After being chosen as the 27th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, Aaron Sabato is now advancing to Triple-A as announced by the Saints. After displaying commendable performance in Double-A Wichita, the anticipated rise to the next level comes as a reward for Sabato’s excellent form in his career. This development marks a significant milestone for an athlete once renowned as an exceptional power hitter in university baseball. Now 26 years old, Sabato, originally drafted as a promising first baseman owing to his impressive hitting prowess, started his journey at the University of North Carolina where he established a freshman home-run record with 18 in 2019.
However, his journey within the Twins system was not smooth. His performance exhibited a lack of consistency, and he gradually lost his spotlight among other prospects. His progress stalled completely at Double-A, where he stayed for significant parts of four different seasons. This stagnation caused a drop in his rank among Twins prospects—by 2025, he was nowhere among the top 40 names. He was also exposed in the Rule 5 Draft but failed to attract any attention.
Now, in his fourth year in Double-A with the Wind Surge, Sabato is experiencing the most vibrant phase of his career. His performance in the first 39 games in double-A has been exceptional, posting a slash line of .305/.399/.574 and an OPS of .973. His tally includes nine home runs, 11 doubles, and 26 RBI. Sabato is at last delivering the power hitting performances that were expected of him upon his draft selection.
A notable upside to his game has been his improved performance against left-handed pitchers. Sabato has managed an impressive 1.101 OPS against them, with half of his nine home runs hit off lefties. This indicates a marked improvement from his previous season when he had an OPS of .384 against southpaws in 95 at-bats.
For the first time in his career, Sabato has reduced his strikeout rate to below 30 percent, achieving a 24.9 percent K-rate this season. While still on the higher side, this improvement is significant for a power hitter like Sabato. This also transforms his strikeout rate from an impediment to endure into a challenge that can be managed—owing to his power hitter ability.
Occurring simultaneously with Sabato’s elevation is the Twins’ struggle to find a dependable player to cover first base. The squad had brought in Ty France to strengthen the position, but he has fallen short of looking like a permanent fix. Considering the bleak first base alternatives available on the Twins’ roster and the scant prospects in the minor leagues, Sabato, despite his past inefficiencies and deferments, may become an attractive option in the system.
Sabato’s rise to Triple-A grants him an opportunity to redefine his career trajectory. Continuation of his current power hitting form and disciplined approach in St. Paul could pave the way for a premier league debut, breaching what seemed like an insurmountable barrier only years ago. After endless bumps in his career journey, this anticipated advancement puts Sabato back on the sporting radar and perhaps sets him back on the path to success.