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\n \tImage courtesy of \u00a9 Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images\n <\/p>\n
\n\tAs the Twins continue their push for contention at the big-league level, the farm system is quietly developing names that could impact the future in Minnesota\u2014or serve as valuable trade chips at the deadline. This season, a pair of young hitters and an emerging pitcher are making notable progress. These three players are each turning heads for different reasons, and their recent performances have them climbing the organizational ranks.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tINF\/OF Brandon Winokur<\/a>, Cedar Rapids Kernels \n\tHitting the Hot Button: \n\tRHP Pierson Ohl<\/a>, Wichita Wind Surge \n\tHitting the Hot Button:
The Twins selected Winokur in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of high school in California. A multi-sport athlete with rare physical tools, Winokur drew attention for his combination of size, speed, and raw power. The Twins gave him second-round money ($1.5 million) and signed him away from a commitment to UCLA, betting that his loud, athletic profile would translate well to pro ball with the right development plan. His first full season in the Florida State League was filled with numerous learning experiences. Still, he showed glimpses of the potential that made him a top-100 draft prospect, launching a few long home runs and flashing defensive versatility in the infield and outfield. In 94 games, he posted a .761 OPS with 14 home runs and 19 doubles with 28.0 K% and an 8.3 BB%.\n<\/p>\n
Winokur started slow this season as he adjusted to High-A, but he is starting to see the pieces come together. In his age-20 season, he\u2019s playing in the Midwest League, where he’s over two years younger than the average age of the competition. Over his last 22 games, he has hit .241\/.300\/.566, with seven home runs, four doubles, and six stolen bases. Winokur posted these totals while the Kernels were in the thick of the first-half playoff race. Most importantly, his strikeout rate, which was a concern coming out of high school, has improved, as he\u2019s shown a better two-strike approach and a willingness to use the whole field. He cut his strikeout rate from 28.0% in 2024 to 23.3% during his recent hot stretch. If Winokur keeps trending upward, a promotion to Double-A later this summer is a possibility, and his long-term ceiling as a potential five-tool player remains intact.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Twins drafted Ohl in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Grand Canyon University. Ohl wasn\u2019t a high-profile pick at the time, but the Twins were intrigued by his excellent control and feel for pitching. In his first two professional seasons, Ohl worked his way steadily through the lower levels, showing off his ability to limit walks and fill the strike zone with a diverse mix of pitches. While his stuff didn\u2019t jump off the page\u2014his fastball sits in the low 90s\u2014his command and pitch efficiency made him a reliable rotation option as he reached Double-A Wichita. Last season, he posted a 4.68 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP with a 16.3 K%, and a 3.7 BB%\n<\/p>\n
Ohl has taken a significant step forward in 2025, as the Twins have shifted his role. He is one of a handful of pitchers being used in\u00a0a unique bulk inning role that the Twins are implementing<\/a> this year. In 15 appearances (44 innings), he has posted a 1.84 ERA with a 0.86 WHIP. Scouts have noticed a slight uptick in velocity and sharper breaking pitches, which have helped him miss more bats than in previous years. His K% has increased to 33.1% in his new role, while also maintaining a low walk rate of 3.0%. He\u2019s held batters to a .499 OPS for the season, and he\u2019s limited them to a .138 OBP in June. Ohl\u2019s consistent performance and improved stuff have pushed him into the conversation as an MLB-ready arm when the Twins need him. On Monday, Ohl was promoted to Triple-A, so he’s one step closer to the big leagues.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n