A coveted prospect lands in Minnesota
Vahn Lackey, the Georgia Tech catcher who dominated the 2025 college season, was selected third overall by the Minnesota Twins in the 2026 MLB Draft. The pick underscores the Twins’ willingness to invest heavily in a player who blends offensive power with defensive poise.
Lackey’s junior year was nothing short of spectacular. He batted .397, hit 20 home runs and drove in 78 runs, helping the Yellow Jackets capture both the ACC regular‑season title and the tournament championship. His defensive excellence earned him the Johnny Bench Award as the nation’s top Division I catcher and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
A near‑slot bonus and a historic pick
The agreement includes a signing bonus of nearly $9.5 million, just shy of the $9.74 million slot value assigned to the third overall selection. This marks the first time the Twins have used a first‑round pick on a catcher since they drafted Joe Mauer in 2001, a milestone that highlights the team’s shift toward a more robust backstop strategy.
Coach James Ramsey praised Lackey’s well‑rounded skill set, noting that the prospect’s combination of bat speed, game‑calling ability and leadership makes him a rare find. “He’s the kind of catcher who can change the tempo of a game,” Ramsey said, recalling the lineage of Georgia Tech catchers such as Jason Varitek, Matt Wieters and Joey Bart who have also made successful transitions to the majors.
The Twins’ front office sees Lackey as a cornerstone for the next wave of talent, especially as the organization looks to replenish its catching depth. With the bonus structure aligned to his projected value, the club can maintain flexibility while rewarding a player who has already proven himself at the highest level of collegiate baseball.