It remains to be seen how far Derek Falvey and the front office will go should they continue the roster deconstruction that went into high gear at the 2025 trade deadline. But the Twins aren’t the only side of this equation looking for change.

Jose Miranda as good as gone for the Minnesota Twins

Two years ago, Jose Miranda racked up hits in twelve consecutive plate appearances, to set a major league record. Last season, he was so putrid that, not only was he not big-league caliber, but he wasn’t even worth his batting average in St. Paul either… and that’s saying something since he hit .195 on the season at Triple-A.

And while the MN Twins have an opening at first base, Miranda isn’t interested in competing for that spot next spring. According to the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale, the 27-year-old corner infielder “threw away his shot” and is now looking for a “fresh start” elsewhere.

After making the Opening Day roster, he threw away his shot. Hit .167 with the Twins and .195 with the Saints as a bat-first corner infielder.

2026 outlook: Looking for a fresh start with a new organization.

Bobby Nightengale Jr. – Star Tribune

It’s been a brutal fall from grace for Miranda, who moved from the hot corner to first base the past couple seasons, and failed to solidify his place in the Minnesota Twins’ future plans, despite that position having no real competition.

E5 • Jose Miranda • 1st error of the season

Minnesota Twins errors on the season: 8

0️⃣4️⃣/1️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣5️⃣pic.twitter.com/Bc7IB9yBMY

— MLB Errors (@errorsmlb) April 12, 2025

Beyond not being able to capably field at first base, Miranda also struggled to hold water quite literally. His injury at a local Target while attempting to remove a bundle of bottled water from the shelf cost him even more time with St. Paul.

It’s possible Miranda washes his disastrous 2025 away and resumes his trajectory as an everyday MLB infielder, but it won’t happen in Minnesota. Now, the late-blooming former second round draft pick — now out of options — will be a reclamation project for someone else.

Edouard Julien not quite in the Miranda boat

It’s easy to lump both Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien in together, given their career arcs and positional similarities. The reality is that they are not in the same place, and that’s why the Twins plan to give Julien one more shot to prove his worth at the big league level, according to Nightengale Jr.

After an excellent rookie season, he’s had two bad years. He hit .220 with three homers and 12 RBI in 208 plate appearances while maintaining a 29% strikeout rate. Out of minor league options, a new manager might give him a long look during spring training as a last chance. It’s hard to give up on hitters like him.

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

Like Miranda, Julien is not a good defender. He posted a -2 DRS (defensive runs saved) and -3 OAA (outs above average) in just 175 innings at first base this year. That may be easier to ignore if he hit, but that hasn’t happened lately, either. Julien’s 75 OPS+ the past two seasons is nearly half of the 130 OPS+ he put up as a rookie.

Eddie Julien even said the other day that he doesn't usually pull his home runs — but he just did it again.

Got a hanging changeup, crushed it to the porch. 1-0 Twins early on his sixth. pic.twitter.com/C7ikAhZ5M8

— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) July 5, 2023

But the Twins are hoping, under a new manager, the Canadian slugger can regain the groove he was in prior to 2024, when he rose to one of the most exciting young hitters in the Minnesota Twins organization. At 26, Julien is a year younger than Miranda too.

This duo is just another data point in a previously up-and-coming core that seemed destined to lay roots with the organization, only to trip, fall and fall through the future floor plan of the MN Twins future.

Just because the 40-man roster has certain names on it right now doesn’t mean they will all make it through the crunch prior to Opening Day. After firing the manager, Derek Falvey will also need to shuffle some of the players on the roster. Some of those once thought to be pieces of the core could be looking for work elsewhere.

Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien may struggle to stay with Twins

No two players struggled to establish whatever hope there was left for them this season the Edouard Julien and Jose Miranda. Both looked to be future fixtures for the Minnesota Twins not long ago, and now both could be roster casualties. The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman weighed in.

I’d consider Miranda a long shot to keep his 40-man roster spot until spring training. He was sent down to Triple-A St. Paul in April and never returned, hitting .195 in 90 games for the Saints, sending his stock plummeting.

Julien is perhaps more of a coin-flip situation, although it seems clear he’s no longer in the Twins’ long-term plans after following up a very promising 2023 rookie showing with back-to-back disappointing seasons.

Miranda and Julien are prime examples of the Twins’ inability to develop promising young hitters into quality veteran hitters. And both players will be out of minor-league options next season, meaning they can’t be sent to the minors without first being exposed to waivers.

