra pick in 2023 Gunnar Henderson (2023 AL ROY) → Orioles gained an extra pick in 2024 Corbin Carroll (2023 NL ROY) → Diamondbacks gained an extra pick in 2024 Bobby Witt Jr. (2024 AL MVP finalist) → Royals gained an extra pick in 2025 On the other side, the Pirates missed out when Paul Skenes debuted in mid-May 2024 despite winning Rookie of the Year. His late arrival cost Pittsburgh a valuable selection. The Twins will have every incentive to give Jenkins a real chance next spring. If he makes the team and lives up to expectations, Minnesota could end up with an extra draft pick as a reward, an opportunity no front office should take lightly. Balancing Act Of course, this all comes down to readiness. The Twins can’t force the issue to chase a draft pick. A player’s confidence and long-term development come first. However, some teams may value the service time aspect and team control over a player compared to the extra draft pick. But Jenkins’ profile puts him in rare territory as a big bat that is polished beyond his years for a big-league team that has struggled to find an offensive spark for the past two seasons. If he hits the ground running in Triple-A this September, fans should keep their eyes on Fort Myers next March. Jenkins could give Minnesota a cornerstone outfielder for the next decade and potentially a bonus draft pick in the process. Can Jenkins break camp with the club next spring? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints (photo of Connor Prielipp) When the St. Paul Saints announced that Connor Prielipp would be making the jump from Double-A Wichita, it was another milestone in what has already been a winding journey. One of the hardest-throwing southpaws in the system, Prielipp’s ascent is notable for both his talent and his turbulence. After all, this is the first year he’s pitched above Single-A, and injuries have repeatedly slowed his path. For Twins fans hoping to see him in Minneapolis soon, there are still some boxes that need to be checked before he’s ready for The Show. Staying on the Mound The first and most crucial question mark surrounding Prielipp is simple: health. Since being drafted in 2022, he has undergone both Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure, costing him the better part of two seasons. Between Alabama, the minors, and his pro rehab, his innings total since 2020 remains shockingly light for a 24-year-old pitcher (under 32 professional innings entering 2025). The Twins know he has the arsenal to compete, but the reality is that his body hasn’t proven it can hold up across a full professional season. At Double-A Wichita, Minnesota kept his workload tightly managed. He never pitched past the fifth inning and never threw more than 76 pitches in an outing. That caution speaks volumes. Before the Twins can even consider him for a rotation spot in Minneapolis, he’ll need to prove he can consistently take the ball every fifth day without setback. Building Up the Innings The next step in Prielipp’s progression is building volume. In Wichita, his strikeout numbers were eye-catching (27% K rate), but the club has yet to see him navigate a lineup three times through or reach the 90–100 pitch range that big-league starters regularly handle. In his last three Double-A appearances, he allowed multiple earned runs and averaged just over three innings and 70 pitches per appearance. Triple-A will provide the stage for this. Even if his ERA or strikeout totals fluctuate, what the Twins want to see is stamina. Can he get through five innings regularly? Can he stay sharp past the 70-pitch mark? Until he demonstrates those traits, he’ll remain more of a “talented prospect” than a true major-league option. In his Triple-A debut on Tuesday, he pitched 3 1/3 innings on 81 pitches (53 strikes) with four walks and five strikeouts. Command, Not Just Stuff One area that makes Prielipp stand out is his ability to throw strikes. His 6.7% walk rate ranked among the best in the Texas League, and his career strikeout-to-walk ratio (20.4 K-BB% at Double-A) is one of the highest in the Twins’ system. Still, command in the upper minors is a different beast. Triple-A hitters are far less likely to chase out of the zone and more capable of punishing mistakes left over the plate. Nerves may have impacted his Triple-A debut, where he walked a season-high four batters. At Double-A, Prielipp never walked more than two batters in a game. For Prielipp, refining that edge between throwing strikes and commanding them will be crucial. His slider is a true out pitch, but big-league hitters will force him to land his fastball consistently in the zone if he’s going to find success at the next level. Lessons From