RADIO
Kaelen Culpepper Resumes Baseball Activities, Still a High-End Stash Option?
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper (hip) remains on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A St. Paul with a hip strain after being placed on the IL on June 16. Though he hasn't returned yet, the Twins' second-ranked prospect resumed baseball activities this week and looks to be on track to make a return to the field within the next week, provided he does not suffer any setbacks. The former first-rounder was slashing .273/.377/.498 with 14 home runs, 15 steals, and a 12.8 percent walk rate (17.3 percent strikeout rate) before the injury, seemingly putting himself on the precipice of a major league debut. The right-handed hitter displayed the same power/speed profile in 2025, recording 20 home runs and 25 steals in 113 games at High-A and Double-A. That skillset certainly makes him intriguing for fantasy, but fantasy managers will have to wait a bit longer for his debut. With the ability to be a multi-category contributor and assuming he'll return to the field in short order, the 23-year-old should still be considered a high-end stash in deeper leagues.
Source: Theodore Tollefson
Source: Theodore Tollefson
Does Kaelen Culpepper Still Maintain Elite Stash Value While on Injured List?
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper has seen his fantasy stock take a short-term dip due to his current hip injury. Last week, the Twins placed their top infield prospect on the 7-day injured list with a hip strain. While this does not appear to be a long-term concern, managers in shallower leagues may need to cut ties with the budding star. Before the injury, the former 21st overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft was flashing high-end upside with the Triple-A club, posting a .273/.377/.498 slash line with 11 doubles, 14 home runs, and 15 stolen bases. While his MLB debut was delayed by this injury, he should have a clear path to the Twins once he returns to the Triple-A diamond. While those in shallower leagues should monitor him from the waiver wire, those in deeper leagues with several NA spots should still view him as a top stash target in Week 13.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Royce Lewis Heating Up in June, Re-Emerging as a Waiver-Wire Target
Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis has had a rough year overall in 2026, hitting .199/.283/.356 with six home runs, 20 RBI, 17 runs scored, and four stolen bases. The oft-injured slugger missed time in April due to an LCL sprain in his left knee and has seen his strikeout rate rise from 19.9% in 2025 to 28.9%. However, Lewis has started to heat up in recent weeks. Across 47 plate appearances in June, the 27-year-old is hitting .286/.340/.548 with three home runs, seven RBI, six runs scored, and one stolen base. Lewis' underlying contact metrics remain strong, as he's posted a 12% barrel rate on the season. If he can maintain his current health, Lewis profiles as a high-upside waiver wire target for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Does Minor Injury Diminish Kaelen Culpepper's Stash Worthiness?
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper (glute) was removed from his latest game at Triple-A on Saturday due to glute tightness, and according to Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll, the team believes the injury will not warrant a trip to the injured list. Culpepper should simply be considered day-to-day. Having not played on Sunday and with no game on Monday, it will be interesting to see if the Twins' second-ranked prospect is out there on Tuesday against Omaha or if he'll need more time. The injury slows some momentum that had been building for the former first-round draft pick as he had hit safely in 16 of his last 17 games before Saturday (0-for-3), going 24-for-69 (.348) with two doubles, a triple, five home runs, and five stolen bases over that time, along with an impressive 12:11 BB:K. The recent hot stretch lifted the 23-year-old's season-long slash line to .273/.377/.498 with 14 home runs, 15 steals, a strong 12.8 percent walk rate, and a 17.3 percent strikeout rate. The right-handed hitter should still be on track to debut in the majors in the coming weeks and should be viewed as a high-end stash for fantasy in all leagues with five-category potential.
Source: Dan Hayes - The Athletic
Source: Dan Hayes - The Athletic
Kaelen Culpepper Day-to-Day with Glute Tightness
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper (glute) was removed early from his game with Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, fueling speculation that he might be headed to the big leagues. However, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports that Culpepper was pulled from the game due to glute tightness and is now considered day to day. The 23-year-old has hit well so far this season across 289 plate appearances at Triple-A, slashing .273/.377/.498 with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, 53 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases. The Twins have gotten middling production from the infield trio of Brooks Lee, Tristan Gray, and Luke Keaschall, which could open a spot for Culpepper to make his MLB debut. Once healthy, Culpepper could be worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of a potential promotion due to his five-category production potential.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Royce Lewis Emerging as a Top Pickup Amidst Recent Hot Surge?
Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run in Saturday's 9-6 loss to the Cardinals. Lewis has been one of the hotter hitters in baseball since returning to the majors in early June. After going hitless in his first game back, he has hit safely in six straight contests, going 10-for-23 (.435) with two doubles, three home runs, four runs, and four RBI over that stretch. The power-speed combination he's shown during the hot streak gives him strong multi-category appeal. Lewis has started five of his last seven games at first base and appears to have taken over there for the foreseeable future while Brooks Lee remains at third. The combination of his recent power surge and newfound everyday role makes him a strong speculative add, especially with him still only rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
When Will Kaelen Culpepper Make his MLB Debut?
Minnesota Twins top infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper continues to showcase elite upside at the Triple-A level and is on the verge of his MLB debut. Over his last 15 contests at St. Paul, the budding infielder has carried an elite .325/.425/.581 line with a 1.005 OPS. During this stretch, Culpepper has gone deep five times and swiped four bags. Overall, the 23-year-old has looked quite comfortable during his first stint at the top club of the minor leagues, posting a .268/.372/.489 slash line with 10 doubles, 14 home runs, 14 stolen bases, and an impressive 49:35 K:BB. Seeing him not only maintain his five-category profile but also show a strong eye at the plate has made him an elite stash option among hitting prospects. Given that Minnesota has lacked much production in the middle of their infield, Culpepper appears to be on a trajectory to debut before the end of June.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kaelen Culpepper a Must-Stash with Momentum at Triple-A
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper could be ticketed for a major league debut in the very near future after his recent run of success at Triple-A. The Twins' second-ranked prospect's 12-game hit streak came to an end this past Saturday after an 0-for-4 at the plate (though he managed to get on base once after getting hit and he also drove in a run), but during the hit streak, the former first-rounder went 17-for-49 (.347) with five home runs, three steals, and a 9:9 BB:K. It raised his season-long slash line to .265/.371/.491 with 14 home runs, 13 steals, and a strong 12.7 percent walk rate (18.4 percent strikeout rate). The right-handed hitter's success should earn him a promotion to the majors in the coming weeks, and with a solid all-around skillset, the 23-year-old makes for one of the top bats to stash in most fantasy leagues for his potential to be a multi-category contributor.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Royce Lewis Rejoins MLB Roster, Worth Adding in All Leagues?
The Minnesota Twins recalled third baseman Royce Lewis from Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday and designated outfielder James Outman for assignment in a corresponding move, according to Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Lewis was sent to the minors in the middle of last month after starting the year with a horrid .163/.261/.279 slash line, a .539 OPS, three home runs, and a career-worst 31.1% strikeout rate in 31 games and 119 plate appearances. The 27-year-old turned things around at the plate with the Saints, though, going 20-for-60 (.333) with 10 home runs, 22 RBI, 14 runs scored, five walks, and 13 strikeouts in 15 games over 67 plate appearances to earn a trip back to the big leagues. Lewis also got some work in at first base down on the farm, so the Twins could try to mix him in at both corner-infield spots as he looks to rebound from his atrocious start at the plate in 2026. Lewis' strikeouts probably won't suddenly go away, but he can be a strong source of power when he's in the zone in fantasy baseball leagues, and he's rostered in only 21% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Royce Lewis Working at First Base, Worth a Stash Ahead of Potential Return?
