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Twins Prospects Shine in AFL Opener
5 Oct
Summary
- Kyle DeBarge and Yasser Mercedes were key offensive players.
- DeBarge played at Double-A Wichita last season.
- Mercedes is the Twins' No. 18 prospect per MLB Pipeline.
Minnesota Twins prospects opened their Arizona Fall League season with a strong showing on Saturday. Infielder Kyle DeBarge and outfielder Yasser Mercedes were instrumental in the Salt River Rafters' 9-3 victory over Gila River. DeBarge, who played at Double-A Wichita in the 2026 season, batted leadoff and recorded an RBI. Mercedes, the Twins' 18th-ranked prospect, contributed two runs scored and an RBI while playing left field.
DeBarge, a 2024 MLB draft pick, is looking to prove his versatility after slashing .221/.325/.352 last season with Double-A Wichita. Mercedes, signed in 2022, finished his fifth minor league season at High-A Cedar Rapids, hitting a career-best 18 home runs. Both players represent opportunities for growth within the Twins' system, with Mercedes projected for a potential call-up in 2028.