The Athletic

After posting a 112 OPS+ in 2024, Jose Miranda played just 12 games for the Twins this season. He was awful, and then was equally putrid at Triple-A. Miranda has been given a path to playing time at both third and first base. Now though, it would be a shock if he isn’t outrighted. It’s possible he goes unclaimed, but the former second round pick probably needs a change of scenery.

While Miranda had a respectable 2024 season, Julien has stacked two bad years in a row. His 76 OPS+ was just two points higher than his 74 OPS+ in 2023. He has proven to struggle as a defender almost everywhere, and the bat isn’t worthy of being an every day first baseman.

It’s unfortunate that this looks like the reality Minnesota will face. Miranda is just one year removed from his impressive streak of hits in 12 consecutive at bats. Julien batted .263/.381/.459 in 109 games as a rookie and has cratered since.

These aren’t the trends a team needing to rely on internal development can afford to have happen. Trevor Larnach could be among the candidates to join them as staple names no longer on the roster next year as well.

During last night’s contest, the Twins didn’t just lose one of their best players to injury, something they’ve become dangerously too accustomed too. First, Rocco Baldelli made a trip to check on Matt Wallner (hamstring), before he was pulled. A while later, the same happened to Carlos Correa (wrist).

Minnesota Twins Matt Wallner hurt his hamstring

With their season already on the verge of spiraling out of control, the Minnesota Twins cannot afford to lose either of Matt Wallner or Carlos Correa… and now they could lose both. Correa is this team’s superstar. That’s why he makes $35 million per season.

But through 18 games this season, Wallner has been even better. His two triples lead the league, but on Tuesday night, it was an infield single that caused something to pull in his hamstring.

#MNTwins Matt Wallner left tonight’s game with a leg injury. He hurt himself legging out a single in the first inning pic.twitter.com/6T2leEm0IT

— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) April 15, 2025

Prior to his injury, Wallner was batting .263/.373/.474 while mostly hitting leadoff for the Twins. His 0.6 fWAR entering Tuesday led all Twins. Talking to reporters after the game, Wallner said he was hopeful this is nothing serious. Of course, we’ve all heard that story before.

Royce Lewis remains sidelined with a hamstring injury that was supposed to be short-term, as well. You can bet that Minnesota will at least let Wallner rest through the series finale on Wednesday. From there, we’ll see how these early tests play out on Wednesday.

“Just tight. It’s not painful so that’s good, I guess. I really don’t know because I’ve never done anything similar to that.”

Matt Wallner to Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

Carlos Correa joins Wallner on MN Twins bench

After Wallner exited the game early, it was Carlos Correa who joined him. Following a swing that had the star shortstop checking his wrist, he notably winced in pain and had a conversation with trainer Masa Abe and Baldelli.

Here’s the swing Minnesota lost Carlos Correa on. He winced while check his wrist afterwards. pic.twitter.com/LE0u5WnF9v

— Ted (@tlschwerz) April 16, 2025

Postgame, Correa told Nightengale that this wrist issue isn’t something new for him. That’s probably not a great thing even if it had previously been cleared. Correa has gotten off to a dreadful start batting just .164/.227/.473 through the first 18 games.

“Since late last year I’ve been dealing with it. We did an MRI last year on it and it didn’t show anything too serious. It’s just about keeping it strong and making sure that it’s stable.”

Carlos Correa – Star Tribune

Correa played through plantar fasciitis pain in 2023, gutting out 135 games but posted a 94 OPS+. He proved in 2024, he wasn’t going to play injured again. Last season, he missed most of the 2nd half of the season with the same injury in his other foot. When healthy and available, he was exceptional (151 OPS+).

Minnesota certainly doesn’t want to be without Correa given that they don’t have ideal internal options to take his place at shortstop. That would fall on Willi Castro, who was worth a terrible -9 defensive runs saved at short last season, or Brooks Lee.

MN Twins replacement become questionable

Should one or both of Correa and Wallner need time on the injured list, things get dicey quickly for the Minnesota Twins. Austin Martin could have been a candidate for an outfield job but is currently on the injured list at Triple-A.

The only other outfielder on the 40-man roster is prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, an exciting corner outfield option and consensus top 100 prospect. But Rodriguez has played just 17 games at Triple-A and likely needs a bit more time to develop.

