Minnesota Twins pitching prospect Connor Prielipp features a high ceiling. The team's No. 9 overall prospect (per MLB.com) is a left-handed pitcher who may be ready to impact the ball club in 2026.

The 25-year-old has an MLB ETA set for 2026. He seems to be big league ready. The big question for Prielipp is how he will fit onto the big league roster. 

The southpaw has battled injuries in the past. In college he underwent Tommy John surgery. He was still a highly-regarded prospect given his ability on the mound, but the injury uncertainty led to some questions.

After getting drafted by the Twins in 2022, he suffered another injury in 2023 and was limited to just two minor league starts that season. After appearing in nine games in 2024, Prielipp was able to pitch in 24 total contests (23 starts) in 2025 between Double-A and Triple-A. 

It would not be surprising to see him pitch in MLB at some point in 2026. Could it be to start the season? Possibly, but Prielipp may also get the call later in the year. 

Either way, the Twins do have a question to answer: Should Connor Prielipp start or pitch in relief in the big leagues?

Prielipp is a young left-handed hurler who throws a mid-high 90's fastball to go along with a slider and changeup. The idea of Prielipp transitioning to a bullpen role has been mentioned in the past given his injury history. He features the talent to find success in the starting rotation, but working in relief could give his career more longevity. 

Additionally, Prielipp's skill set suggests he could be a reliable relief pitcher. The left-hander would likely be more than simply a matchup-based southpaw in the bullpen. He could be used as a multi-inning weapon, or Prielipp may even be utilized in the back of the bullpen as a setup guy down the road. 

Of course, that is only if the Twins decide to have him pitch in relief. At the moment, he is still regarded as a starter. 

Minnesota should make a final decision sooner rather than later so Prielipp can prepare accordingly. Either way, Prielipp's ceiling remains high regardless of his role. It will be a situation to pay attention to moving forward, though.

It is also worth noting that Twins fans will receive the opportunity to watch Connor Prielipp pitch in spring training this year.