​With the 43rd pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Minnesota Twins took Texas catcher Carson Tinney, a patient and powerful hitter whose above-average speed on the bases and strong defensive skills could help him rise quickly through the minor leagues. Tinney stands 6’4” and weighs 240 pounds, a right-handed catcher whose two most recent seasons have featured some of the most impressive production by a catcher in college baseball. In 2025, as a Notre Dame sophomore, he led the Irish in batting average (.348), runs (52), home runs (17), RBIs (53), total bases (119), walks (34), on-base percentage (.498), and slugging (.753). He ranked second in the Atlantic Coast Conference in on-base percentage (.491) and OPS (1.322) during conference play and earned Baseball America First Team All-American honors for 2025.
That breakout season showcased Tinney’s advanced approach at the plate coupled with real power. He excelled at collecting extra-base hits and drawing walks while consistently driving in runs, placing him well above the typical college catcher in terms of overall production. For his final college season, Tinney transferred to Texas as one of the top-rated players in the transfer portal. After an uneven start, he developed into a formidable contributor in all facets of the game.
At the plate for the Longhorns, Tinney posted a .326/.483/.688 line with 22 homers and 58 RBIs. He led the Southeastern Conference with 55 walks and posted the third-highest on-base percentage in the league (.483). On the bases, he recorded 10 stolen bases and showed sneaky speed despite his sturdy build and average speed metrics. Behind the plate, he worked with an excellent pitching staff, throwing out eight of 32 attempted basestealers. His throwing arm is a true asset, and his receiving and framing skills improved during his time in Austin. Tinney was honored as a 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove winner, recognizing him as the best defensive catcher in college baseball. He also earned Second Team All-SEC, NCAA Austin Regional All-Tournament Team, and D1 Baseball Third Team All-American honors in 2026.
By selecting Tinney, the Twins add a hitter with notable raw power and a confident understanding of the strike zone. He’s not afraid to work deep into counts and draw walks, projecting a strong on-base percentage against higher-caliber pitching in the future, according to most evaluators. His power stands out immediately, especially to the pull side, which is widely regarded as one of his greatest strengths as a prospect. As Tinney transitions to the major leagues, he will need to continue refining his swing and reducing strikeouts. He posted 66 strikeouts in 2026, following a 30.6 percent whiff rate in 2025, indicating a tendency to swing and miss. His arm strength behind the plate remains a plus, and his catch-and-throw ability has drawn praise from scouts, as has his progress in framing pitches during his time in college.
If Tinney continues to develop defensively and further trims his whiff rate, he has a realistic path to becoming a Major League catcher capable of contributing both with the bat and behind the plate. His combination of power, plate discipline, and defensive aptitude helps explain why the Twins were willing to invest third-base level value into a catcher prospect with a high ceiling. In sum, Tinney represents a well-rounded MLB-ready profile with the potential to impact the game on multiple fronts as he climbs the professional ladder.