The Minnesota Twins have had an excellent track record of finding infield talent in the MLB Draft under Derek Falvey and they have found yet another potential gem.
On Sunday night the Twins drafted Kansas State’s Kaelen Culpepper with the No. 21 pick, and he didn’t waste much time getting fans to fall in love with him. His emotional reaction to hearing his name called, in addition to everything he said to hype fans up after that, has given us a glimpse at what the future might hold in terms of the Twins landing another great personality for the clubhouse.
However, Twins fans should be excited not just for Culpepper’s personality but because the team drafted one of the most electrifying players in the draft. With another top prospect added to the farm system, the Twins have a plethora of infield talent in their farm system.
Here’s why Twins should be excited about Kaelen Culpepper’s future in Minnesota
"You're gonna get a dog outta me." - Kaelen Culpepper@Xavier_Scruggs caught up with the @KStateBSB star after he was selected #21 overall by the @Twins. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/TdjaFqOtup
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 15, 2024
Culpepper is an all-around great prospect to add to the organization.
The Kansas State Wildcat shortstop gained a lot of experience in the Little Apple, playing in 61 games in 2024. In those games, he slashed .328/.419/.574. In addition to his hitting, he was a threat to swipe a base, stealing 17 this season.
The Wildcat shortstop also performed when the lights were the brightest. He moved from third base to shortstop as a junior and helped carry his team to the Super Regionals batting an impressive .474 and hitting for the cycle.
Kaelen Culpepper hits a cycle 🤯
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) June 1, 2024
He is only the fourth player in K-State history to hit for the cycle 😮 pic.twitter.com/rkLppfMxG4
Culpepper is also continuously improving, finishing the season with highs in home runs with 11, triples with six, and doubles with 15.
While going up against one of the best pitchers in college this season, Hagen Smith, the No. 5 pick in the draft, Culpepper hit a home run.
Kaelen Culpepper taking top 5 pick Hagen Smith deep this season
— Twins Central (@TwinsCentral1) July 15, 2024
Culpepper does everything well without a clear carrying tool. The power is the ? As he may be more of a doubles than HR hitter. Likely 3B or 2B long term.
Will slide in as my 7th prospect pic.twitter.com/2bXC2GXtXm
The newest Twins player has shown that he can play and play well against his peers selected in this draft.
Now, he must show he can do it against players in the minor leagues.
Between Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, José Miranda, and, most recently, Luke Keaschall, Culpepper adds to the Twins embarrassment of riches in the infield. Culpepper will most likely end up at second or third base with the Twins, if he can add some power he has the tools to be a solid player in the future.
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