With plenty of reasons to be down on the Twins in 2026, Luke Keaschall certainly isn't one of them. The 23-year-old had an outstanding rookie campaign in limited action last year because of injuries, posting 2.0 bWAR and a .302/.382/.445 (128 OPS+) slash line as a second baseman and designated hitter.
Twins' Luke Keaschall is on a tear this spring
Keaschall has shown no signs of slowing down at the plate this spring, going 16-for-40 with two homers, five doubles and two triples across 14 Grapefruit League games.
Luke Keaschall is showing no signs of slowing down this spring. pic.twitter.com/P07OEW3idQ
— Puckett's Pond (@PuckettsPond) March 16, 2026
We all know what Keaschall can do with the bat. Even with below-average defense at second base last (-2 Outs Above Average in 2025), he is an extremely valuable player as long as he keeps hitting like he did last season. Not to mention, he's a threat on the basepaths, boasting a 28.7 mph sprint speed (85th percentile) in 2025.
Keaschall can still improve defensively at second base. He's young, and his speed should help the Arizona State product increase his range.
The young Twins star may provide innings in the outfield as well in 2026. If he can do so successfully, he will be even more valuable for Minnesota, especially since top infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper should make his MLB debut at some point in 2026 and will need somewhere to play. Minnesota's outfield is crowded as well, but if Keaschall can play left and possibly right field at just an average level, the Twins will have much more lineup flexibility.
Luke Keaschall's ability to play outfield makes him even more valuable for Twins
After his first game in the outfield since 2024, Keaschall has started two more games in left field. He looks a bit rusty, but his athleticism should allow him to improve as long as he continues to gain experience.
Keaschall has also logged innings at first base in the minors, but he hasn't played the position at all this spring, meaning Minnesota likely wants to keep him as the starting second baseman and occasionally play him in left field.
Fans cannot wait to watch how Keaschall performs this season. Hopefully he remains healthy, as his injury history appears to be his only weakness at this stage in his career. A healthy Keaschall with improved second-base defense and the ability to play outfield could be an MVP-caliber player. If Keaschall, Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis and others maintain good health and perform to their potential, the Twins could have a very formidable offense this year.