Twins should move Luke Keaschall to the outfield to clear the way for top infield prospect

Despite playing outfield and first base in the minor leagues, Luke Keaschall, 23, played only second base and served as a design hitter last season, mainly due to undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2024 and suffering a right wrist fracture in his seventh career MLB game in April. He also underwent surgery for a sprained left thumb in September, but is expected to be ready for opening day.

Luke Keaschall expected to gain outfield experience with Twins

Back in December, Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reported that the Twins want to give Keaschall experience in the outfield. Since the young star’s arm should be completely rested at this point, he should be ready to deliver outfield innings for Minnesota.

If Keaschall proves he can be a decent defensive outfielder at the highest level, the Twins will have more defensive flexibility, paving the way for Minnesota’s top outfielder to make the jump to the Majors.

Twins should move 2025 standout rookie Luke Keaschall to the outfield to clear the path for top infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper

Assuming Keaschall is the Twins’ primary starting second baseman next season, the infield will be full. Royce Lewis will be at third base, Brooks Lee will be at shortstop, and Josh Bell, Kody Clemens, Victor Caratini and Eric Wagaman will likely split time at first base. Of course, injuries and regression among the infielders could open the way for Culpepper. But if not, moving Keaschall to the outfield would be an easy way to make room for Culpepper.

Culpepper, the Twins’ 2024 first-round pick, is ranked the 52nd best prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline. Last season, the infielder hit .289/.375/.469 with 20 home runs, 64 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 113 games with High-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita en route to being named the Twins’ Minor League Player of the Year.

Since he has yet to play at the Triple-A level, Culpepper will most likely start the season with the Saints if he has a strong spring training, and could earn a promotion to the major leagues at some point during the season. Culpepper is just a prospect, which means we don’t know if his minor league success will translate to the major leagues. But he has the potential to be an All-Star, which means the Twins should promote him to the Majors as soon as possible.