While free agency and trades dominate the headlines, the MLB Draft remains a crucial pillar for sustained success.

The Minnesota Twins have built their best rosters by hitting on players in every round from first overall to deep Day 2 gems.

Here’s a look at the best Twins draft pick from each of the first twenty rounds and a few honorable mentions who left their own mark on the franchise.

1st Round: C Joe Mauer (1st Overall, 2001)

When the Twins took Mauer first overall out of St. Paul’s Cretin-Derham Hall, they made a bold choice to pass on Mark Prior. That pick couldn’t have gone much better. Mauer became the face of the franchise for over a decade, winning the 2009 AL MVP and earning three batting titles, still the only catcher in AL history to accomplish that feat.

The six-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner spent his entire 15-year career in Minnesota, a rare feat in today’s game. He topped off his career by being a first-ballot Hall of Famer

Honorable Mentions: Torii Hunter, Chuck Knoblauch

Hunter’s highlight-reel defense and Knoblauch’s Rookie of the Year season make them first-round hits as well.

2nd Round: RHP Frank Viola (37th Overall, 1981)

Viola went from a second-rounder out of St. John’s University to a World Series MVP just seven years later. “Sweet Music” was instrumental in the 1987 championship run, then captured the 1988 AL Cy Young Award after a 24-win season.

His smooth delivery and big-game poise made him one of the most impactful pitchers in team history.

Honorable Mentions: Butch Wynegar, Scott Baker

Wynegar became an All-Star at age 20, while Baker quietly posted several solid seasons during the 2000s.

3rd Round: RHP Bert Blyleven (55th Overall, 1969)

Drafted at just 18, Blyleven broke into the majors a year later and quickly showed off his signature curveball. Across two stints with the Twins, he tallied 149 of his 287 career wins and 2,035 of his 3,701 strikeouts.

A two-time World Series champion and Hall of Famer, Blyleven’s impact spanned generations, both on the mound and later in the broadcast booth.

Honorable Mentions: Justin Morneau, A.J. Pierzynski

Morneau won an MVP and mashed 221 homers with Minnesota. Pierzynski brought consistency behind the plate and netted the Twins a franchise-altering trade return.