the Bullpen Path The Twins have been down this road before with talented but injury-risk arms. Most recently, Jhoan Duran was shifted to a relief role after his own durability questions surfaced. That transition allowed him to stay healthy, focus on shorter bursts, and eventually become one of the most dominant late-inning weapons in all of baseball. The same fate could await Prielipp if the innings never build up or if the medical red flags persist. His mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider could play up even more in relief, giving the Twins another potential weapon at the back of their bullpen. It’s not the preferred path, because Minnesota would love to develop him as a starter. However, history shows that the bullpen can sometimes be the best way to unlock a pitcher’s potential while managing risk. What Comes Next? The Twins didn’t promote Prielipp to St. Paul because he was dominating Double-A. He had a 3.65 ERA with a 1.49 WHIP, and those numbers don’t scream “ready.” Instead, they want him tested against more advanced hitters while stretching his arm in a more controlled environment. If he stays healthy and can handle a larger workload, he has the tools to move quickly from “project” to “rotation option.” In many ways, Prielipp remains the ultimate high-risk, high-reward arm in the system. The ceiling is that of a playoff-caliber starter, the kind of cost-controlled lefty that the Twins haven’t developed in years. But the floor, if his health doesn’t hold or he can’t build innings, is a reliever role or stalled progression. For now, the biggest victory is that Prielipp is still healthy. The Saints placed him on the development list after his outing Tuesday, to give themselves an extra arm as they massage and manage his workload in the final phase of the season, but he has no injury concerns at the moment. The next victory will be when he proves he no longer needs such careful handling, in whatever role. What stands out about Prielipp’s season so far? What will his role be in 2026 and beyond? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Twins Daily has exclusively uncovered what appears to be the most shocking revelation of the summer: Joe Pohlad, the team’s Executive Chair, has been running a burner account on X (formerly Twitter). While it’s not uncommon for athletes to have secret accounts to clap back at critics, it’s a bit more unusual when the owner of a professional baseball team does the same. Through advanced forensic journalism (read: we noticed the account only follows Byron Buxton, Chipotle, and the Timberwolves), we’ve pieced together what appears to be a treasure trove of digital breadcrumbs that point directly to Pohlad. Below are some of the best posts from @DefinitelyNotJoePohlad47, an account with six followers, a default egg profile picture, and a suspicious tendency to defend the ownership group at all costs. The Fire Sale Spin @DefinitelyNotJoePohlad47: Everyone’s mad about the “fire sale,” but let’s call it what it is: a “fireworks sale.” BOOM. Exciting prospects! BANG. Payroll flexibility! KA-POW. Hope for 2029! 🔥💥 #TrustThePohladProcess Yes, nothing screams “competitive window” like fireworks scheduled for half a decade from now. Also, payroll flexibility is just code for the ownership group needed to pay off their $400+ million in debt. Building Up the Brand @DefinitelyNotJoePohlad47: Some fans don’t get it: the Pohlad family is the most dedicated group in baseball. They gave you Target Field, complete with a Prince-themed dance party, and a $14 hot dog. What else do you people want? Honestly, hard to argue with the Prince dance party. But it does raise the question: Can even Purple Rain wash away the sting of a 90-loss season? Keeping the Franchise in the Family @DefinitelyNotJoePohlad47: Fans wanted the Pohlads to sell? To WHO? Some “tech billionaire” from California? No thanks. Only the Pohlads understand the sacred art of running a team with a below average payroll every year. Tradition matters. Hard to argue against tradition. The Twins have been falling short of expectations since before half the (shrinking) fan base was born. Rebranding Disappointment @DefinitelyNotJoePohlad47: “Mediocrity” is such a harsh word. I prefer “consistently humble.” 💜 #Blessed #NotEveryTeamGetsALosingStreakThisSpecial It’s unclear if Pohlad has trademarked “consistently humble,” but don’t be surprised if you see it on a billboard off I-94 next season. Responding to Criticism @DefinitelyNotJoePohlad47: People always say, “Sell the team!” Okay, but imagine how sad you’d be if the Pohlads didn’t get to pass this franchise down to the next three generations of Pohlads. Think about the children! #Legacy The good news: Legacy does last forever. The bad news: so do screenshots. If you ever stumble across an account defending the sanctity of family ownership, praising the glory of a 20th-ranked payroll, or reminding you that “we still have Buxton under contract for a long time,” don’t be surprised if it’s coming from the very top of the organizational ladder. After all, in an age where transparency is rare, it’s refreshing to know the team’s Executive Chair might be secretly tweeting from his couch, reminding us that everything is fine so long as you don’t look too closely at the standings. View full article