Why don’t the Twins just insert Jose Miranda? Well… not only was Miranda just demoted, but he is now hurt as well. After being demoted, Miranda hurt himself shopping at Target and has already been placed on the Saints injured list.

“He sustained the injury during the Saints’ off day Monday shopping at Target. A case of water slipped from his grasp, and he felt pain when he re-grabbed it before it fell.”

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

The Twins don’t have another infielder on the 40-man roster. Another top prospect, Luke Keaschall, could be a consideration, but he is slowly easing back into full game action after late-season Tommy John surgery. He just started playing full 9-inning games at second base and is batting .286/.407/.381 across 12 games.

Minnesota has an off day on Thursday while they travel to Atlanta for a weekend series against the Braves. It’s possible they wait until then to make a decision that could impact either player for at least ten days.

At any rate, Minnesota needs to keep winning in order to climb back towards .500 and close the 4.5 game deficit within the division. Losing starting talent isn’t going to help them in that pursuit.

But with Lewis and Lee on the injured list, plan B, C and D infielders Mickey Gasper, Edouard Julie and Jose Miranda, all of which have limited MLB experience and incredibly underwhelming results.

And now 15 games in, the Minnesota Twins hold a dreadful 4-11 record, in part thanks to much of the same from all three, especially Gasper and Miranda, neither of which has an OPS over .420 or a batting average above the Mendoza line.

Minnesota Twins ready to activate Brooks Lee; send message to others

Thankfully, there is one aforementioned reinforcement on the way. Former No. 8 overall pick, Brooks Lee, has been on a rehab assignment across the river with the St. Paul Saints for most of this week. Saturday night, news broke that Lee is ready to return to the big league lineup.

But instead of demoting Mickey Gasper or even outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr — who has yet to get a hit this season — either of which would have been more obvious moves, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli wants to send a message to his underperforming team with this roster move.

That’s why, according to Aaron Gleeman (The Athletic), after a brutal baserunning blunder yesterday vs the Tigers, the Minnesota Twins decided to demote Jose Miranda to Triple A, as the corresponding roster move for Lee’s activation, a transaction that became official Sunday morning.

Umpire called Jose Miranda safe, saying the fielder didn't touch the base to get the forceout. But then Miranda just walked away and got tagged out anyway. pic.twitter.com/rtgSBNKcDU

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) April 12, 2025

Source: #MNTwins are demoting Jose Miranda to Triple-A following his base-running blunder Saturday and .167 batting average in 12 games.

Brooks Lee is expected to be activated from the injured list to take Miranda's place on the Twins' active roster.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) April 12, 2025

“Jose has to do better on that play. The guy on the other side of the field was not on the bag, and Jose didn’t make it to the bag on the slide either way. And the umpire was clearly signaling safe. We have to be paying attention, to say the least. We have to be paying attention there and never allow something like that to happen.”

Rocco Baldelli (via The Athletic)

Of course, in order for Brooks Lee to help improve the MN Twins play (and hopefully their record), he’ll have to perform better at the plate than he did during his rookie season in 2024, when he struggled to adjust to the big leagues, hitting just .221 with a .585 OPS in 50 games (185 plate appearances).

Related: Minnesota Twins DFA Righty Reliever; Recall Lefty

But the 23-year-old former Cal-Poly star was drafted in the top 10 for a reason. All he has done his entire life, no matter the level of competition, is hit the baseball and hit it well. If he can get back to that in 2025, inserting Lee into the Twins lineup should immediately make it much more dangerous.

For decades, on-field batting practice has been a cherished highlight for fans and a cornerstone of pregame festivities. Last season, however, the Minnesota Twins largely stepped away from that tradition. With new hitting coach Matt Borgschulte now on board, the team is set to swing back into this fan-favorite ritual.

Related: How to Watch the Minnesota Twins Spring Training in 2025

Hitting preparation takes new shape for Minnesota Twins

Carlos Correa has never been shy about his meticulous preparation. His drive to dig into the metrics and his unique approach to the game may well set him apart as unmatched. When manager Rocco Baldelli announced that veterans would get more at-bats pregame, and that on-field batting practice was making a comeback, Correa welcomed the news with open arms.

“It’s a conversation that me and Rocco have had a couple of times. I’m glad we’re doing this. It’s more of a structured type of workout. I enjoy it. I like it.”

