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Watch: Walker Jenkins rips double on first pitch as a pro

Originally posted on FanNation Bring Me The Sports
By Jonathan Harrison | Last updated 8/3/23

Walker Jenkins wasted literally no time in making his presence known at the professional level.

Jenkins, making his professional debut Thursday for the Rookie League FCL Twins, hit the first pitch he saw over the third baseman's head and legged out a double for his first professional hit.

Jenkins was the fourth ranked prospect on MLB.com's top prospect list for this year's draft. The outfielder from North Carolina is considered the best prep position prospect to come from the state since Josh Hamilton went No. 1 overall to Tampa Bay in the 1999 draft

The hype around Jenkins is very real. Mike Radcliffe, the longtime Twins scouting director who died in February, had compared Jenkins to Hall of Famer Larry Walker and superstar Bryce Harper. The Athletic actually obtained a copy of his report on Jenkins and it goes as follows:

“Impressive body/focus/presence…premium offensive ceiling — hitterish presence/swing to hit for avg and intent/leverage for top-of-scale power pot…will be a plus defender most likely in corner OF…Larry Walker/Bryce Harper comps…#1 pick candidate.”

The Triple-A St. Paul Saints jokingly tweeted for the 18-year old to be called up, saying, "Honestly, what are we waiting for. Call him up already. He's done enough."

This article first appeared on FanNation Bring Me The Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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