The Twins' top prospect, outfielder Walker Jenkins, has the potential to be an All-Star in the big leagues. Ranked as the No. 14 prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline, Jenkins has hit .295/.399/.364 with 19 homers, 44 doubles, 10 triples and 40 stolen bases in 192 games across three seasons in the minors since Minnesota selected him fifth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft.
However, like many of the Twins' young stars in recent years, Jenkins, 21, has struggled to stay on the field. A left hamstring strain kept him sidelined for about six weeks in 2024. He then missed about two months last season due to a left ankle sprain that led to lingering soreness.
Declan Goff of the SKOR North Twins show interviewed Jenkins earlier this month, and the highly-regarded prospect made his goal for 2026 clear.
"Right now I'm trying to stay healthy. I think developing a routine is pretty big for me early on in the spring," Jenkins said. "I have a tendency to want to get carried away and probably do more than I should this early."
Twins top prospect Walker Jenkins aims to maintain good health after two injury-riddled seasons
Twins fans are all too familiar with their favorite team's star players struggling to stay healthy. Stars Byron Buxton, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau all struggled to stay on the field throughout their careers. Not to mention, Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett's career was unfortunately cut short due to sudden blindness in his right eye caused by glaucoma.
Hopefully, Jenkins doesn't continue to struggle with avoiding injuries. It's a good sign that the outfielder has already addressed his injury history and made it clear he will do everything he can to stay healthy. His realization that developing a routine instead of overworking himself is pretty mature for a prospect as young as he is.
Walker Jenkins could be in big leagues this season if he has strong start with Triple-A St. Paul
Jenkins hit a double against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in his first at-bat of the spring. Since then, he has gone 0-for-5 across two games.
Jenkins slashed .309/.426/.487 with seven home runs in 52 games for Double-A Wichita last season before being promoted to Triple-A St. Paul. He struggled a bit with the Saints, hitting just .242/.324/.396 in 102 plate appearances, but he likely just needed time to adjust to Triple-A pitching. He is an above-average defender and runner with a plus arm.
If Jenkins maintains good health and starts the season hot for Triple-A St. Paul, he will likely find himself on the 26-man roster this summer. He could be called up even sooner if Minnesota suffers numerous outfield injuries.