OT: Mn Twins Draft #3 pick overall
Luv the potential of this kid!!
GOT OUR GUY!!! With the 3rd overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, we have selected catcher Vahn Lackey!
— Minnesota Twins @Twins Jul 11, 2026
GOT OUR GUY!!! With the 3rd overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, we have selected catcher Vahn Lackey!
The Twins selected Lackey with their highest pick in a draft since 2017, securing a player they believe will be a future cornerstone behind the plate.
Who is Lackey? The latest in a long line of first-round catchers from Georgia Tech going back to Jason Varitek and including Matt Wieters, Joey Bart and Kevin Parada, Lackey exploded at the plate for the Yellow Jackets in 2026, hitting .397/.519/.772 with 20 home runs and more walks than strikeouts as he climbed from a late first-round talent to the top of the first round. He's agile behind the plate with above-average arm strength and a quick release and even has above-average speed that would have allowed him to play other positions if he wasn't so good behind the plate. His power upside is the biggest question, although he improved from six home runs as a sophomore. He's also young for a college junior, not turning 21 until July 7.
Why the Twins took him here: Lackey powered his way into the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick with a huge season at Georgia Tech, making this an easy choice when the top of the board played out as expected. Lackey is a potential star at a premium position who has the ability to move relatively quickly through the minors. It's a perfect fit for the franchise that had Hall of Famer Joe Mauer behind the plate not too long ago. -- Mullen
ESPN
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
I love it. The Twins are quietly assembling a pretty strong group of pitching and position prospects. Could be a fun era of Twins baseball starting as soon as next year.
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