Twins Top Prospect Set for All-Star Appearance

Despite the strong season for Byron Buxton fan voting was not kind to the Minnesota Twins centerfielder. Despite a 40-44 record, Buxton has been every bit the healthy superstar this franchise has always dreamed on. He’s likely headed to the All-Star Game in some capacity, but that will need to play out.

The All-Star Game is not the only event that will take place during the time off in Atlanta, Georgia during July. The Home Run Derby is also a highlight, and the All-Star Futures Game showcases the talent of tomorrow.

While the Twins may not find themselves heavily represented in the All-Star Game itself, they will put their best foot forward when it comes to the talent of tomorrow.

Kaelen Culpepper headed to Futures game for Minnesota Twins

Walker Jenkins is back for the Wichita Wind Surge, and he has been joined by fellow top prospect Kaelen Culpepper. The 2024 first round pick was promoted in late June and now he’s headed to the All-Star Game as well.

Here’s the AL squad for the 2025 All-Star Futures Game! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/yat2aiCB8r

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 30, 2025

The Futures Game showcases the best talent of tomorrow, and Culpepper certainly fits the bill. The former Kansas State product was left off multiple top 100 prospect lists this spring, but that won’t be the case next year.

Across 54 games at High-A Cedar Rapids Culpepper hit .293/.385/.479. It earned him a promotion to Double-A Wichita and he has gone 9-for-33 in his first eight games. Culpepper already has two home runs for the Wind Surge.

The Minnesota Twins drafted Culpepper as a shortstop. At Double-A he has played seven games at shortstop with the 8th coming at second base. In High-A this season Culpepper played 46 games at shortstop with seven coming at designated hitter and one being at second base.

Kaelen's Back to Crushing It In Kansas!

Kaelen Culpepper yanks his first home run in a Wichita Wind Surge uniform out to the berm in left field.

B7
SPR 0, WCH 3 pic.twitter.com/3ZUm8W3tL3

— Wichita Wind Surge (@WindSurgeICT) June 25, 2025

It seems likely that Culpepper could stick at shortstop for the Minnesota Twins as he ascends the system. He probably isn’t going to hit for immense power, but he has elite contact skills and can certainly find the gap. His speed also translates and he owns a 20/3 SB/CS rate on the farm.

Late first round picks are hardly a given. Minnesota took Culpepper 21st overall and have to be more than satisfied with the early results. An opportunity to showcase his talent on a grand stage is something exciting for Culpepper as well.

Related: Twins Cut Bait With Infielder, Prepare Royce Lewis’ Return

The 2025 All-Star Futures Game is scheduled for July 12th at 3:00 pm. It will be broadcast on MLB.tv and MLB Network.