Carlos Correa to the Star Tribune

Borgschulte’s Success

Borgschulte is coming back to the Minnesota Twins after working with the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore’s 5th best (.324) wOBA (weighted on-base average) was significantly higher than Minnesota’s 11th place finish (.316). The new hitting coach told Bobby Nightengale this would be a change for some. It’s also something he really believes in.

“It’ll be a little bit different for some guys, but I think it’s going to be something that is going to help us. Seeing the ball off the bat is great for the whole team, honestly. You get reads on the bases. Outfielders get balls off the bat reads, too. Then you just get to see the ball flight. You get to have some control and have some focuses in each round on what you’re trying to do.”

Matt Borgschulte on taking on-field batting practice (Star Tribune)

The Minnesota Twins wrapped up the season with a mediocre 103 OPS+, placing them just above the league average. By contrast, the Baltimore Orioles soared to second in baseball with an impressive 118 OPS+, a figure topped only by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The main issue for the Twins was situational hitting, particularly struggling to deliver when the bases were loaded or when runners stood in scoring position.

MAKE IT 12!

Jose Miranda has hits in 12 straight at-bats, the longest streak in the Expansion Era (since 1961). pic.twitter.com/awzt9tRCe1

— MLB (@MLB) July 6, 2024

Familiarity with new coach

There is a level of familiarity with Borgschulte for multiple current Twins big league players. Jose Miranda really took off when he batted .343/.397/.563 during his first Triple-A stint under Borgschulte’s tutelage.

Royce Lewis worked with Borgschulte previously too, and the talented third baseman must find his groove again after a season of struggle. The Twins young star slashed just .233/.295/.452, and really lost himself at the plate. A new approach to game action could certainly bring a fresh start in 2025.

Related: Minnesota Twins Top Prospect Already Dealing With Injury

Last season, the Minnesota Twins’ offense didn’t exactly languish in the depths of despair—except during their staggering August-into-September collapse, when they unraveled with no solutions to halt the freefall. This time, they’re aiming to head off trouble before it starts, and a Baltimore-esque offensive surge would be a more-than-welcome outcome.

Rocco Baldelli has a decent group of regulars penciled in, but he’ll need to be ok with some of them being jettisoned to acquire additional talent. Rather than just trading players at their floor value for financial reasons, Minnesota must be open to capitalizing on youth as well. Jose Miranda is a key component when looking at that plan.

The Minnesota Twins could move Jose Miranda

The Minnesota Twins selected Jose Miranda in the second round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft out of Puerto Rico. The first round pick that year was Plum High School product Alex Kirilloff. It has been a slow burn for Miranda, but he produced a 112 OPS+ last season. That doesn’t deter Star Tribune beat writer Phil Miller from suggesting he could be moved this offseason.

“His reverse-split ability to hit righthanders keeps him intriguing; Twins figure to see if potential trade partners agree.”

Phil Miller on Jose Miranda for 2025 (Star Tribune)

jose miranda on fastballs in the upper third

2022
.186/.307/.430 22% k%

2023
.132/.175/.237 35% k%

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰
.𝟯𝟯𝟯/.𝟯𝟳𝟱/.𝟴𝟲𝟳 𝟲% 𝗸%pic.twitter.com/XD15HTbsKc

— parker hageman (@HagemanParker) June 2, 2024

The reality is that Miranda plays a pair of positions that Minnesota could make redundant. He has shown to be better defensively at the hot corner than Royce Lewis. He leaves something to be desired at first base, but Carlos Santana likely won’t be back. If Minnesota feels they can get multiple players of need this offseason for him, then Miranda becomes a logical flip.

Related: Ranking: 10 Most Likely Minnesota Twins to be Traded This Offseason

Miranda playing third base is still his most logical outcome, but there will be ripple effects across the Twins rosters. The front office and big league staff will need to reach a conclusion as to how to handle those.

Kyle Farmer could help Minnesota Twins and Jose Miranda

Last season the Minnesota Twins over-extended Kyle Farmer. They wanted him back as a versatile player that provided a substantial clubhouse presence. Instead they got a 32-year-old with an 92 OPS+. Everything that could go bad for Farmer did. That doesn’t change the reality he would like to be back says Miller.

The @Twins Rally Sausage has RETURNED thanks to Kyle Farmer 😮 pic.twitter.com/kS8nuVv50F

— MLB (@MLB) September 11, 2024

“Likely has to take a hefty pay cut to $6.3 million salary to stay. Well, unless he wants a coaching job.”

