Emmanuel Rodriguez joined the Twins’ organization as a 16-year-old, signing a bonus north of $2 million as part of the 2019 international signing class. Walker Jenkins was selected fifth overall in the 2023 draft and immediately became one of the top prospects the organization has had in years. Kaelen Culpepper was drafted a year later, picked 21st in the 2024 draft and rose quickly through the Twins’ system.

For years, Twins fans have dreamed about their ascension to the majors. Their promotions came in quick succession: Culpepper joined the Twins on Aug. 7, Jenkins on Aug. 28 and Rodriguez on Saturday.

“Obviously we wanted each other to be up here. Now that’s reality,” Culpepper said, noting they were called the ‘Big Three,’ during spring training. “We’re all just happy to be playing with each other again. This is pretty cool.”

Culpepper was out Sunday after getting hit by a pitch in the back a day earlier. But soon, all three of them will be in the Twins’ lineup at the same time. That, the Twins hope, is the case for years to come.

Along with Luke Keaschall, who is just 24, the Twins will get a good look at the group of players whom they expect to be the core of their team moving forward.

“I think it’s something that we thought at some point, we would see all these guys, not knowing what the roles would be or what the timeline would be,” manager Derek Shelton said. “I do think it’s exciting as we continue to get younger, especially with guys that are homegrown.”

The time may have come quicker for each of them if not for injuries that cost them part of the 2026 season. Rodriguez was close to forcing the issue before injuring his thumb in early May and requiring surgery. Culpepper might have been called up in June but for a glute strain. And Jenkins hurt his shoulder, costing him about a month and a half of the season.

But now they’re here, each getting their own chance to make an impression at the major league level as the Twins glance towards the future.

“I think it is an exciting look at what the future holds,” general manager Jeremy Zoll said. “We’ve spent a lot of time during the offseason, this season, talking about what this prospect group means and how much we think they can help us in the future. I think we’re starting to see all that come together and what that could look like for the rest of the year, but then in ’27 and beyond.”

Culpepper recovering

Culpepper was trying to stay in Saturday’s game against Cleveland after getting hit by a pitch in the back. But the shortstop said he was “wheezing a little bit,” and as he got up and tried walking towards first base, it became clear that wouldn’t happen.

“I was in excruciating pain,” he said. “Especially once I stood up and started walking. I felt like the adrenaline started wearing off a little bit, and I started feeling it.”

He woke up still stiff and sore and spent much of Sunday morning in the training room. Though he was out of the lineup on Sunday, he said he was doing “pretty good.”

“It’s just a tough spot to get hit,” he said.

Briefly

Left-handed pitcher Kendry Rojas (oblique) was activated from the injured list at Triple-A. … The Twins host the New York Yankees this week for a three-game series. Dean Kremer (3-5, 5.65 earned-run average) is set to face off Monday against Will Warren (10-6, 4.05 ERA).