​On the opening night of the MLB Draft, dream-come-true moments streamed across the nation as college and high school players watched their hopes begin to take shape. Among them was Longhorns catcher Carson Tinney, whose name the Minnesota Twins selected in the second round. After a year in Austin, the Colorado native now has his sights set on reaching the majors as quickly as possible, eager to reward the Twins for placing their trust in him.
During the 2025 season, Tinney put together a standout .326 batting average over 61 games, a testament to his consistency at the plate. He also demonstrated notable power, amassing 35 extra-base hits, including 22 home runs. While adjusting to a new program and a different conference, Tinney made the transition look seamless, producing at a high level and contributing in a variety of ways for the Longhorns.
Tinney’s impact extended beyond his bat. He was also a defensive force, earning a Gold Glove as the program’s only player to do so that season. His stellar defense supported a pitching staff that began to unlock its full potential, a factor that did not escape the Twins’ notice. Minnesota prioritized depth behind the plate, and Tinney’s multifaceted skill set fit perfectly into that plan. The Twins further solidified their catching pipeline by selecting Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey with the No. 3 overall pick, signaling their commitment to building a robust and versatile group behind the plate.
For Texas, the draft day brought a multitude of reasons to celebrate. Tinney wasn’t the only Longhorn to hear his name called among the early picks. Teammate Aiden Robbins, and fellow Longhorns Ruger Riojas and Grady Emerson all heard their names announced within the first 100 selections. With the draft still unfolding, the momentum suggested that more Longhorns could rise in the rounds ahead, underscoring the program’s ongoing production of national-caliber talent.
Tinney still has room to refine his game, but the Twins clearly see considerable upside. His offensive profile blends solid contact with power, and while his strikeout rate sits slightly higher than ideal, he consistently found a way to reach base in the SEC and exploit pitchers’ mistakes. He arrived in Austin with high expectations after transferring in, and he did not disappoint, delivering on those hopes with a performance that resonated across college baseball.
As Tinney progresses through the Twins’ farm system, he has become a player many Longhorns fans will follow closely. His journey from a transfer portal addition to a prospective major-league catcher embodies the resilience and determination that define the program. The Twins’ decision to invest in Tinney’s development reflects a broader strategy to fortify their catching depth, a move that could pay dividends as he climbs toward the big leagues.
This recap originally appeared on Longhorns Wire, highlighting how the Twins’ selection of Carson Tinney at pick 43 signals a continued push to elevate Texas talent to the majors.