Some of the Minnesota Twins' top prospects are already making noise at spring training. It's a time when youngsters can make a name for themselves and skyrocket their stock ahead of the regular season.
Emmanuel Rodriguez, a Top 5 prospect within the Twins' organization, has been the living embodiment of that one week into spring games. Though he was not projected to make the MLB roster this season, the 22-year-old outfielder is making thunderous waves — so loud that Minnesota can't ignore it. Is he a prime candidate to make the Opening Day roster? We're inclined to believe that he is ready for the big leagues if he keeps up this hot streak.
Twins top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez has been dominating spring training
Across three spring games, Rodriguez is 3-for-7 with two gargantuan home runs and three RBIs. These were no cheap home runs. True, big league power. See for yourself below.
Emmanuel Rodriguez with his first HR of ‘26 Spring Training 🌴💣@Twins | #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/kQgIfy7Mk8
— Twins Player Development (@TwinsPlayerDev) February 22, 2026
Emmanuel Rodriguez with his 2nd HR in his 2nd Spring Training game of ‘26🌴
— Twins Player Development (@TwinsPlayerDev) February 24, 2026
🚀 106.6 mph
📐 31 degrees
💣 420 feet@Twins | #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/fluxwxkJum
That sweet left-handed swing is a big reason as to why Rodriguez shot up through the rankings in 2026. Yes, he's dealt with numerous injuries to his hip, oblique, thumb, and abdomen within the last three seasons, but his production was strong enough to continuously promote him.
His final stop in 2026 was with Triple-A St. Paul, where he produced 14 extra-base hits and 45 walks in 52 games, registering a .429 on-base percentage. These were great numbers, but not necessarily enough to put Rodriguez in position for consideration of a MLB roster spot in 2026.
His home runs in spring training have changed his narrative. Two big-time swings like that are all decision-makers need to see before getting they put someone like Rodriguez on an expedited path to the majors. Could Rodriguez cool off as we move into March? Sure. But if he unleashes this kind of power a few more times during spring training, it will be difficult to keep Rodriguez down in the minor leagues to start off the 2026 season.
Walker Jenkins, the team's No. 1 prospect, is is probably Rodriguez's biggest competition right now. Both outfielders, it won't be easy to call them up together, but who knows. Two talented players will be hard to keep in the minor leagues if they both produce at a high level this spring.