Despite having played outfield and first base in the minor leagues, Luke Keaschall, 23, only played second base and served as a designated hitter last season, primarily due to undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2024 and suffering a right wrist fracture during his seventh career MLB game in April. He also underwent surgery in September to repair a sprained left thumb, but he is expected to be ready for opening day.
Luke Keaschall expected to get outfield experience with Twins
Back in December, The Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale reported that the Twins want to give Keaschall experience in the outfield. Since the young star's arm should be fully rested at this point, he should be ready to provide outfield innings for Minnesota.
If Keaschall proves he can be a decent defensive outfielder at the big-league level, the Twins will have more defensive flexibility, and it'll clear a path for Minnesota's top infield prospect to make the jump to the majors.
Twins should move standout 2025 rookie Luke Keaschall to outfield to clear path for top infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper
Assuming Keaschall is the Twins' primary starting second baseman next season, the infield will be full. Royce Lewis will be at third base, Brooks Lee will be at shortstop, and Josh Bell, Kody Clemens, Victor Caratini and Eric Wagaman will likely split time at first base. Of course, injuries and regression among the infielders could open a path for Culpepper. But if not, moving Keaschall to the outfield would be an easy way to make room for Culpepper.
Culpepper, the Twins' 2024 first-round pick, ranks as the 52nd-best prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline. Last season, the infielder slashed .289/.375/.469 with 20 homers, 64 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 113 games with High-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita en route to being named the Twins' Minor League Player of the Year.
Since he has yet to play at the Triple-A level, Culpepper will most likely start the season with the Saints if he has a strong spring training, and could be due for a promotion to the big leagues sometime during the season. Culpepper is just a prospect, meaning we don't know if his minor league success will translate to the big leagues. But he has the potential to be an All-Star, meaning the Twins should promote him to the majors as soon as possible.