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis, who is at Triple-A St. Paul, worked with former Twins first baseman Justin Morneau for over an hour on Friday, according to Declan Goff. Since his demotion to the minors after hitting .163 (17-for-104) with three home runs, with a career-high 31.1% strikeout rate through 31 games in 2026, Lewis has turned things around at the plate. Through 14 games with the Saints, Lewis has gone 20-for-56 (.357) with 10 home runs, 22 RBI, and 14 runs scored across 63 plate appearances. Not only has the former first overall pick in 2017 made changes to his swing, but he could also be shifting across the diamond to play first base whenever he rejoins the Twins at the big-league level. Lewis has never reached the 20-homer mark in his four years in the majors, but he has displayed high-end power from the right side in stretches in Minnesota. For his power upside alone, the 27-year-old is worth stash consideration in deeper fantasy leagues before he gets the call back to the Twins. Right now, Lewis is rostered in 20% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Declan Goff
Source: Declan Goff
Kaelen Culpepper on Verge of MLB Debut Amid 11-Game Hitting Streak
Minnesota Twins top infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper remains on the verge of his MLB debut and should be viewed as a top stash candidate in all standard formats. The infielder is currently carrying an impressive 11-game hitting streak as he knocks on the MLB door. During this stretch, Culpepper has posted a .333/.444/.600 line with a 1.044 OPS. Across these contests, Culpepper has hit four home runs while swiping three bags and carrying a 9:9 K:BB. Overall, Culpepper has looked very comfortable during his first taste of Triple-A action, posting a .266/.372/.468 line with an .858 OPS. Over these 54 contests with St. Paul, Culpepper has hit 13 home runs and stolen 13 bases. Given his five-category upside and clear path to MLB at-bats, Culpepper should remain stashed in all standard leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Kaelen Culpepper the No. 1 Hitting Prospect to Stash?
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper has continued to showcase high upside at Triple-A St. Paul and enters Week 10 as the primary hitting prospect to stash. Culpepper spent his 2025 season splitting time between High-A and Double-A, which earned him a ticket to the top cub to open the 2026 campaign. However, despite not taking a single Triple-A at-bat prior to the 2026 campaign, Culpepper has done more than hold his own, posting a .246/.349/.462 line with an .811 OPS over his first 48 contests. During this stretch, Culpepper has tallied nine doubles, gone deep 11 times, and swiped 12 bags. Currently, the Twins have lacked much consistent production in parts of their infield, especially at the shortstop position. Given how comfortable Culpepper has looked at the top club, fantasy managers should expect the Twins to call his name in the immediate future. His five-category potential makes him a must-stash candidate in all formats.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Brooks Lee Now the Twins Primary Third Baseman?
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton confirmed that infielder Brooks Lee is the team's primary third baseman going forward after Royce Lewis was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. "Once we made the move to option Royce, we talked about what was best for our club right now. We felt moving Brooks to third was the best thing for our club," Shelton said. Lee will occasionally play some shortstop, but he will mostly see time at the hot corner. It's not like Lee was great defensively at the 6, and he has made four straight starts at third since Lewis was sent to the minors. Top prospect Kaelen Culpepper could force his way to the big leagues soon and take over duties at shortstop in Minnesota, but until that happens, it will be Ryan Kreidler at short for the Twins. Lee, a 25-year-old switch-hitter in his third year in the majors, is currently slashing .254/.309/.395 with a career-best .704 OPS, five homers, 26 RBI, 22 runs, and three steals across 49 games played. He has eligibility at second, third, and shortstop in Yahoo leagues and is rostered in 25% of those formats.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Kaelen Culpepper Knocking on MLB Door Ahead of Week 9
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper continues to showcase his elite five-category profile at Triple-A and enters Week 9 as a must-stash prospect. Culpepper opened the campaign with Triple-A St. Paul after splitting the 2025 season between Double-A and Triple-A. Over 113 total games over the top levels last summer, Culpepper posted a .289/.375/.469 line with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases. Through 45 games at St. Paul, the infielder has already gone deep 10 times while swiping 11 bags. He has held a .247/.347/.462 line with a .809 OPS. Over his last 12 games, he has posted a stellar 8:8 K:BB with two of these long balls and four stolen bases. Given that the Twins lack many proven options in their current infield and the recent demotion of Royce Lewis, Culpepper could have his name called in the immediate future. He should be viewed as a top stash target in all leagues ahead of Week 9.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Royce Lewis Flashing Elite Power at Triple-A, Back on the Stash Radar?
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis has been putting on an impressive power show since being sent down to Triple-A St. Paul. Lewis blasted two home runs on Saturday and has five long balls in five games with St. Paul. It seems that a demotion was exactly what Lewis needed to get his head right. This power surge could be enough to get Lewis back on the Twins roster soon. The potential has always been there with Lewis, but he hasn't been able to put it all together. Lewis could be an interesting stash candidate given his strong performance in Triple-A right now. He could be on the fast track back to the big leagues.
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Source: Aaron Gleeman
