The MLB Trade Deadline brings good and bad fortune to many around the league. As Minnesota becomes increasingly more likely to initiate a sell-off, former top Twins prospects Edouard Julien, José Miranda and Austin Martin will likely experience good fortune soon.
Trade deadline could open up major league playing time for former top Twins prospects Edouard Julien, José Miranda and Austin Martin
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman recently reported that Minnesota is now “seriously listening on their rental players,” as the team sits five games back for the third and final American League Wild Card spot with five teams to jump in the standings. If the Twins trade away their players on expiring contracts, then Julien, Miranda and Martin have a plausible chance of being recalled to the major leagues.
The Twins' position players set to be free agents this offseason are Willi Castro, Harrison Bader, Ty France and Christian Vázquez. A Vázquez trade would not affect Julien, Miranda or Martin’s chances of earning a 26-man roster spot, but the other three aforementioned players would.
If Bader gets traded, Martin could fill his spot as a right-handed-hitting, positive-defender outfielder. Martin has suffered a couple of stints on the injured list this season, but has been spectacular when healthy, slashing .341/.462/.424 in 106 plate appearances with Triple-A St. Paul. Martin can also give the Twins innings at second base, as he has logged 31 innings at the position this year. Castro also plays outfield and second base, so Martin could see a lot of playing time if the Twins end up trading all of their rental players.
The Twins are already starting to use Kody Clemens at first base more, but a France trade would still open up an opportunity for Julien. Julien, who has hit .256/.398/.423 in 269 plate appearances since being demoted to Triple-A St. Paul, could give the Twins innings at first base, designated hitter, and second base. If the Twins traded Castro, it would also help Julien in his endeavor to make it back to the major leagues.
Miranda might receive another opportunity in the big leagues as well. However, unlike Julien and Martin, he has struggled in Triple-A this year, hitting .196/.262/.308 in 233 plate appearances. Still, if the Twins trade Castro and France, the organization will need someone else to play some innings at third and first base.
Another possible scenario for Julien, Miranda and Martin is that the Twins try to maximize their current value through a trade. All three have been given major league opportunities, but failed to play well enough to stay on the 26-man roster. It makes the most sense for Minnesota to provide them with another chance in the big leagues if Derek Falvey ends up selling, but it's also possible that the organization might be ready to move on.