Quentin Young: Minnesota Twins' Polarizing Prospect Faces Mixed Results

The Minnesota Twins selected Quentin Young in the second round of the 2025 MLB Draft, investing $1.76 million to sign the talented infielder out of Oaks Christian High School in California. Young, who initially committed to LSU, drew attention from MLB scouts early in his high school career due to his impressive athleticism and powerful 6'6" frame.

Despite a challenging summer with Team USA's U18 baseball team in 2024, Young rebounded during his senior year, hitting 14 home runs and batting .381 with 34 RBIs. His standout performance earned him a spot in the second round of the draft, where the Twins saw potential in his raw talent.

Now at 19 years old, Young is playing for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in the Florida State League (Single-A). His season has been a rollercoaster, highlighted by a staggering 44.8% strikeout rate, the highest among qualified hitters in Single-A, and a concerning 62.1% zone contact rate, placing him in the bottom tier of the league.

On the flip side, Young's power numbers are impressive. He boasts a 19.9% barrel rate, ranking second in the Florida State League and marking the highest for a teenager since at least 2021. His max exit velocity of 115.8 MPH is surpassed by only 15 major league hitters this season, showcasing his potential as a slugger despite contact issues.

Currently, Young's batting average sits at .213 with a wRC+ of 77, indicating room for improvement. However, recent trends show better swing decisions and improved contact quality. Defensively, while he plays primarily shortstop, his raw skills suggest he may be better suited for third base, where his strong arm and range could be advantageous.

Young's unique profile has drawn comparisons to other high-risk, high-reward players, notably 2022 5th overall pick Elijah Green, who shares similar power and whiff rates. As the season progresses, the Twins will be closely monitoring Young's development to see if he can refine his skills and reach his full potential.