The Minnesota Twins selected Aaron Sabato in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of the University of North Carolina. Sabato, now 27, is still in the minor leagues more than six years after being drafted.
It took a while, but Sabato is finally breaking out this season, slashing .283/.363/.551 with 21 home runs, 27 doubles and 66 RBI over 95 games with Triple-A St. Paul. Early on in his professional career, Sabato looked like a clear bust, as he posted a sub-.800 OPS in each season from 2021-23 before posting a rough .653 OPS with Double-A Wichita in 2024.
Sabato bounced back in 2025, posting a .973 OPS over 39 games at Double-A Wichita before earning a promotion to the Saints. He had a .741 OPS over 65 games with St. Paul last season, which isn't amazing, but it's much better than his 2024 numbers.
Now, in 2025, Sabato has taken his game to the next level. However, it's still doubtful the Twins view Sabato as part of their long-term plans.
Twins have no space for Aaron Sabato on active roster past this season
Minnesota could give Sabato a look in the majors later in September if the team falls out of postseason contention. But it's doubtful he has a future as a starter on the big-league squad past this season.
Even though he has put up strong numbers this year, Sabato has struck out at a high rate of 24.0%. He'd likely strike out at an even higher rate at the major-league level.
Sabato would likely benefit from a change of scenery. The Twins appear set at first base with Royce Lewis. While Lewis can also play second base, Minnesota will probably want to make room for highly regarded shortstop prospect Marek Houston next year, which will likely lead to Kaelen Culpepper moving to second base. Meanwhile, Brooks Lee will hold down third base.
Sure, there's the designated hitter spot. But the Twins will likely go with an outfield of Byron Buxton, Walker Jenkins and Luke Keaschall next year. Additionally, highly touted outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez will be out of options next year. Prospects Gabriel Gonzalez and Hendry Mendez also appear to have higher ceilings than Sabato and should be ready to be on the big-league squad next season. Gonzalez actually played in a game with the Twins earlier this year but has spent the rest of the season with the Saints.
Long story short, Sabato would benefit from playing for a different organization. A team that knows it won't compete in the near future and has an opening at first base could be willing to take a flyer on the former first-round pick.
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