MN Twins Land Superstar Catcher in MLB Draft

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New Minnesota Twins No. 3 overall draft pick Vahn Lackey - Georgia Tech
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

For months the Minnesota Twins have known that they held the third overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. They needed to do their homework, and wait for the calendar to reach July 11.

At the time they were awarded the pick, there were a few names to keep an eye on. The top tandem was always Roch Cholowsky and Grady Emerson — two high-caliber shortstops, one collegiate and one prep. As expected those two went No. 1 and 2 to the White Sox and Rays, respectively.

Vahn Lackey drafted by MN Twins

As the 2026 college season went on, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey surged up the draft board, so much so that he eventually climbed into the top tier of this class, right next to Cholowsky and Emerson.

There were even some rumblings leading up to Saturday’s first round that Chicago or Tampa could go off-script with the first two picks, and take Lackey over the other two aforementioned talents.

Ultimately, that’s not what happened. Thus, Lackey becomes the highest-drafted catcher since Joe Mauer (No. 1 overall in 2001). Of course, Mauer was named a first ballot Hall of Famer just a few years ago.

The Major League Baseball Draft is not at all like the instant gratification that is present from other leagues. Even a polished college player like Lackey are likely to take some time before reaching the big leagues.

It’s why you don’t draft for need. However, with Ryan Jeffers on the trade block (and gone at the end of the season regardless) this could not have worked out better. The Twins also traded a talented catcher for bullpen help earlier this week.

What to expect from Vahn Lackey

Lackey — who just turned 21 on July 7 — played in 61 games this season for Georgia Tech. He batted .397 with a 1.291 OPS and got on base in nearly 60% of his plate appearances. After hitting just six home runs last year, he leaned into his power potential and sent 20 dingers over the fence. He upped the power production while still carrying a 38/50 K/BB.

The Yellow Jackets backstop is not a one trick pony either. He showed off stolen base ability going 15-for-16 in attempts, and he was 34-for-38 over the course of his collegiate career. Behind the plate he’s seen as a plus defender, and there is little question that he can stick at the next level.

Lackey turned 21 on July 7. He has played three years of college baseball, and spent time in both the Northwoods and Cape Cod Leagues, so it is possible we see Lackey sooner than most top prospects, especially those drafted out of high school like Walker Jenkins.

Where will Lackey start for the MN Twins?

It makes sense that Lackey will spend a few games with Low-A Fort Myers as the Mighty Mussels are the minor league epicenter for the organization. He’s a better prospect than 2025 first round pick Marek Houston though, and he should finish the year with High-A Cedar Rapids.

Related: MN Twins Players Crying Out for Deadline Help

Depending how the early returns look, I would not be shocked to see Lackey begin 2027 in Double-A, and have a chance to reach Triple-A by season’s end. Ultimately, Minnesota should be banking on Lackey being their starting catcher within three years.

Ryan Jeffers is set to be a free agent, and Victor Caratini is under contract for just another season. While Eduardo Tait was a prize prospect in the Jhoan Duran trade, he’s a 19-year-old at High-A and has significant volatility from a developmental perspective.

One significant positive to the development of this draft class is that any big league work stoppage has no impact on the minors. Those games would continue while the major leaguers are locked out. Twins fans may be tuning into Lackey and the rest of this group more often than they originally expected.

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