The Twins are in a bad spot in the standings after losing six straight games, which included a four-game sweep at the hands of the lowly Chicago White Sox. However, once the trade deadline fire sale occurred, any postseason hopes for the Twins were all but out the window. Therefore, the Twins' recent poor stretch actually benefits Minnesota in the long term, as it could lead to the organization receiving the first overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Regardless, the Twins will likely receive a solid pick, but having the No. 1 overall pick could be huge for the future success of the franchise.
As it stands, the Twins have the second-worst win-loss record (62-80) among the teams eligible for the draft lottery (the Rockies, Nationals and Angels are ineligible) behind the Chicago White Sox (54-89). It's doubtful the Twins' 2025 record ends up worse than the White Sox's, but Minnesota still has a solid chance at receiving the first overall pick. Chicago currently has a 25.31% chance of receiving the first pick, while Minnesota has a 20.32% chance.
Twins' 2025 season tank could lead to team drafting star UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky
If the Twins do end up with the first overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, they would have the opportunity to select University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shortstop Roch Cholowsky, who is arguably the best player out of his draft class. Cholowsky was named the 2025 College Baseball Player of the Year by D1Baseball, Baseball America and Perfect Game after slashing .353/.480/.710 for a 165 wRC+ with 23 home runs, 73 RBIs and 80 runs in 324 plate appearances as a sophomore. The star shortstop also had a spectacular freshman season in 2024, where he hit .308/.399/.500 for a 115 wRC+ with eight home runs and 33 RBIs in 235 plate appearances.
Cholowsky, 20, isn't just known for his offense; he is a strong defensive shortstop as well. According to Baseball America, Cholowsky is a plus defender with range in both directions and a strong, accurate arm. He can throw from various arm angles and is smooth when handling the baseball.
The White Sox still have the best shot at drafting Cholowsky, but the Twins aren't too far behind. Cholowsky could be major-league ready as soon as the 2027 season, and could end up being a key part in the Twins' future, or potentially a trade piece in a blockbuster trade if the Twins are in postseason contention by the time the trade deadline nears next season.