Image courtesy of © Brad Rempel-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins believe in Brooks Lee, even if his on-field results haven’t matched the organization’s expectations. They believe in him because his approach, bat-to-ball skills, and polished college pedigree suggest he could be a foundational piece of the next great Twins lineup. But if Lee isn’t careful, he may be walking down a familiar road—the same one Jose Miranda traveled back to Triple-A St. Paul, perhaps for good. The Contact Paradox Lee’s ability to put the bat on nearly any pitch is both his greatest strength and his most pressing concern. While making contact is a highly coveted skill in today’s game, putting “pitchers’ pitches” in play doesn’t often result in much damage. Weak choppers, lazy fly balls, and soft groundouts aren’t much better than strikeouts, and in many cases, they’re worse, because they rob hitters of the chance to unlock power. This was Miranda’s downfall. Despite his contact-heavy approach, he often put bad pitches in play, rolling over into outs rather than punishing mistakes. His strikeout numbers were never the problem (15.4% strikeout rate in 2024); it was the lack of consistent impact that held him back. His Hard-Hit% ranked in the 42nd percentile, and his Barrel% ranked in the 28th percentile. Lee is starting to show the early signs of falling into the same trap. The Discipline Gap In the minors, Lee’s bat played because pitchers weren’t as refined. His walk rates looked solid (10.0 BB%), but big-league pitchers are more willing to challenge hitters—and they have more ways to manipulate and bait them. The numbers back it up. Lee currently owns a 31.3% chase rate, ranking in the 25th percentile in the American League. In other words, he’s swinging at pitches on which he simply can’t do damage. Against high-level pitching, that approach will bury a hitter quickly. Lee vs. Miranda Swing Decisions Player Chase% BB% K% Hard-Hit% Brooks Lee (2025) 31.3 5.1 18.3 40.0 Jose Miranda (Career) 34.3 5.0 17.6 40.3 The similarity is clear: both players avoid strikeouts but expand the zone often, such that even though they're capable of making solid contact, it's rarely the most valuable kind. The difference is that Lee’s chase rate suggests more potential for adjustment, whereas Miranda has struggled to show that patience. As a switch-hitter, Lee also has a wired-in advantage when it comes to plate discipline. The Path Forward The encouraging part for Lee and the Twins is that his swing decisions are not set in stone. Unlike Miranda, whose free-swinging nature has never truly adjusted at the big-league level, Lee still has the developmental runway to refine his approach. The tools are there, and the Twins believe in his ceiling. “I think I just have to be smart [about] picking and choosing my times to take that A-plus swing,” Lee said after his recent grand slam. “Other than that, I’m the type of player to put the ball in play. Supposed to be gap-to-gap and outrunning the balls. But it’s more important for me to get the next guy up.” For Lee, the next step is learning to control the zone. It’s not enough to avoid strikeouts; he needs to identify and punish pitches he can drive. That means laying off borderline offerings and staying patient enough to hunt “his” pitch. If he can shift his profile from a hitter who can put anything in play to one who makes selective, damaging contact, the Twins will have a cornerstone infielder. The Twins have seen this story before. Miranda’s bat-to-ball ability looked like a weapon until it became a liability, and he fell out of the team’s long-term plans. Lee now stands at that same crossroads. The difference between a productive, middle-of-the-order hitter and a frustrating contact-first infielder will come down to Lee’s ability to say “no” at the plate. If he can, he’ll be more than just another contact hitter. He’ll be the impact bat the Twins envisioned when they called his name on draft night. How can Lee avoid following Miranda’s path? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article