Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints (Aaron Rozek)
Welcome to the Twins Prospect Hot Sheet! Each week, we take a closer look at multiple players who are climbing the organization’s prospect ladder thanks to standout performances. This isn’t limited to top-10 prospects, as you’ll find some lesser-known names putting themselves on the radar, as well. This week’s list features a pitcher trying to pitch his way into a big-league role; a former first-round slugger hunting for his power stroke; and a young catcher turning heads with an electric start. Let’s dive in.
LHP Aaron Rozek – St. Paul Saints
Rozek is one of the best feel-good stories in the Twins system. The Minnesota native and former Minnesota State-Mankato standout went undrafted in 2018, but kept grinding his way up the ladder. After spending time in independent ball, the Twins signed Rozek in 2021. Since then, he has carved out a role as an organizational lefty, with command and deception as his calling cards.
In 2024, Rozek pitched split time between Double- and Triple-A, posting a 3.91 ERA across 122 innings. His 19.5 K% showed that while he’s not overpowering, his ability to change speeds and locate helped him keep hitters guessing. Control remained his strength with a 5.8 BB%, one of the best rates among starters in the Twins system.
Hitting the Hot Button
Rozek’s 2025 season has quietly made him one of the organization’s most dependable arms. As of early June, he holds a 2.98 ERA over 54 1/3 innings, thriving in a swingman role that has seen him make both starts and multi-inning relief appearances. His fastball velocity sits around the low 90s, but what’s turned heads is the improvement in his cutter and changeup. These pitches generate weak contact and keep him off the barrel. In particular, Rozek’s strikeout rate is up nearly 3% compared to last season. While he’s not likely to become a rotation piece in Minnesota, he’s now a dark horse in the mix as a possible depth option for long relief or emergency starts later this summer.
1B/DH Aaron Sabato – Wichita Wind Surge
Sabato was the Twins’ first-round pick in 2020 out of North Carolina, selected for his eye-popping power potential. Known as a slugger with light-tower power and serious on-base skills, Sabato’s pro career has been a winding road. Strikeouts and contact issues plagued him, but the pop was always there.
In 2024, Sabato struggled at Double-A Wichita, slashing .206/.303/.350 with 10 home runs and 14 doubles in 85 games. At 25 years old, he was slightly older than the average age of the competition in the Texas League, so there were some expectations that his performance would improve. His 12.3% walk rate and improved zone discipline gave reason for optimism that he could still develop into a power threat suitable for first base or designated hitter duties.
Hitting the Hot Button
Sabato’s start to 2025 has been his most complete showing as a professional. Through the first two months of the season, he’s hitting .311/.409/.568 with eight home runs and 10 doubles in 42 games. His .977 OPS and .568 SLG are the best in the Texas League. His strikeout rate has dipped to 25.6%, the lowest of his career at any full-season level.
What’s been the difference? Sabato is laying off pitches up in the zone and showing more confidence going the other way, punishing mistakes to right-center instead of trying to pull everything out to left. If this version of Sabato holds, the Twins may finally have the middle-of-the-order right-handed bat they hoped for when they made him a first-rounder five years ago. At the very least, he’s put himself back on the radar as a potential (eventual) big-league option.
C/OF Khadim Diaw – Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
The Twins selected Diaw in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft from Loyola Marymount University. He became the first player of Senegalese descent to be selected in the MLB Draft. He dealt with multiple injuries in college, including a back fracture, broken left thumb, and sprained wrist. However, his college production was still strong, as he posted a .985 OPS in 80 games.
After signing with the Twins, he played 24 games in Fort Myers and slashed .271/.374/.341, with four extra-base hits. Defensively, he played the bulk of his time behind the plate (over 100 innings) but also made starts at multiple outfield positions. Scouts raved about his athleticism and potential, but there were many unknowns due to his limited playing time in college.
Hitting the Hot Button
So far in 2025, Diaw has put himself on the national prospect map. In 38 games with Cedar Rapids, he’s batting .302/.455/.431 with four steals and a 12.3% walk rate, a sign of gradually improved plate discipline. He’s being more selective at the plate and making much more contact on pitches in the strike zone. Last week, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel updated his top 10 prospects for each organization and had Diaw as the Twins’ ninth-best prospect. He mentions that he likes Diaw before the season, and he’s “taken big steps forward” in 2025. Unfortunately, he broke his finger when he was hit in the hand by a batter’s swing, so he will be on the IL until that heals.
While the focus at the top of the Twins’ farm system usually rests on big names, it’s players like Rozek, Sabato, and Diaw who help shape the depth and potentially impact the big-league club down the road. Rozek is making a case to be the next man up for pitching depth. Sabato is reminding fans why he was a first-round pick. Diaw is quietly breaking out as one of the most exciting athletes in the lower levels. Keep an eye on these names, as they may not remain under the radar for much longer.
Who else should make next week’s Hot Sheet? Drop your picks in the comments below!