MN Twins Rookie Earns ROY Votes

There was never a world in which Athletics star rookie Nick Kurtz wasn’t going to win the American League Rookie of the Year award. The 22-year-old launched 36 homers and posted a 4.6 fWAR. For context, Minnesota Twins superstar Byron Buxton was worth 5.0 fWAR.

His performance doesn’t negate how impressive infielder Luke Keaschall was in his brief debut. Despite a fractured forearm, and coming back from Tommy John surgery, Keaschall was still named to the All-Rookie First-Team by MLB Pipeline. Though first place Rookie of the Year votes weren’t in the cards, he was considered.

Luke Keaschall picks up ROY votes for Minnesota Twins

Keaschall suffered a broken arm, and also underwent surgery for a thumb injury this season, but he put up quite a performance in just 49 games. His .302/.382/.445 slash line was impressive, and the 22-year-old received two votes for Rookie of the Year. One placed him fourth and the other was fifth.

That's Luke "First Team All-Rookie" Keaschall to you! pic.twitter.com/1lqTzheiDR

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) November 10, 2025

Dave Brown, who covers the Kansas City Royals for Pitcher List, had Keaschall fourth on his ballot. The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman, who covers the Minnesota Twins, placed him fifth.

There is no doubt that Keaschall will be a key cog of the Minnesota Twins 2026 roster. He played primarily at second base in 2025, but that could change next season. We will be completely cleared from his Tommy John rehab, and his profile fits well in both center and left field.

The eye test didn’t do many favors for Keaschall on the dirt. It wasn’t horrendous by the metrics though. Across 360 innings at second base, Keaschall was worth 1 DRS (defensive runs saved) with -2 OAA (outs above average) and -1 FRV (fielding run value).

No matter where he plays next season, the Twins need Keaschall’s bat to be a significant component of their lineup. Early comparisons are lofty, but so too has been the production.