MN Twins Top Prospect Promoted Yet Again

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Walker Jenkins, Minnesota Twins
Credit: William Parmeter

The Minnesota Twins gutted their major league roster at the end of July. Most of the ten players sent packing had one year or less remaining on their contract. In return, the Twins received more prospects, transforming an already above-average farm system into one of the best in the big leagues.

One thing down on the Twins’ farm that remains the same, though, is the organization’s No. 1 prospect — 20-year-old outfielder Walker Jenkins, who Minnesota selected No. 5 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft.

Walker Jenkins joins St. Paul Saints

There aren’t a lot of baseball players who possess the talent Jenkins does. And through 627 minor league at bats, he hasn’t disappointed, batting .303 with a .884 OPS, 17 HR, 36 SB, 111 SO and 106 BB.

And now, despite being just two years removed from his teenage draft age, Walker Jenkins has already reached Triple-A. That’s right, Minnesota’s top prospect is now just one step away from the big leagues. At 20 years and 188 days old, Jenkins is the youngest player in the International League.

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Jenkins is truly a five-tool player. Despite having the capability of hitting 20-plus home runs. He possesses elite speed, bat control skills, and defensive abilities.

To this point, Jenkins looks like he could stick in center field, too, depending on how long Byron Buxton stays there. Multiple outlets had Jenkins as a top five prospect coming into the 2025 season. Given the numbers he’s put up, his rank won’t be falling anytime soon.

Jenkins had the start of his season stunted due to an ankle injury. Still, it took him just 52 games at Double-A Wichita before he earned a promotion. That’s what happens when you post a .309/.426/.487 slash line (.333/.449/.524) since August 1st.

What’s next for Minnesota Twins top prospect?

The St. Paul Saints are 55-69 and, like the Twins, have no route to postseason baseball. That means Jenkins has a maximum of 24 more games left to play. The timing of his promotion coincides with a two-week road trip for St. Paul. After a stop in Toledo (against old friend Randy Dobnak), St. Paul stays close and faces the Louisville Bats.

St. Paul returns home for their final homestand on September 9 against the Columbus Clippers. By then, Jenkins will have had time to acclimate to the level and he should see significant crowds for the final six home games of the season.

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With this level of runway, there is certainly an outside chance he could make the Opening Day roster for the 2026 Minnesota Twins. It’s more likely he’ll begin in Triple-A and be among the first looked at to provide a burst. However, this is an uber-talented player and putting a cap on his trajectory is pointless.

Jenkins isn’t the only top Twins prospect that should end the season in Triple-A. Wichita teammate and 2024 first round pick Kaelen Culpepper is expected to join him as well.

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