Twins' top pick Jenkins launches grand slam for first pro homer
Walker Jenkins is off to a scorching hot start in his professional career. The 2023 fifth overall pick blasted a grand slam for his first professional home run in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League on Monday afternoon, giving the FCL Twins the edge in a 9-7 victory.
Jenkins, who also doubled, has been unstoppable to start his professional career. In his debut on Thursday, the 18-year-old smoked the first pitch he saw to the opposite field for a double. He¡¯s slashing .462/.500/.846 with five RBIs in three games.
The North Carolina native recently wrapped up the Twins¡¯ 2023 Draft signings as he inked a $7,144,200 bonus on July 25.
Heading into the Draft, Jenkins, who was No. 4 on MLB Pipeline¡¯s Top 250 Draft Prospects list, was viewed as a left-handed slugger with all five tools. The 6-foot-3 outfielder had 60 grades for his hitting, power and arm strength, along with a 55 for his fielding and running abilities. He was one the best prep prospects out of North Carolina since Josh Hamilton went No. 1 overall in the 1999 Draft.
Perhaps the most strongest part of Jenkins¡¯ game is his swing. The lefty has the ability to turn on fastballs quickly and hit the ball out to any part of the field. His light-tower power is something opposing pitchers will have to be cautious of.
During his time at South Brunswick High School, Jenkins took home Gatorade¡¯s North Carolina Player of the Year award in both 2022 and 2023. He slashed .388/.520/1.150 throughout his high school career, including a 2022 season where he hit .527 in 30 games.