​The Twins are targeting a college pitcher in the competitive balance portion of the 2nd round, selecting right-hander Brett Renfrow. Renfrow sits just outside the top 100 on both MLB Pipeline and Fangraphs, suggesting he’s a solid, if not elite, option in this draft class. It’s likely to be an under-slot agreement, but the pitcher profile aligns with a need the Twins have identified this year: a college arm with a blend of upside and developmental potential that could impact the bullpen or spine of a rotation in the near future.
Renfrow logged a heavy workload across three seasons at Virginia Tech, delivering ample innings and showing a dependable ability to throw strikes. His delivery is an over-the-top release with notable extension, and he brings a respectable repertoire with multiple secondary offerings. If he can lock in consistent velocity and refine his secondary pitches, he could become a legitimate contributor at the major league level.
His fastball sits in the low 90s and can reach up to 97 mph, featuring promising carry and misdirection-friendly spin. When he maintains a consistent mid-90s fastball, he projects as a different tier of pitcher with true late-inning upside. Renfrow’s command and control are the keys to translating the raw velocity into consistent big league success, but the raw ingredients are there for a major league fastball that can play up against hitters.
In terms of secondary offerings, Renfrow already shows a couple of breaking balls with impressive spin feel. His best secondary is the cutter/slider blend, delivered in the mid-80s, which has the potential to be a credible whiff pitch if he can locate it more reliably. There’s notable bite and late sweeping action on this pitch, suggesting a path to multiple-inning appearances if he continues to refine it.
His curveball, also in the low 80s, demonstrates strong spin and can serve as a useful third option to keep hitters off balance and steal strikes. The curve’s spin and depth give him a chance to create a three-pitch mix that challenges hitters with both horizontal and vertical movement. On top of that, Renfrow is developing a feel for a changeup, showing fade in the mid-80s that could become a legitimate fourth offering if he can continue to refine its separation from his fastball and improve overall feel.
Like many college arms, Renfrow presents as a fringe-type prospect who may need a notable improvement to reach long-term big league viability. Two plausible routes exist: a fastball velocity uptick or substantial development with one or more secondary pitches. Importantly, his changeup development will be a critical factor for sticking as a starter, given the current makeup of his repertoire. The combination of a carry-fastball profile and high-spin breaking balls gives him a realistic chance to establish himself as a league-level bullpen piece if the starter path doesn’t fully materialize.
Ultimately, Renfrow’s ceiling hinges on consistency and development. If he can lock in a mid-90s fastball more regularly and tighten his control of the cutter/slider, he could function as a power arm out of the bullpen, capable of high-leverage appearances. Conversely, if he makes strides with the changeup and command, he might push for a long-relief or even a back-end starter role. The best way to gauge his true potential will be to review pitch data and observe him in professional competition, starting with a look at his performance in Fort Myers. The Minnesota system has valued college arms like Renfrow for their potential to fill gaps in both the rotation and bullpen, and his developmental trajectory will be watched closely as he advances through minor league assignments.