Prospect stock watch: Looking for a SS? Maybe moni...
Key takeaways
- Minnesota Twins SS Kaelen Culpepper, however, is 23 years old and hitting .256/.361/.473 for Triple-A St.
- With Royce Lewis struggling again and removing himself from the plans, and Brooks Lee moving to third base full time, journeyman Tristan Gray, 30, has handled shortstop.
- George Lombard Jr., SS, New York Yankees: Lombard, 20, was hitting an unlucky .196/.360/.299 at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, with nearly as many walks as strikeouts.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
It's been a minute since Kaelen Culpepper was drafted in 2024, but the time may finally be right to grab him for fantasy. APEric Karabell Jun 3, 2026, 09:25 AM ETClose Eric Karabell is a senior writer for fantasy baseball, football and basketball at ESPN. Eric is a charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame and author of "The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments".Follow on XMultiple Authors Email Print Open Extended Reactions Many scouts agree that Milwaukee Brewers SS Jesus Made has graduated into the top prospect spot in baseball. Made is delivering solid numbers at Double-A Biloxi and a promotion to the Triple-A level should be forthcoming. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper formats must know about Made, but alas, he turned 19 years old in early May. Netiher he nor Athletics SS Leo De Vries (also 19) are likely to make MLB debuts until next season, at least.
Minnesota Twins SS Kaelen Culpepper, however, is 23 years old and hitting .256/.361/.473 for Triple-A St. Paul. You will not find Culpepper ranked at the top of prospect lists with Made, De Vries or Washington Nationals SS Eli Willits, but many fantasy managers are not thinking about the long-term future. They think about today! Culpepper slugged two home runs last week versus Louisville. He now has 13 on the season. He has 13 stolen bases, too. Culpepper appears ready for the major leagues.
With Royce Lewis struggling again and removing himself from the plans, and Brooks Lee moving to third base full time, journeyman Tristan Gray, 30, has handled shortstop. He hit .190/.261/.238 in May. Orlando Arcia, another journeyman, is the backup. Culpepper, a first-round pick in the 2024 draft out of Kansas State, is an upgrade, and there seems little point to keeping him in the minors. Twins fans want this promotion, and fantasy managers should root for it as well. Lee is the No. 17 shortstop on the Player Rater. Culpepper has upside for better numbers.