Phil Miller on Kyle Farmer (Star Tribune)

There’s definitely a world in which Farmer taking a pay cut makes him a more desirable asset than Gold Glove finalist Willi Castro on an arbitration increase. If the Twins are seeking someone with a veteran presence simply to round of the roster, they have more negotiating power with Farmer.

Related: Minnesota Twins May Add a Gardenhire to Their Coaching Staff

Ultimately though, Farmer seems unlikely to be retained from a playing perspective, and it remains to be seen how much weight the coaching aspect holds. For now, the Twins have a few vacancies they must fill on the big league staff.

Hitting in the clutch is more than just performing with the sacks packed though. If the Twins need the job done in any spot, this is who they should want up. It’s the time of year where baseball legends are made. So… who’s going to rise to the occasion?

5. Brooks Lee

This is probably putting a lot on a young player. Brooks Lee has just 118 plate appearances to his credit at the big league level. He also hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire since his promotion.

That said, the bat-to-ball skills are elite. The top prospect really doesn’t strike out, and his ability to make solid contact is much more than just putting the ball in play.

Brooks Lee big league homers are back!

MLB's No. 15 prospect clubs his third homer for the @Twins and first since his return from the IL. pic.twitter.com/iKAzgVG6sN

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 3, 2024

During the postseason it’s possible that Rocco Baldelli may shy away from one of his youngest players in a key spot. Still, he’s a switch hitter that probably remains in the lineup even once it gets healthy.

Honestly, this spot could have gone to a few players. I chose Lee, but mostly because of his successful college career, and love for big moments. Matt Wallner or Trevor Larnach would have made sense, too.

Carlos Santana was also under consideration. But when I think about who I want up at the plate in a big September or October moment… my brain goes to the Cal Poly kid.

4. Byron Buxton

This season has been among the best of Byron Buxton’s career. He owns a 138 OPS+ and will play in more than 100 games for just the second time in his career. A recent hip injury has kept him on the injured list, but the plan is for him to return this week.

Look who is on the mend 👀@Twins All-Star Byron Buxton collects his first hit while on rehab with the @StPaulSaints. pic.twitter.com/ATQGFCvcCC

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) September 3, 2024

The Minnesota Twins’ center fielder owns a 1.063 OPS over his last 46 games. Without a doubt, they missed that production in the postseason last year. After being held to just one pinch hit appearance in last year’s playoffs, Buxton is champing at the bit for October baseball.

Related: Byron Buxton Tired of Being Dragged Down by ‘Too Much Information’

Buxton is a streaky hitter, and he’ll need to stay hot in order to contribute. Health will always be the primary concern, but if he can settle back in during the final month then no opposing pitchers will be spared.

3. Jose Miranda

No Twins hitter has had a better rebound in 2024 than Miranda. After dealing with a shoulder injury that cost his season last year, he has bounced back with a vengeance. Miranda was the talk of baseball when setting the consecutive hits record, but he has been so much more than that.

After a 5-for-5 performance yesterday, Jose Miranda is 2-for-2 tonight.

He has 8 hits in his last 8 at-bats in total! pic.twitter.com/Cog8bMABMW

— MLB (@MLB) July 6, 2024

His .815 OPS is well north of the .759 mark that generated notoriety as a rookie. He has just nine home runs in 107 games, but the 27 doubles are where he has shown power production. The strikeout numbers are way down, and he has improved his defense enough to routinely remain in the starting lineup.

2. Royce Lewis

Of course Royce Lewis wasn’t going to keep hitting home runs in every at bat. He has shown an ability to remain incredibly consistent though. Health is always a concern here, but when he’s available, he’s producing. Lewis has yet to hit a grand slam this season, but it’s fine that he’s saving them for the postseason.

ROYCE. LEWIS. pic.twitter.com/JE5IqUGyqM

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 1, 2024

Of course Royce Lewis became Mr. Grand Slam last year, but a .612 OPS with the bases loaded, in 2024, isn’t exactly “clutch”. All that proves is that the law of averages is real.

Lewis loves the big stage and wants to be the guy in the box, with the game on the line. He hasn’t even played a full season of games in his career yet, and he’s already proven himself as the 2nd most trustworthy Twins hitter, in the clutch. His four home runs in six playoff games last year told us everything we needed to know.

Related: MLB is Frequently Testing Royce Lewis for Steroids

The Twins appear intent on moving him around, in order to keep their best bats in the lineup. If he can settle in defensively, then the sky remains the limit.

