When most people think of the Twins farm system, names like Walker Jenkins, Kaelen Culpepper, Emmanuel Rodriguez and now Vahn Lackey typically come to mind. Another name Twins fans should start keeping an eye out for is Brandon Winokur, Minnesota's No. 15 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline.
I'm not saying you should view Winokur in the same light as the other aforementioned prospects, but fans should still keep him on their radar. Within the next few years, there's a strong chance he will be on the Twins' big-league roster. He could also be moved in a trade if the Twins are serious about winning this year or within the next few seasons and want to add an experienced MLB player.
The Twins drafted Winokur in the third round (No. 82 overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft out of high school. The 21-year-old utilityman stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 210 pounds.
Twins' speedy power-hitting prospect Brandon Winokur can play multiple positions
Winokur is a versatile defender. This season, he's recorded 304 1/3 innings at third base, 175 1/3 at shortstop, and 207 at center field. He has also logged innings at right and left field during his minor-league career. Per MLB Pipeline, he's "an outstanding outfielder" and has a "plus arm" that plays well at third base and shortstop.
Winokur is impressively speedy for his size, with 70 career stolen bases in 313 career minor-league games.
As for his offense, Winokur's hit tool grades at 40, which is below average. However, his power tool grades at an impressive 60.
The Twins promoted Winokur to Double-A Wichita from High-A Cedar Rapids on July 6. In 80 games between High-A and Double-A this season, Winokur is slashing .249/.358/.422 with 11 home runs, 44 RBI and 21 stolen bases.
In 313 career minor-league games, Winokur has slashed .242/.327/.419 with 46 homers, 57 doubles, nine triples and 183 RBI.
The fact that Winokur can play multiple positions gives him a strong chance to reach the majors within the next few years. MLB Pipeline projects the utilityman will make his MLB debut in 2028.
The Twins have an abundance of promising outfield prospects, and top infield prospects Kaelen Culpepper and Marek Houston are expected by most to be mainstays in the lineup within the next couple of years. However, Winokur could still find himself on the big-league roster soon if he impresses in the minors over the next couple of years. Injuries and players failing to live up to expectations are always inevitable, and Winokur's defensive versatility should give the Twins plenty of options on where to play him long-term.
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