Will Jenkins make the Twins' Opening Day roster?
Minnesota Twins top prospect Walker Jenkins -- who is MLB's No. 14 overall prospect -- is hoping to make the big league ball club in 2026. Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com are not convinced it will happen, but they also are not shutting the door on the possibility.
According to a recent article from MLB.com, both Callis and Mayo gave Jenkins a 30 percent chance of making the Twins' Opening Day roster in 2026. Their reasoning did not center around Jenkins' talent. Rather, they believe that the Twins may decide to give him more time to develop in the minor leagues.
With that being said, 30 percent does not completely shut the door as mentioned. Minnesota's outfield features serious question marks and Jenkins has the ceiling of a star. If he has a big spring training, one has to imagine the Twins will at least consider placing him on the Opening Day roster.
Walker Jenkins' High Ceiling
Jenkins is only 20 years old. He throws right-handed and bats from the left side of the plate. At six-foot-three and 210 pounds, Jenkins is an athletic outfielder who does most things well on the baseball field.
He is known for his hitting, as he offers both contact and power. Jenkins could also become a good defensive outfielder in the big leagues. He also runs well. The 20-year-old has five-tool potential.
Injuries have impacted him at times in the minor leagues, though. Staying healthy will be of the utmost importance as Jenkins hopes to reach the MLB level sooner rather than later.
In 2025, Jenkins played 23 games at Triple-A, 52 games at Double-A, eight games at Single-A and one game in Rookie-Ball. Overall, he turned in a strong .286/.399/.451 slash line to go along with 10 home runs and an .850 OPS.
It seems as if Jenkins is ready for the next level. However, the Twins do not have to rush him to MLB. Giving him more time to develop would not be a bad idea. Additionally, Minnesota is not expected to compete this year, so the ball club can be patient when it comes to Jenkins' big league timeline.
However, if he tears the cover off the baseball this spring, it would not be shocking to see him in Minnesota to begin the regular season. He will be one of the most important Twins players to watch in spring training.