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The Minnesota Twins approached the 2026 MLB Draft with the opportunity to inject impactful talent into their farm system. Holding the No. 3 overall pick, the organization zeroed in on Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. They later added another backstop, Carson Tinney, in the second round. While those selections naturally drew headlines, it is two later picks that have already sparked excitement within the Twins' player development ranks.
Colby Turner and Isaiah Lane may not be the most recognizable names from Minnesota's draft class, nor are they the subject of widespread draft chatter. However, after brief professional debuts, both have demonstrated that they warrant a closer look.
Colby Turner: A Potential Steal from the 12th Round
Minnesota selected Turner in the 12th round with the No. 347 overall pick out of the University of Michigan. He entered the draft as an under-the-radar prospect, but a breakout final collegiate season thrust him into the spotlight. Turner slashed .366/.432/.625 with 14 home runs and 18 doubles, proving his surge was no fluke by carrying that momentum into his first professional campaign.
Assigned to Single-A Fort Myers, the outfielder continued to rake, posting a .330/.436/.505 line with three home runs, 24 RBI, and seven stolen bases. In 91 at-bats, he collected 30 hits and finished with a .941 OPS. For a player taken outside the first ten rounds, this level of production is impressive and undoubtedly pleasing to the Twins' front office. Baseball America (subscription required) even named him Minnesota's best pick after the 10th round in its October 2026 draft report.
Isaiah Lane: Making a Strong First Impression
The Twins didn't stop at one late-round find. Their 13th-round selection, Isaiah Lane, also made an immediate impact. Hailing from Hope International University in California, Lane joined Turner at Single-A Fort Myers and delivered eye-catching offensive numbers. He slashed .288/.430/.548 with two home runs, 18 RBI, and a .978 OPS.
Lane proved especially productive when making contact, as 11 of his 21 hits went for extra bases, including five doubles and four triples. Beyond his power, he displayed plate discipline, drawing 18 walks in 93 plate appearances. Again, for a 13th-round pick, his performance is noteworthy and worth monitoring.
Twins' 2026 Draft Class Shows Depth
Lackey will remain the focal point of Minnesota's 2026 draft class, carrying significant expectations after a stellar college career at Georgia Tech. However, successful drafts are not built solely on first-round selections. Late-round picks can be just as crucial to a team's long-term success, and while it's far too early to label these picks as home runs, it's not too early to start paying attention to young players making moves.
Tougher challenges certainly lie ahead for Turner and Lane as they climb the minor league ladder and face more advanced pitching. Nevertheless, their early performances suggest the Twins may have uncovered hidden gems in the draft.
Laura Lambert resides in Wiggins, Colo., with her husband, Ricky, and two sons, Brayden and Boedy. She attended the University of Northern Colorado while studying economics. She is an accomplished rodeo athlete and barrel horse trainer. Over the years, Laura has been active in journalism in a variety of roles. She is the publisher of several MLB sites On SI including the Minnesota Twins. You can reach her at [email protected].