Vahn Lackey promoted to High-A within Minnesota Twins system

Vahn Lackey, the Minnesota Twins’ No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, has received his first professional promotion. The 21-year-old catcher is moving from the Single-A Fort Myers Mighty Mussels to the High-A Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Lackey, a former Georgia Tech standout, signed with a reported bonus of approximately $9.475 million, which is noted as the largest bonus for a non-shortstop in MLB draft history. In his 15-game stint with Fort Myers, Lackey posted a .204 batting average but demonstrated plate discipline with a .389 on-base percentage and a .759 OPS. His performance included one home run, nine RBIs, and five stolen bases.

Lackey is expected to play a limited number of games for Cedar Rapids, as the High-A affiliate is scheduled to end its regular season on September 6, 2026.