The Minnesota Twins drafted utilityman Kyle DeBarge in the first round (33rd overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. The former Ragin’ Cajun is still working on developing the offensive side of his game, as he hit just .237/.347/.362 with 121 strikeouts in 543 plate appearances with High-A Cedar Rapids this season. However, he proved his defense is as good as it gets by winning the Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove Award at second base.
Under-the-radar Twins prospect Kyle DeBarge wins Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove Award at second base
While DeBarge, 22, has mainly been a second baseman in the Twins’ organization, playing in 73 games at the position this year, he has also logged professional innings at shortstop and all three outfield spots. He may need to work on his hitting, but he still had an above-average on-base percentage with High-A Cedar Rapids this past season. Even if his contact and power skills don’t develop much further, pairing his elite defense with his excellent plate discipline could translate to a solid major leaguer in the near future.
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DeBarge has the potential to hit for more contact and power as well. In his final collegiate season, DeBarge slashed .355/.418/.699 with 21 homers and 72 RBIs in 290 plate appearances. Now, imagine he starts to hit like he did in college with the Twins’ organization; Minnesota would have a future All-Star waiting in the minor leagues.
The problem for DeBarge, who is the Twins’ No. 11-ranked prospect, is that Minnesota’s infield is starting to seem crowded. In the Major Leagues, the team already has Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee and Royce Lewis at second base, shortstop and third base, respectively. Additionally, Twins infield prospects Kaelen Culpepper and Marek Houston are higher-ranked prospects than DeBarge. DeBarge can also play outfield for the Twins. However, Minnesota’s outfield might be even more crowded than its infield.
MLB Pipeline predicts the former Ragin’ Cajun will make his MLB debut in 2027. By then, the Twins may need help, whether it’s in the infield or outfield, and DeBarge can provide defense essentially anywhere as someone who can play shortstop and center field. Not to mention, DeBarge is an elite base-stealer, having swiped 66 bags for the Kernels this past season.
This article was originally published on www.puckettspond.com as Twins 2024 first-round pick earns Minor League Gold Glove Award.