1. Carlos Correa – Minnesota Twins most clutch hitter

At this point it’s fair to wonder whether Correa will ever return for the Minnesota Twins. A bout of plantar fasciitis has sidelined him for months and his shoes are a bigger problem than they should be.

Prior to the injury, he was named an All-Star and having a career year. Yes, he was dragged down by the same issue last season, but you don’t doubt this type of playoff performer. Across 85 playoff games, Correa has an .860 OPS and 18 homers.

Carlos Correa makes it a four-run seventh inning and gives the @Twins the lead. pic.twitter.com/yshGV080Bw

— MLB (@MLB) July 9, 2024

Related: Will Carlos Correa Return to the Minnesota Twins Lineup at All This Season?

He is one of the best postseason performers in major league history, and he has a World Series ring to show for it. The Twins need him to get healthy, enough, and get him back on the field. There aren’t many games left and wasting them without his presence isn’t a good thing.

Carlos Correa could headline Puerto Rico

The World Baseball Classic, which takes part during spring training, has been happening since 2006. In 2028, the MLB is considering a break in their season, or some way that allows the best players in the world to compete for their countries, without hurting the MLB teams they are paid millions of dollars to work for.

If there was to be a WNBA-like break for baseball, the best players on the planet could compete. If MLB players get the green light, The Athletic picked out one player from each team that is most likely to be called upon by their country. For the Twins, Carlos Correa was the obvious choice. Kaitlyn McGrath explains.

“We wanted to highlight Max Kepler potentially playing for Team Germany in this space but sadly — and perhaps not surprisingly — Germany has never qualified for the Olympics in baseball, making their inclusion in L.A. 2028 unlikely. What seems far more likely, however, is that Correa will suit up for Puerto Rico. Correa played for the commonwealth during the 2017 WBC but opted out of the international tournament in 2023 due to the birth of his child, so getting back into a Team Puerto Rico jersey, especially at the Olympics, would likely be meaningful to him.”

Kaitlyn McGrath on Carlos Correa playing for Puerto Rico in the Olympics

Correa has previously signed up to play with Puerto Rico in international competitions. Former Twins starting pitcher Jose Berrios would likely represent the country as well. Jose Miranda was on the Puerto Rico World Baseball Classic roster in 2023. A nagging shoulder injury forced him to bow out. The Twins organization has a strong Puerto Rico connection.

What other Minnesota Twins would be most likely selected for 2028 Olympics?

McGrath’s note on Kepler is fair given the overall strength (or lack thereof) for a German team. By 2028 Kepler will be 35 years old. His performance has been uncertain in recent seasons. He could play in some qualifying games given the player pool for his country.

Related: Carlos Correa is Completely Obsessed with WAR

Just looking at the Minnesota Twins roster and where they are from isn’t enough. The summer Olympics won’t return until 2028. Factoring in age, other competition, and additional factors, there are some inclusions to consider.

Team USA – Walker Jenkins (23), Brooks Lee (27), Royce Lewis (29), Griffin Jax (33)

Jenkins, Lee, and Lewis have all competed for Team USA as they have risen the ranks. Assuming health and development, the three of them could all be superstars in the next four years. Jenkins is one of baseball’s highest rated prospects, and Lee has pushed the ceiling of his pre-draft projections.

Lewis has been nothing short of amazing when healthy, but he’ll need to develop a consistent ability to remain on the field. Jax is the outlier here, but he has become among the best relievers in baseball. Team USA hasn’t always had a high bar for pitching, and Jax coming out of the bullpen could be a great closer for the group.

Walker Jenkins just had his first multihit game for the @CRKernels? We're all ears 🌽@Twins | @TwinsPlayerDev pic.twitter.com/hGW8M4IQ4B

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) August 3, 2024

Dominican Republic – Emmanuel Rodriguez (25), Jhoan Duran (30)

Similar to Jenkins, Rodriguez has ascended the prospect ranks and has a superstar ceiling. He can play all three outfield positions, and even if he moves to a corner, the power is there. He’s a patient hitter that could terrorize the best pitching for quite some time. Duran won’t be all that young in four years, but his velocity will always play. Aroldis Chapman is still doing it for the Pirates at 36 years old this season. Duran should be considered a lock for a top international roster.

