The Minnesota Twins made headlines this week by turning the first two selections of the MLB draft into a pair of catchers, a move that has not been repeated in over a century.
A Historic Draft Approach
Vahn Lackey, a Georgia Tech standout, came off the board with the No. 3 overall pick, showcasing a blend of raw power and refined receiving skills that caught the eye of the club’s scouting department.
In the second round, the club reached for Texas product Carson Tinney, a recent transfer from Notre Dame who posted a .326/.483/.688 slash line with 22 homers after reinventing himself as a full‑time catcher, signing for $1.9 million below slot.
The third‑round pick, right‑hander Ethan Wachsmann, earned an over‑slot agreement worth $2.5 million, reflecting the organization’s willingness to invest in arms that slipped past the early rounds.
The development of former catcher Ryan Jeffers, now viewed as a benchmark for Tinney’s own trajectory, gave the front office confidence that the youngster could progress through the system at a comparable pace.
Scouts praised Tinney’s exit velocities, which ranked near the top of the draft class, while his defensive work ethic impressed everyone during the combine interview, reinforcing the belief that he could remain behind the plate despite a late start at the position.
Injury Update
Meanwhile, Florida Complex League pitcher Santiago Castellanos will undergo season‑ending surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow, a move that underscores the physical toll that can accompany high‑velocity arms.