Unfortunately, there's a strong chance the start of the 2027 MLB season will be delayed. It's even possible there will be no games at all. With the collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the players' association set to expire on Dec. 1, and both sides appearing far from a new agreement, fans should prepare for the worst-case scenario.
If a lockout cancels MLB games next year, players on 40-man rosters will be ineligible to play minor-league baseball. However, players not on 40-man rosters will be able to play in the minors.
3 promising Twins prospects we're glad aren't on 40-man roster for MLB lockout
SS Marek Houston
Houston ranks as the Twins' No. 4 overall prospect. MLB Pipeline predicts he will make his MLB debut in 2028, but he could be up as soon as 2027 (if there is a 2027 season).
Houston, 22, is known for his strong defense. While Kaelen Culpepper is the Twins' starting shortstop for now, many believe that Houston will take over that role while Culpepper moves to either second or third base.
Minnesota selected Houston in the first round (No. 16 overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest. After a strong start to the season at High-A Cedar Rapids, Houston earned a promotion to Double-A Wichita. As of Sunday morning, the shortstop has slashed .309/.385/.459 with 12 home runs, 28 doubles, two triples, 54 RBI and 50 stolen bases over 110 minor-league games this season.
RHP Riley Quick
Quick has quickly (no pun intended) risen through the Twins' organizational ranks since being selected No. 36 overall by Minnesota in the 2025 MLB Draft out of the University of Alabama. The 22-year-old right-hander is currently with Double-A Wichita.
Quick has struggled since joining the Wind Surge, posting a 5.72 ERA over 28 1/3 innings, but he's still an extremely exciting prospect. Ranked No. 7 in the Twins' organization by MLB Pipeline, Quick is the Twins' highest-ranked pitching prospect. The right-hander throws an electric fastball that sits 96-97 mph, a mid-80s slider, a low-90s cutter and an upper-80s changeup.
C Vahn Lackey
As the Twins' first-round pick in this year's MLB Draft, Lackey was never going to be on the 40-man roster heading into 2027. Let's be thankful the looming lockout won't affect players off the 40-man roster, because Lackey's professional development could be severely affected if he couldn't play next year.
Lackey, the Twins' No. 2 overall prospect, earned a promotion to High-A Cedar Rapids late last month after just 15 Single-A games. The catcher has impressed since being promoted to High-A, posting a .333/.522/.545 slash line with two home runs, one double, six RBI and seven stolen bases over nine games before Sunday's matchup with the South Bend Cubs.
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