Keaschall is looking to break out in 2026, and his health is a big part of it.
Minnesota Twins second baseman Luke Keaschall has dealt with more than his share of injuries since entering professional baseball, but heading into the 2026 season, the 23-year-old says all of that is finally behind him.
"I think it's probably the healthiest I've been in my entire career considering when I got drafted my elbow wasn't in good shape," Keaschall told Bobby Nightengale of The Star Tribune, referencing the torn UCL he played through during his minor league career before eventually undergoing Tommy John surgery.
"Now we're actually not in rehab anymore, so it's nice to be able to say I'm actually healthy."
That's a big statement from a player who also had wrist surgery in 2023, suffered a broken right forearm after being hit by a pitch in April of 2025, and then dealt with a left thumb injury that ended his rookie season early in September.
Despite all of that, Keaschall still managed to hit .302/.382/.445 with four home runs, 28 RBI and 14 stolen bases across just 49 games, earning the Twins' Outstanding Rookie award and a first-team all-rookie selection.
A Spring That Backs Up the Words
Keaschall has looked every bit the part of a healthy player this spring, and his numbers have reflected that confidence at the plate.
Through 17 Grapefruit League games, he's slashing .360/.396/.720 with five doubles, two triples and three home runs while driving in 12 runs, and he's struck out just twice in 50 at-bats.
New manager Derek Shelton has been so impressed that he's slotted Keaschall into the leadoff spot, pairing him with Byron Buxton at the top of the lineup ahead of Opening Day on March 26 against Baltimore.
"He plays every game like it's a playoff game," Shelton said. "The intensity that he plays with is something that really stands out."
Why Keaschall Could Be a Superstar
The Twins finished 70-92 last season and enter 2026 with modest expectations after a deadline fire sale that shipped out Carlos Correa, Jhoan Duran and several other key contributors.
The focus for this franchise has shifted toward building around its young core, and Keaschall is at the center of that plan.
What makes him so exciting is the combination of bat-to-ball skill, plate discipline, and versatility.
He had a .382 on-base percentage as a rookie while still recovering from multiple injuries, and the Twins have also started giving him reps in left field this spring to increase his lineup flexibility.
MLB Network analyst Matt Vasgersian went as far as including Keaschall in his top five AL MVP predictions for 2026, a bold pick that drew plenty of reaction but speaks to just how high the ceiling could be.
Looking Ahead
Keaschall reached base in 44 of the 49 games he played last year, and the Twins believe that was just a fraction of what he's capable of when he's fully healthy.
With a normal offseason of preparation under his belt for the first time in his professional career and no rehab hanging over his head, the stage is set for him to take a major step forward.
Whether or not an MVP conversation is realistic, there's a strong case that Keaschall could be representing the Twins at the All-Star Game this summer if he stays on the field.