Twins' No. 2 Prospect Vahn Lackey Shines in High-A Debut with Cedar Rapids
Vahn Lackey made his first appearance in Iowa a memorable one Tuesday night, delivering a three-hit, three-RBI performance for the High-A Cedar Rapids Kernels in a wild 19-18 loss to Lake County at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft reached base five times, hit his first High-A home run, and stole a base in his debut with the Kernels. The Twins' No. 2 prospect has now played professionally in Florida and Iowa since his college season at Georgia Tech began in February.
What did Vahn Lackey do in his Cedar Rapids debut?
Lackey wasted no time making an impact. He singled in his first at-bat in the first inning, then stole second base on the next pitch. In the third inning, he crushed an elevated fastball over the left-field fence for his second professional home run.
The 21-year-old catcher also drew two walks and delivered a clutch go-ahead two-RBI single in the eighth inning, capping a six-pitch at-bat against left-hander Melkis Hernández. His three hits and three RBIs were career highs in his young professional career.
Why did Lackey give his home run ball to his dad?
Lackey's first professional home run came four days before Tuesday's game, and he knew immediately who would get that baseball.
My dad has been there for me throughout my whole baseball journey, so I feel like I gotta give it to him, Lackey said.
How has Lackey performed since being drafted?
In 15 games with Single-A Fort Myers, Lackey posted a .389 on-base percentage with 14 walks and three hit-by-pitches. He also showed impressive tools, recording a max exit velocity of 109.4 mph and three sprint speed runs above 28 ft/sec, putting him in near-elite range.
Behind the plate, Lackey posted a top pop time of 1.78 seconds on a throw to second base, a mark that would tie for the 27th-quickest in the Major Leagues this season. He is the only ranked catching prospect with a 60-grade hit, power, and throwing arm.
What makes Lackey a special prospect for the Twins?
Lackey is the first catcher the Twins have selected with a first-round pick since Joe Mauer in 2001. He won the Johnny Bench Award this spring as college baseball's top catcher and was a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award.
Just over a month ago, Lackey toured Target Field, the stadium he hopes will become his future home. He brings confidence and excitement to the diamond.
I feel like I'm an exciting player, he said last month. I feel like I bring a lot to the table and I feel like if you come to watch me play, you're going to keep wanting to come watch me play.
Lackey and the Kernels continue their series against Lake County this week at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids.