Twins' Kaelen Culpepper homers in MLB debut

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred takes a photo with Kaelen Culpepper after he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins with the 21st pick during the first round of the MLB Draft. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Twins' Kaelen Culpepper homers in MLB debut

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 7, 2026 9:38 PM ET

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Ahead of Friday night's season opener, the Minnesota Twins promoted their top prospect, shortstop Kaelen Culpepper.

Culpepper made an instant impression in his debut with a moment that every player dreams of when they're growing up.

Kaelen Culpepper goes deep in his debut

Culpepper popped out in foul territory in his first at-bat. His second at-bat was nowhere near the same result, but it turned out much better than the first.

Culpepper took a 2-1 fastball from Milwaukee Brewers starter Logan Henderson and launched it 390 feet to left centerfield for the first home run of his MLB career.

He was the first Twins player to homer in their debut since Matt Wallner in 2022 and just the 13th player in franchise history to do so.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW KAELEN CULPEPPER pic.twitter.com/Mn0ETtRPEw
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 8, 2026

Kaelen Culpepper is expected to be a major contributor

In his minor league career, Culpepper has posted a slash line of .277/.367/.463 with 37 home runs, 46 stolen bases and 122 RBI in 848 at-bats.

For a Twins team that has gotten just 0.5 Wins Above Average from its shortstops this season, Culpepper is expected to produce and be an everyday player.

Minnesota certainly hopes Culpepper can be a major player and contributor not only the rest of this season, but for several years to come as well.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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