The third-round pick in 2023 received an over-slot bonus ($1.5 million) to keep him from his college commitment and has quickly become one of the organization’s most intriguing prospects.
With his massive 6-foot-6 frame and a skill set that spans all five tools, Winokur has the potential to be a cornerstone for the Twins’ future.
Flashes of his five-tool talent have marked Winokur’s early professional career. Drafted as a shortstop, he has spent his time playing shortstop, third base, and center field in the minors.
Given his size and athletic profile, many scouts believe that a transition to center field could be on the horizon. His arm and speed make him viable at multiple positions.
The Twins will keep him at shortstop as long as possible, but his unique physical tools make him a viable candidate for a move to center.
The Offensive Arsenal: Swing, Miss, and Everything In Between
Offensively, Winokur has the tools to be a potential All-Star, but he needs to improve on some parts of his game as he climbs the organizational ladder.
His first full season in the largely pitching-friendly Florida State League was a telling display of his raw potential. Finishing third in OPS, and ranking in the top ten in both home runs (14) and wRC+ (116), he provided a glimpse of what could be an electrifying bat for the Twins.
One area of improvement that has been repeatedly highlighted is his ability to pick up breaking pitches.
Although he has improved his strikeout rate compared to his pro debut (-4.4 K%), his 115 to 34 K/BB ratio in 2024 indicates that there’s still a tendency to chase pitches outside the zone.
This isn’t entirely surprising given his power tool because swinging for the fences sometimes leads to chasing pitches. The Twins know that Winokur could significantly boost his offensive consistency with more refined plate discipline.
What truly stands out about Winokur is his rare combination of skills. MLB Pipeline has touted him as potentially the “best overall athlete” in the Twins’ system. That’s high praise in an organization that includes two of baseball’s top overall prospects, Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez . His power is one of the best in the organization, but it’s not just about the long ball.
Winokur is a bona fide five-tool talent. He can hit for power and average, run the bases aggressively, field at a high level, and throw with a rocket arm. This blend of skills makes him not only exciting to watch but also a versatile asset who can be molded into a player that fits a variety of roles in a major league lineup.
The Road Ahead in 2025
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, many fans will focus on players in the upper levels of the minors because the Twins have big names that are close to debuting.
However, Winokur has the chance for a special season where he can take significant steps toward becoming a top-100 prospect.
He should spend the majority of the season at High-A with the potential to move to Double-A in the season’s second half.
He turned 20 in December, which could put him on a path to debut as early as 2026, with 2027 being a safer bet.
His offensive profile should only improve as he continues to refine his approach at the plate, particularly in recognizing and handling breaking balls.
For those who have seen him in action, it’s clear that his natural power is something to behold, and the occasional swing and miss is a small price to pay for what could be an elite bat in the future. His ability to drive the ball with authority will be crucial to his game as he matures.
Defensively, deciding whether to keep him at shortstop or transition him to center field could be one of the more interesting storylines of the upcoming season.
Each option presents its own set of challenges and rewards. Staying at shortstop might allow him to continue building on his current experience, but his size and speed could be a huge asset in center.
He will likely get time at both positions, and some of his playing time will depend on what other players are on the Cedar Rapids roster to start the season.
Ultimately, Winokur embodies the prospect type that brings energy and excitement to an organization.
With a blend of raw talent, physical prowess, and an already impressive set of tools, he’s a player who could make a significant impact if given the right opportunities. The 2025 season is an opportunity for him to establish himself as one of the game’s best prospects. His five-tool talent is something for fans to be excited about, and the 2025 season might be his time to shine.
Interested in learning more about the Minnesota Twins’ top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!
