For the sixth time since 2014, the Minnesota Twins have chosen a shortstop with their first pick in the draft. At the 2024 MLB All-Star Game venue in Arlington, Texas, the Twins selected Kaelen Culpepper from Kansas State University with the 21st overall pick.
Culpepper was highly regarded across various pre-draft evaluations, earning consensus first-round projections: ESPN ranked him 28th, The Athletic 30th, MLB Pipeline 31st, and Baseball America 34th. During his standout season at K-State, Culpepper posted impressive stats with a .328 batting average, .419 on-base percentage, .574 slugging percentage, 11 home runs, six triples, and 59 RBIs in 61 games. His performance earned him a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team, following previous recognitions as All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2022 and 2023, as well as selection to the All-Big 12 Freshman Team in 2022.
With the 21st overall pick, the Minnesota Twins have selected SS Kaelen Culpepper. Explosive, in-sync operation. Big time bat speed with quick hands. Advanced feel for the barrel. 55s on both hit and power. Actions and arm to stick on left side. Arm is a 6 pic.twitter.com/3aDsTYMs5N
— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) July 15, 2024
Despite his primary position as a shortstop, Culpepper is projected to transition to third base at the major league level. However, securing a starting infield spot with the Twins presents a challenge, given the current lineup projections featuring Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, Brooks Lee, and Jose Miranda as starters when healthy. The Twins’ infield depth further includes promising prospects like Luke Keaschall, Eddy Julien, Tanner Schobel, Danny De Andrade, and Yunior Severino, indicating a crowded organizational infield.
This marks the sixth occasion since 2014 that the Twins have opted to invest their top draft pick in shortstops, with previous selections including Brooks Lee (2022), Noah Miller (2021), Keoni Cavaco (2019), Royce Lewis (2017), and Nick Gordon (2014).