Walker Jenkins turned pro only six months ago but is already being talked about as one of the most hyped prospects in baseball.
MLB.com's Jim Callis predicts the Twins outfield talent to be the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball by the end of 2024.
"He's the best North Carolina prospect since Josh Hamilton went No. 1 overall in 1999. Jenkins' most eye-catching tool is his plus-plus raw power," said Callis. "He also has a pretty left handed stroke and a good approach at the plate, which enabled him to hit .362 with 12 extra-base hits in his 26-game pro debut."
Jenkins was an instant impact after being taken fifth overall in July's MLB draft, slashing .362/.417/.571 in 105 at-bats across rookie league and Single-A, hitting three home runs and 22 RBIs while striking out 14 times in 26 games.
The 18-year-old was ranked as the 16th best prospect in MLB Pipeline's last prospect rankings, the second highest-rated single-A prospect behind Detroit outfielder Max Clark.
Callis and his MLB Pipeline coworker Jonathan Mayo both predicted Jenkins would be the pipeline hitter of the year in 2024, with Mayo saying, "I just think that Walker Jenkins has the chance to put up some pretty big numbers right away."
"I mean, there’s not much this guy can’t do," agreed Callis. "He hits for average, hits for power, solid runner, good arm. . . Make up is off the charts."
"He possess solid speed, plus arm strength and good defensive instincts, which give him a good chance of remaining in center field and easily fit the profile in right [field]," Callis said Wednesday when predicting who would be the top prospect by the end of the year.
Jenkins was No. 2 in Callis' prediction behind Japanese pitching star Roki Sasaki. Sasaki is a righty who had a 1.78 ERA with 135 strikeouts and just 17 walks in 91.0 innings in 2023. The 22-year-old pitched a 19-strikeoout perfect game during the 2022 season in which he struck out 173 batters in 129.1 innings.
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