New Minnesota Twins President Has His Eye on One Almost Ready Prospect

Given the self-imposed payroll limitations that the Minnesota Twins are dealing with, they need internal talent to step up. The core of Rocco Baldelli’s roster is solid. Injuries and ineffectiveness sank them down the stretch last season. That doesn’t mean they can’t rebound, and more promotions from a great farm system will go a long ways.

E-Rod debut should be quick for Minnesota Twins

The most glaring hole on the roster currently is at first base. Carlos Santana won a Gold Glove last season, but he’s not getting any younger and is currently a free agent. They would also like another outfielder. The goal would be to have them hit from the right side. Star prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez is going to force his way in, however.

“There’s some development left, like there is in any young player, but he has such a unique profile with the ability to hit for power and get on base that I think he’s a really interesting player that’s a lot closer than we think.”

Derek Falvey on Emmanuel Rodriguez (Star Tribune)

It’s not shocking that Falvey would name Rodriguez as a player to watch when talking with Bobby Nightengale. He is a consensus top-100 prospect, and should inch his way into the top-20 before too long. After posting an .863 OPS in 99 games for High-A Cedar Rapids during 2023, he had quite the ascent last season.

Related: Minnesota Twins Top Prospect Rankings (2025 ed.)

Rodriguez dealt with a hand injury a couple of different times, but played at both Double-A and Triple-A in 2024. He homered nine times in just 47 games and carried a ridiculous .459 OPS. He has struck out at a decent clip because he can get too choosy in the box, but he often forces damage on opposing pitchers.

Emmanuel Rodriguez with an inside-the-park GRAND SLAM for his first Triple-A HR⚡️#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/UBhAGY7z5A

— Twins Player Development (@TwinsPlayerDev) September 8, 2024

If the Dominican native was right handed, there’s a decent chance he could crack the Opening Day roster. Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach are the presumed corner outfielders. Rodriguez has the ability to play centerfield, but is better suited in a corner. He isn’t a platoon guy, and does damage against lefties too.

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The Twins will want to see what Rodriguez can do at Triple-A to start the year. His thumb surgery should be fully healed and a non-issue moving forward. There’s no reason to believe that a talent this impressive can’t make quick work of St. Paul.

Walker Jenkins will wind up threatening to be baseball’s best prospect at some point in 2025. Rodriguez is not all that far off from a talent perspective. He gives the Twins a legitimate threat to win a Rookie of the Year award, and he should be a middle-of-the-lineup staple for years to come.