MLB.com published an article titled "1 prediction for every club in '26." In the article, Twins reporter Matthew Leach predicted "the kids make an impact."
It’s not just [outfielder] Walker Jenkins: The Twins have multiple exciting hitters knocking at the door of the big leagues. Jenkins is the highest rated and the biggest name and could be the soonest to arrive after making it to Triple-A last year. But [outfielder] Emmanuel Rodriguez followed an injury-shortened season with an exciting winter ball campaign, and [shortstop] Kaelen Culpepper has raked at every level. Look for at least two of them to have a positive effect on the 2026 Twins, and maybe all three.
Twins need to promote top prospects to big leagues in 2026 if they want to compete for a playoff spot
Since the Twins aren't the Los Angeles Dodgers and can't (or won't) just improve their team with expensive free agents, promoting their top prospects early in the 2026 season will be necessary if the team wants to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2023. Jenkins, Rodriguez and Culpepper all have superstar potential and should be on Minnesota's 26-man roster at some point next season.
Jenkins, 20, slashed .309/.426/.487 (156 wRC+) with seven home runs in 52 games for Double-A Wichita this past season before being promoted to Triple-A St. Paul. Jenkins, MLB pipeline's No. 10-ranked prospect, struggled a bit with the Saints, hitting just .242/.324/.396 in 102 plate appearances, but he likely just needed time to adjust to Triple-A pitching. He is an above-average defender and runner with a plus arm.
Rodriguez, 22, has missed significant playing time in his professional career due to multiple injuries, as has Jenkins. Rodriguez, who is known to draw a lot of walks and hit for power, reached Triple-A in 2024 and played there in 2025 when healthy and not rehabbing. He hit .258/.429/.423 with six homers, 27 RBI and nine stolen bases in 52 games with the Saints this past season.
Rodriguez, MLB Pipeline's No.69-ranked prospect, is an average defender with a plus arm and above-average speed. He strikes out frequently, but his on-base and power skills suggest he could be an All-Star in the big leagues one day. In 60 plate appearances in Winter Ball this offseason, the outfielder posted a 1.063 OPS.
The Twins selected Culpepper, now 23, in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Kansas State. He has already impressed in his short professional career, hitting .280/.367/.456 with 23 homers, 76 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 139 games across three minor league levels. He reached Double-A this past season, and there is a good chance he will start next season with Triple-A St. Paul. MLB Pipeline has the shortstop ranked No. 52 among MLB prospects.