The Minnesota Twins farm system is one of the best in baseball and its depth showed as four players including top prospect Walker Jenkins were named to Baseball America’s top 100 prospect list on Wednesday morning. But while Jenkins has ranked as high as second on lists including MLB Pipeline, his ranking on Baseball America’s list may be a shock to Twins fans.
Jenkins was ranked as the No. 5 prospect in baseball on Baseball America’s list behind Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony, Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe and Red Sox shortstop Kristian Campbell.
It’s not a knock on Jenkins, who could become the top prospect in baseball – and perhaps the greatest prospect in Twins history – this season but it could serve as a reminder he’s a ways away from the major leagues. Jenkins was the fifth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft but missed significant time with a hamstring injury before hitting .282/.394/.439 with six homers, 58 RBI and 17 stolen bases in his first full professional season.
“Jenkins was one of the most celebrated prospects as an amateur and still shows a tremendously high ceiling, albeit after a year hamstrung by injuries,” Baseball America wrote. “He has the upside of a five-tool player, especially if he can add a bit more impact to his contact as he grows into his body.”
While Jenkins could make his debut toward the end of this season, there’s a lot that needs to go right including a step up to Triple-A St. Paul. If all goes well, he could become the youngest Twins hitter in 45 years and he should climb the list as the four prospects ahead of him graduate to the majors and he continues to perform.
Minnesota Twins land four prospects on Baseball America’s top 100 list
Jenkins wasn’t the only Twins prospect to land on Baseball America’s list as Minnesota landed four players entering the 2025 season. The most notable name is Emmanuel Rodriguez, who slotted into the 19th spot despite a high-risk grade of 60 due to his injury history.
“Rodriguez has plenty of high-end tools and a nearly unparalleled ceiling if everything clicks,” Baseball America wrote. “He knows the strike zone and runs high strikeout rates as a result. His offensive game will profile at any spot in the outfield, especially if he can improve his zone-contract rate.”
Second baseman Luke Keaschall made the list at No. 45 for the Twins despite coming off Tommy John surgery last season. While Keaschall went under the knife, he still hit .303/.420/.483 with 15 homers and 48 RBI between High-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita, and drew praise entering this season.
“The Twins unearthed a gem in the second round of the 2023 draft. Keaschall came out blazing in 2024, hitting .300 with good power, strong bat-to-ball skills and discipline as he reached Double-A. Only an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery in August slowed his ascent.”
The last prospect on BA’s list was Zebby Matthews, who ranked 73rd after making his major league debut toward the end of last season.
“Matthews got a late-season taste of the big leagues when Minnesota needed starting pitching help. He could use a better out pitch, but his control, commend and solid arsenal make him a pretty safe bet to be a No. 4 starter in the major leagues.”
With four highly-regarded prospects, the Twins should have enough to supplement their talent at the major league level and potentially make a run toward an American League Central title in 2025.