Venezuela – Pablo Lopez (32)

It may be difficult to remember that Pablo Lopez is just 28 years old. Lopez has had a tough season, but is certainly among the best starting pitchers in baseball when right. Venezuela has a history of pumping out some incredible talent, and Lopez could continue taking steps in that direction. By the time Los Angeles hosts the Olympics, he could wind up being the ace of the staff.

Related: Minnesota Twins Appear Concerned About Byron Buxton’s Latest Injury

Major League Baseball finding a way to get big league talent in the Olympics could be huge. Fans of other spots besides baseball could be draw to the game. Additional eyes on the product is never a bad thing. Both Joe Ryan and Simeon Woods Richardson competed in the Olympics last time baseball was part of the festivities. They were both minor league prospects at the time.

Jose Miranda returns for Minnesota Twins

A season ago, Jose Miranda being an option would not have been news for the Minnesota Twins. Fast forward to this year and he has been among their best hitters. Miranda landed on the injured list with a low back strain on July 11th. He is back just 16 days later. Infielder Edouard Julien was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding move.

There's no one hotter than Jose Miranda right now 🔥

He now has a hit in TEN consecutive at-bats! pic.twitter.com/H8tGIVo8fI

— MLB (@MLB) July 6, 2024

Related: Royce Lewis Returns to Action for Minnesota Twins

Through 76 games this year Miranda has posted a career-best 148 OPS+. Miranda is slashing a ridiculous .325/.366/.522. With nine home runs on the season, double-digits are in sight. Even beyond the record-breaking 12 consecutive hits Miranda put up, there has been nothing he can’t do this season. Miranda spent all of last year dealing with a shoulder issue that ultimately required season-ending surgery. Fully healthy in 2024, the Twins former second round pick has been a key contributor on both edges of the diamond.

What can Minnesota Twins do with Edouard Julien?

It’s truly disappointing how much Edouard Julien has fallen in 2024. From Opening Day shortstop to Triple-A castoff, things have not gone right. Julien has made substantial strides on defense dating back to last year, but he has lost himself at the plate. Toting just an 88 OPS+ in 63 games, his average sits at a paltry .204 with an uncharacteristic .311 OBP. His early-season home run pace fell off, and things fell apart.

In the weeks before his promotion, Julien owned an .875 OPS across 22 Triple-A games. He had a near even strikeout-to-walk rate, and had got on base at an excellent .457 clip. Little of that translated during his five-game stretch with Minnesota. Julien went just 2-for-12 with no extra-base hits. He may be selling out too much for pull-side power. His approach has turned to patience over opportunity as well.

Related: Looks Like Edouard Julien is Odd Man Out for Twins with Royce Lewis Returning

Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, and Jose Miranda all currently take up infield spots. Carlos Correa will soon return as well. Julien could continue to be the odd man out. If he wants to force his way back in, playing some first base and showing offensive consistency is a must.

On Monday, the Twins announced that they have called up Jose Miranda, in hopes he can provide a floatation device at 3B, while we wait for Royce Lewis to return, which isn’t expected to happen any time soon. RHP Daniel Duarte was sent down, in a corresponding move.

We have announced the following roster move: pic.twitter.com/Zcpyk5bBWe

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 8, 2024

A multi-month injury absence for blossoming superstar third baseman will not help them win games or fan attention, but a hot-hitting Jose Miranda could certainly help ease the pain, at least a little bit, and (hopefully) keep the Twins afloat until Lewis can return.

What does Jose Miranda bring to Minnesota Twins in 2024?

Why do the Twins have any faith in Miranda, after such a poor 2023? Well, he didn’t necessary hit the cover off the ball during spring training, but just about everything he hit in play went for a hit. In 9 games (25 AB), he batted .320 with a .753 OPS. He racked up 4 RB in those 9 games. Only one hit was for extra bases (a double).

Related: Good News on Recovering Twins Caleb Thielbar and Jhoan Duran; Royce Lewis… Not So Much

His numbers in 7 games with the St. Paul Saints to start the regular season, have arguably transferred from what we saw this spring. His batting average (.250) is down a bit, but his OPS is a very comparable .742. He’s also hit one homer and two doubles, in just one more game.

A healthy looking swing from Jose Miranda. pic.twitter.com/J610OfTR53

— Tom Froemming (@TFTwins) March 31, 2024

But mostly, it’s due to necessity. Miranda has shown the ability to hit MLB pitchers in the past, even if he hasn’t been able to do it consistently. The Twins need more hits out of their lineup and they need more infielders to help carry the load, with Lewis out of the lineup.