The Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers made big moves to set up future success- and the Twins should take notice.
The Mariners and top shortstop prospect Colt Emerson, 20, have agreed to an eight-year, $95 million extension with a club option for a ninth season, according to FanSided's Robert Murray. The deal can reach over $130 million after incentives and includes a no-trade clause. The contract guarantee is a record for a player who has yet to make his MLB debut.
Less than a day before news of Emerson's extension became public, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that the Brewers and shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt are close to finalizing an eight-year, $50.75 million contract extension with two club options worth about $15 million per year that can increase via incentives. Like Emerson, Pratt, 21, has yet to make his MLB debut.
It's not common for a team to extend a player who hasn't made his MLB debut. But if Emerson and Pratt reach their full potential, the Mariners and Brewers will have stars on their big-league roster at a total bargain. The extensions should inspire the Twins.
Surprise Mariners, Brewers extensions should inspire Twins to sign top prospect Walker Jenkins long-term
Jenkins, an outfielder, is regarded as highly as Emerson and Pratt. Per MLB Pipeline, Emerson is the No. 7-ranked prospect, Pratt is ranked No. 62 and Jenkins is ranked No. 12.
The one issue with Jenkins is that he has missed a lot of playing time because of injuries. He missed a chunk of this year's spring training with a hamstring strain after being sidelined for about two months last season due to a left ankle sprain that led to lingering soreness. He also missed about six weeks in 2024 due to a left hamstring sprain.
Still, the Twins shouldn't let Jenkins' injury issues keep them from considering extending the highly-touted prospect. Jenkins, whom the Twins selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft from South Brunswick High School in Southport, North Carolina, throws with his right hand and has a smooth left-handed swing. He possesses all five tools, as he is an above-average runner and formidable defender with plus arm strength.
The Twins' top prospect slashed .309/.426/.487 (156 wRC+) with seven home runs in 52 games for Double-A Wichita last season before being promoted to Triple-A St. Paul. He 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.
Jenkins spent his first professional season (2023) in rookie ball and Low-A, hitting .362/.417/.571 with three homers, five doubles, four triples and 22 RBI in 26 games. Then, he hit .282/.394/.439 with six home runs, 22 doubles, four triples, 58 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 82 games across four levels in 2024.
The time to extend Jenkins is now. If he lives up to his potential in the majors, he likely won't be interested in a contract extension worth less than $100 million. If the Twins can, signing Jenkins long-term before he reaches the big leagues would be a wise move for the club.