2026 Minnesota Twins: Top 10 MLB Prospects to Watch

The Minnesota Twins are quietly building one of baseball’s most intriguing future cores. As we look toward 2026 and beyond, the organization’s farm system hints at what a 2029 contender in Minneapolis might look like.

Led by five-tool outfielder Walker Jenkins, the Twins’ pipeline is packed with athleticism, power, and upside on both sides of the ball. There’s a deep cast of position players and pitchers waiting in the wings.

The Rise of Walker Jenkins and the Twins’ Next Offensive Core

At the heart of the Twins’ plans sits Walker Jenkins, a true cornerstone prospect expected to reach the majors early in 2026. Scouts inside and outside the organization see him as both the best hitter and the best athlete in the system, which immediately puts him on a potential star path.

Jenkins: Five-Tool Centerpiece in Center Field

Jenkins looks set to become the Twins’ everyday center fielder by 2029. His mix of bat speed, plate coverage, and natural power gives him middle-of-the-order potential.

He’s athletic enough to stick up the middle on defense, too. When people in Minnesota talk about future franchise faces, Jenkins’ name comes up first.

Emmanuel Rodriguez and the Power on the Corners

While Jenkins headlines the group, Emmanuel Rodriguez shapes the lineup’s identity in his own way. He’s projected to hold down right field in 2029 and is considered the best power hitter in the organization.

Rodriguez also boasts the best strike-zone discipline on the farm. That rare combo of patience and thunder gives the Twins a potential on-base and slugging machine in the heart of the order.

Gabriel Gonzalez rounds out the outfield in left. This trio brings upside, production, and solid defense—something Minnesota’s been chasing for years.

Infield Foundation: Youth, Versatility, and Upside

The projected 2029 infield shows the Twins’ commitment to developing up-the-middle talent. It’s a mix of prospects with complementary skills, and there’s some real intrigue about who’ll break out first.

Marek Houston and the Defensive Keystone Up the Middle

At shortstop, Marek Houston is projected as the long-term anchor. The club sees him as the best defensive infielder in the system, with the range, instincts, and arm to handle the position at a high level.

If his bat even approaches league-average, Houston could become one of those steady, quietly valuable guys every contender needs. That kind of presence can hold a team together.

On the right side, former high pick Royce Lewis is projected to move to first base by 2029. That shift highlights his offensive importance and the club’s aim to keep him healthy.

At second, Luke Keaschall brings athleticism and offensive promise. Kaelen Culpepper is expected to handle third, giving the Twins an infield with both range and pop.

Eduardo Tait and the Future Behind the Plate

Behind the plate, Eduardo Tait leads the next wave. He’s the projected 2029 catcher, set to handle a young, high-upside staff.

Defensively, Noah Cardenas stands out as the organization’s top glove at catcher. Even if Tait takes the everyday role, Cardenas offers strong depth or a possible tandem setup.

Buxton’s Veteran Presence and the 2029 Lineup Outlook

The Twins’ 2029 lineup won’t be all about youth. There’s a familiar name in a new role: Byron Buxton, long the face of the franchise, is forecast as the club’s designated hitter.

That move makes sense, letting Buxton’s experience and bat play while easing the physical toll of center field. If health is on their side, a 2029 lineup built around Jenkins, Rodriguez, Lewis, and Buxton—with Houston, Keaschall, Culpepper, Tait, and Gonzalez filling in—could be deep, balanced, and honestly, a bit scary for opposing pitchers.

Pitching Pipeline: Power Arms and Polished Starters

On the mound, the Twins’ future blends frontline stuff with specialized weapons. The projected rotation and bullpen show a system that can miss bats in plenty of ways.

Future Rotation: Matthews, Prielipp, and Company

At the top, Zebby Matthews and Connor Prielipp look like the one-two punch by 2029. Matthews brings polish and command, while Prielipp owns the best slider and best changeup in the system.

Behind them, Mick Abel, Dasan Hill, and Simeon Woods-Richardson round out a rotation with a mix of power and pitchability. Each guy has starter’s traits, so there’s a decent shot at a solid mid-rotation group.

Charlee Soto, Marco Raya, and the Bullpen Weapons

In the late innings, Charlee Soto projects as the closer, armed with the best fastball in the system. He can overpower hitters and fits naturally in high-leverage relief.

Marco Raya complements Soto, boasting the best curveball in the organization. He could settle in as a swingman or high-leverage setup arm, depending on how the Twins manage his innings.

Run Prevention: Gloves, Arms, and Defensive Specialists

Beyond the bats and arms, the Twins have quietly stockpiled defensive specialists who can tilt close games. In a run-prevention era, those players matter as much as ever.

Outfield Defense and the Best Arms in the System

Maddux Houghton stands out as the best defensive outfielder in the organization. He covers ground with sharp instincts and impressive range.

He’s not really an everyday bat at this point, but his glove gives the Twins options late in games or when injuries hit. That kind of flexibility is tough to find.

When it comes to arm strength, Brandon Winokur has the best outfield arm in the system. His throws make opposing baserunners think twice about testing him.

Mix that with Houston’s steady infield defense and Cardenas’ presence behind the plate. The Twins’ future roster looks like it’ll have a legit defensive backbone.

 
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