After a strong two seasons in the Minors, it’s time for Twins prospect Edouard Julien to make his Major League debut. The Twins called up Julien on April 11, and he’s set to make his debut on the 12th against the White Sox. Here’s a look at the young infielder/outfielder’s profile, and he can help a Twins team that has struggled offensively thus far.
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A Look at Julien
Former University of Auburn start Edouard Julien was a rarity when he was selected by the Twins in the 2019 MLB Draft. An 18th-round selection by Minnesota that year, the Quebec native intrigued in his first two years at Auburn thanks to plus power and a very good sense of awareness at the plate.
However, there were questions as to whether Julien — a 20-year-old at the time of his selection — was even eligible to be drafted. But after Major League Baseball deemed him eligible after it declared that a year he spent at a Canadian secondary school as equivalency to a college year, Julien became a Twin.
Since he joined the Twins farm system, all Julien has done is hit. Julien hit 18 home runs 47 extra base hits in his first Minor League season in 2021, as well as an eye-popping 110 walks over 112 games. Last season with Wichita (AA), the 23-year-old hit .300/.441/.490 with 17 more home runs. He’s also been quite adept at swiping bags, as Julien stole a combined 53 bases between 2021-22.
After two terrific Minor League seasons, Julien continued his rampage with Team Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In his four WBC games, Julien hit .538 with two home runs and four extra base hits, a clear sign that he was close to getting the call to the Majors.
The 23-year-old will become the fourth Twin from the 2019 MLB Draft to make the Majors, joining fellow Twins outfielder Matt Wallner, Louie Varland, and Reds infielder Spencer Steer. Julien possesses incredible plate discipline to go along with his fantastic strength, but how much contact he will make at the Major League level is a bit of a question at this point.
A Look at the Twins
Julien got the call for the Twins after Joey Gallo went on the IL with a right intercostal strain. The 23-year-old is a primary second baseman, where he’ll make his MLB debut on April 12. However, he does also have Minor League experience at first and left field.
With both Gallo and Jorge Polanco out with injuries, the former Auburn star stands a good chance of getting regular at-bats for a Twins team that entered play on April 12 with the fourth-lowest team OPS (.652) and fifth-fewest runs scored (45). Minnesota has been able to hold its own in the AL Central thus far thanks to sensational pitching from the likes of Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez, but the Twins will need the bats to come alive to stay competitive with the Guardians.
While he may not have Major League experience, Julien’s power and ability to get on base may be able to help with the Twins’ offensive struggles.
