The Minnesota Twins have drafted utility man Kyle DeBarge in the first round (33rd overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. The former Ragin’ Cajun is still working on developing the offensive side of his game, as he hit just .237/.347/.362 with 121 strikeouts in 543 plate appearances at High-A Cedar Rapids this season. However, he proved that his defense is as good as it gets by winning the Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove Award at second base.
Under-the-radar Twins prospect Kyle DeBarge wins Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove Award at second base
Although DeBarge, 22, was primarily a second baseman in the Twins’ organization, appearing in 73 games at the position this year, he has also logged professional innings at shortstop and all three outfield spots. He may need to work on his hitting, but he still had an above-average on-base percentage this past season at High-A Cedar Rapids. Even if his contact and power skills don’t develop much further, combining his elite defense with his excellent plate discipline could translate into a solid Major Leaguer in the near future.
DeBarge has the potential to achieve more contact and power as well. In his final collegiate season, DeBarge slashed .355/.418/.699 with 21 home runs and 72 RBIs in 290 at-bats. Now imagine if he starts hitting like he did in college with the Twins organization; Minnesota could have a future All-Star in the minor leagues.
The problem for DeBarge, the Twins’ No. 11 pick, is that Minnesota’s infield is starting to look crowded. In the Major Leagues, the team already has Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee and Royce Lewis at second base, short stop and third base, respectively. Additionally, Twins infield prospects Kaelen Culpepper and Marek Houston are higher-ranked prospects than DeBarge. DeBarge can also play outfield for the Twins. However, Minnesota’s outfield can be even more crowded than the infield.
MLB Pipeline predicts the former Ragin’ Cajun will make his MLB debut in 2027. By then, the Twins may need help, whether in the infield or outfield, and DeBarge can provide defense just about anywhere as someone who can play shortstop and center field. Not to mention, DeBarge is an elite base-stealerafter racking up 66 sacks for the Kernels last season.
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