Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Kaelen Culpepper, the Minnesota Twins' second-ranked prospect, is a 23-year-old infielder at Triple-A St. Paul who is preparing for an imminent MLB callup. Through 36 games in 2026, he is slashing .253/.345/.460 with 9 home runs and 8 stolen bases. After a slow start in April (3-for-27), he has rebounded strongly in May with a 13-game hitting streak (.302 average). His underlying metrics are impressive: 79.2% contact rate, 89.5% in-zone contact rate, and 48.2% hard-hit rate (well above MLB average of 38%). He maintains a disciplined approach with a 10.4% walk rate and 20.1% strikeout rate. Culpepper has experience at shortstop, second base, and third base, providing multiple pathways to the majors. The Twins' farm system strength lies in their position players, and Culpepper is expected to be called up in the coming weeks.
Strengths
- + Strong underlying metrics with 79.2% contact rate and 89.5% in-zone contact rate
- + Excellent hard-hit rate of 48.2%, well above MLB average
- + Hot May performance with 13-game hitting streak (.302 average)
- + Disciplined plate approach with 10.4% walk rate and 20.1% strikeout rate
- + Multi-positional eligibility (SS, 2B, 3B) provides flexibility
- + Demonstrated power with 9 home runs through 36 games
- + Speed component with 8 stolen bases
- + Former first-round draft pick with proven track record
- + Mentally composed and grounded approach to the game
- + Expected imminent MLB callup
About
Kaelen Culpepper is a third baseman for the Minnesota Twins.
Player Overview
3B
Minnesota Twins
Recent News
Twins INF prospect Kaelen Culpepper is leading off and playing third base for Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday.
May 19, 2026
Twins purchased the contract of INF Orlando Arcia from Triple-A St. Paul.
May 19, 2026
Royce Lewis was lifted for a pinch-hitter after striking out all three times up Sunday against the Brewers.
May 17, 2026
Luke Keaschall went 1-for-4 with a run scored during Friday's loss to the Brewers.
May 16, 2026