It's time for the Twins to promote first baseman Aaron Sabato to the majors. Sabato, whom Minnesota drafted in the first round (27th overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft, is finally breaking out with the Saints this year after many disappointing seasons; from 2021-25, the first baseman slashed .221/.336/.422 (106 wRC+) with a 31.0% strikeout rate across various minor-league levels. That slash line isn't terrible, but it's not great for a first-round pick, and the strikeout rate is alarmingly high. Thus far in 2026, Sabato has slashed .299/.359/.628 (143 wRC+) with 12 home runs, 29 extra-base hits and 37 RBI in 45 games at Triple-A. His strikeout rate is still high at 25.0%, but it's a career best.
Twins’ 2020 first-round pick Aaron Sabato goes deep vs. Justin Verlander 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7PgS4dv5bU
— Puckett's Pond (@PuckettsPond) June 10, 2026
Now, shortstop Kaelen Culpepper should still be the next Twins prospect to be promoted to the big leagues. Minnesota has a clear need for a shortstop, as journeymen Tristan Gray, Ryan Kreidler and Orlando Arcia have been a fine rotating door at the position but clearly aren't the long-term answer there. Culpepper, who has slashed .268/.372/.489 (121 wRC+) with 14 home runs and 40 RBI with the Saints thus far in 2026, is a consensus top-100 prospect in baseball and ranks No. 2 in the Twins' organization per MLB Pipeline. But just because Culpepper deserves to be called up, that doesn't mean Sabato cannot also make his MLB debut soon.
Is there room on the Twins' big-league roster for Sabato to get regular playing time?
The only issue with promoting Sabato is figuring out where he could play. First base is primarily being held down by Royce Lewis and Kody Clemens, with Josh Bell and Victor Caratini able to play the position occasionally. However, Minnesota should still be able to find playing time for Sabato, as Lewis can play second base, and Clemens can play second and all three outfield positions. If Minnesota were to promote Sabato, then Austin Martin and Josh Bell could see a reduction in playing time. However, Bell has swung the bat much better lately, slashing .273/.314/.515 with two homers and two doubles in June.
Will the Twins promote Sabato soon? Probably not. If Sabato is still mashing in Triple-A in early August, and the Twins sell at the trade deadline, then a roster spot may open up for the 2020 first-round pick. An injury also could be what opens the door for the first baseman's MLB debut.
Sabato most likely isn't a long-term big leaguer. There's a reason he's 27 and hasn't reached the majors. However, his breakout proves he at least deserves an opportunity to make his MLB debut.
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