Could this overlooked slugger be the surprise star of the Minnesota Twins' spring training?
As the Minnesota Twins prepare to embark on their 2026 spring training journey at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida, excitement is building. Their first match will kick off against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday, February 20. The very next day, they will face off against the Boston Red Sox in what promises to be an exhilarating game for fans. The spring training schedule is packed with thrilling encounters, including a notable matchup against Team Puerto Rico.
This season, top prospects like Walker Jenkins and Kaelen Culpepper are set to join the big-league camp, as reported by Bobby Nightengale from The Minnesota Star Tribune. Additionally, several minor league players including Aaron Sabato and Kyler Fedko will also compete for a spot in the big leagues. However, one particular prospect—who was selected in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft—has been flying under the radar but appears ready to make a significant impact in Fort Myers.
Meet Kala'i Rosario, a corner outfielder who currently holds the designation of the Twins' No. 29 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. After battling an elbow injury that sidelined him for over two months during the 2024 season, the 23-year-old from Hawaii bounced back impressively during his first full season with Double-A Wichita last year. He posted an impressive batting line of .256/.358/.487, hitting 25 home runs, 30 doubles, five triples, driving in 83 runs, and stealing 32 bases.
The competition in the Twins' outfield is fierce, featuring established names such as Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, Alan Roden, James Outman, and Austin Martin. Furthermore, Luke Keaschall is expected to contribute in the outfield, and promising prospects like Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodríguez, and Gabriel Gonzalez are anticipated to make their MLB debuts either in 2026 or 2027. Right-handed hitting outfielder Kyler Fedko is also on the verge of breaking into the majors soon. Despite this crowded landscape, Rosario has the potential to shine in the upcoming spring training and could earn a call-up to the major leagues within the next few seasons.
Rosario’s right-handed batting ability offers him a strategic advantage, especially since many of his competitors—including Wallner, Larnach, Roden, Outman, Jenkins, and Rodríguez—are left-handed hitters. Having won the Midwest League MVP award in 2023, Rosario is clearly deserving of an opportunity at the big league level. If the Twins assess that their roster doesn’t have space for him in the immediate future, and assuming he continues to perform well throughout the 2026 season, there’s a possibility they might package him in a trade to acquire a seasoned major leaguer to bolster their playoff ambitions. On the flip side, if the season takes a downturn—which could certainly happen—the Twins might as well give this talented Hawaiian athlete a chance on the 26-man roster towards the end of the 2026 season, provided he maintains his strong performance.
What do you think? Will Rosario break through into the big leagues this season, or will he remain a hidden gem in the minors? Share your thoughts!
