Many questioned whether the Minnesota Twins made the right decision to call up Walker Jenkins after he began his MLB career with a poor .142/.250/.306 (58 wRC+) slash line in his first 57 plate appearances. Jenkins was struggling, and the Twins were on the verge of being eliminated. Because Minnesota called up Jenkins, the outfielder cannot play minor league baseball next season during the likely MLB lockout.
However, the Twins are finally being validated for their decision to promote Jenkins to the majors. Not because he is helping the team reach the postseason, as Minnesota is already eliminated from playoff contention, but because he is finally heating up at the plate and appears ready to be a starting outfielder in the big leagues for years to come.
Twins top prospect Walker Jenkins on fire after rough start to MLB career
After his awful start, Jenkins went 11-for-25 with three home runs over his last six games. He hit a solo home run in the seventh inning of Wednesday night's 3-2 win over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco.
Walker Jenkins is now 11-for-24 (.458) with three homers in his last six games. pic.twitter.com/3JyJpQ5uXu
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) September 23, 2026
Jenkins' hot stretch began with a three-hit game against the Angels on Thursday. In perhaps the most clutch moment possible, with the Twins trailing by two runs with two outs in the ninth inning, Jenkins hit a game-tying two-run home run to right-center field against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. The Twins ultimately lost in extra innings, but it was still a great sign to see Jenkins hit his first home run off an actual pitcher (his first came off a position player) in a clutch moment.
Down to the Twins last out, Walker Jenkins ties it with a homer! pic.twitter.com/3vvIb4tbeT
— MLB (@MLB) September 18, 2026
When the Twins called up Jenkins late last month, the team clearly hoped he could help propel Minnesota to the playoffs. That unfortunately hasn't happened, but it's become apparent that calling up Jenkins was best for the young outfielder's development. He needed time to acclimate to big-league pitching, so it's good he did it in a lost season. Now, he looks ready to be a major contributor to the club in future years. He will retain rookie eligibility in 2027, so he has a strong chance of being a top Rookie of the Year candidate next year.
Health remains a major concern for Jenkins. Since the Twins drafted him with the fifth overall pick in 2023, Jenkins has dealt with injuries to his ankle, hamstring, quad and shoulder. His injury history this early in his career is certainly worrisome, but if he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a star in the majors.
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