Most Twins fans know the potential young star Luke Keaschall possesses. In just 49 games with Minnesota last season, the second baseman posted 2.0 bWAR and slashed .302/.382/.445 (128 OPS+) with four home runs, 28 RBI, 24 runs and 14 stolen bases. Injuries kept him from playing as much as the Twins would've hoped, as he suffered a right wrist fracture during his seventh career MLB game in April, keeping him sidelined for about three-and-a-half months. He also missed the last week of the 2025 season due to a left thumb sprain that required surgery. As long as he stays healthy and continues to produce as he did in 2025 during this upcoming season, Keaschall is a lock to represent Minnesota at the 2026 All-Star Game.
While we Twins fans already know about Keaschall's potential, MLB Network brought national attention to the young star on Saturday.
Matt Vasgersian thinks Junior Caminero and Luke Keaschall will both be AL MVP finalists this season 😳#MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/xQ1B32IxFx
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 14, 2026
MLB Network gets Twins fans excited with bold Luke Keaschall MVP prediction for 2026
It may seem far-fetched to predict Keaschall will be an MVP finalist in 2026, but he certainly has the talent to be one. Keaschall was on a 162-game pace to be a roughly 6.5-bWAR player last year. That may not be enough to win MVP in an American League loaded with stars such as Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, but it could be enough to be an MVP finalist. And who knows, maybe Keaschall will take his game to an even higher level in 2026.
While Keaschall has already impressed as a hitter and baserunner, one area he could improve on is his defense; as a second baseman last season, Keaschall posted -2 Outs Above Average.
Keaschall also has minor-league experience at first base and in the outfield. The 23-year-old may be better suited to play one of those positions rather than second base regularly.
The Twins want to give Keaschall outfield experience, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale. The main reason he didn't play outfield last year was likely because he was recovering from Tommy John Surgery, which he underwent in Aug. 2024.
If Keaschall moves to the outfield next season, his defensive stats may improve, making it more likely he'll finish the season as an MVP finalist. The Twins just need to figure out where on the diamond Keaschall can provide the most value. Once they do that, and if he hits like he did last year, MLB Network's Matt Vasgersian's bold prediction may just come true.