Edouard Julien Reflects on WBC Experience with Team Canada

[Theodore Tollefson]

Twins top prospect Edouard Julien made himself a household name thanks to his time with Team Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Find out what the young second baseman learned from the experience and what he learned from other great Canadian ballplayers. 

Image courtesy of Zachary BonDurant, USA Today

ST. PAUL – It has not even been two full weeks since the conclusion of the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Still, the global tournament ended sooner for Twins prospect Edouard Julien who represented his home country of Canada.

Julien raked for Team Canada. In their four games, he hit .538/.667/1.154 (1.821) with a double, triple, and two home runs in 18 plate appearances

These stats alone made him the unofficial team MVP for Canada in this WBC, but the experience beyond his on-field performance was what made the whole thing worth it to Julien.

“It was a great experience for sure,” said Julien. “Just to be able to play for your country, represent a whole nation, and to be with guys that you play when you're younger, growing up, even meet Freddie Freeman. It was an unreal experience for me, and I learned so much at the WBC and it's something I'm looking forward to doing again in a few years.”

Getting to play once again with guys Julien grew up with in Quebec is what made Julien most proud of team Canada’s infield. Everyone, minus Freeman, was a French-Canadian between him, Abraham Toro, and Otto Lopez. 

“In the offseason, we all work out together and we just do stuff together. And to be able to suit up and be on the same team. It was for sure a cool experience,” Julien said. 

Julien’s time away for the WBC kept him from spending a lot of time with Twins Hall of Famer and fellow Canadian, Justin Morneau, while he was at Twins spring training. Fortunately, one of Julien’s icons was able to see him play in one game for Team Canada at Chase Field. 

“I didn't get to be in big league camp when he [Morneau] was there. Last week, I went to play the game at home, I saw him and it was cool just to see him again. He's for sure one of the best Canadian baseball players that have ever played the game. When I was younger, he's one of the reasons why I wanted to be on the Twins,” Julien said. 

While his time away from camp kept him from spending time with the best Canadian in Twins history, Julien was able to learn more from Baseball Hall of Famer and Canadian legend, Larry Walker. Walker served as Team Canada’s first base coach and a hitting coach for the next generation of Canadian hitters who, like Julien, are following in his footsteps. 

“It was fun just to be around Larry. He's just been around the game for so long, and he's just such a pure talent. He knows so much about the game and just to be around him, Freddie, Tyler O’Neil, and Russell Martin, was fun. Even the pitching coach, Paul Quantrill. All smart people. Just to be around them. Them giving me advice and just got me to make adjustments and also just trust my abilities.”

All in all, Julien is grateful for his WBC experience because, above all else, the knowledge and playing time have made him a better and more confident player, ready to make his major-league debut for the Twins in 2023. 

“I just believed in myself a little more and made some quick adjustments with what Freddie told me in Arizona. I'm confident that (I'm) ready for this season.”

Feel free to discuss Julien and his WBC opportunity in the COMMENTS below. In his first Saints game, he hit his first Triple-A home run. 

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[Doctor Gast]

Julien is for real! It's amazing how poised he is. How well he plays yet he doesn't get the awards that is due him. He's a perfect lead off man when he gets up here. Hopefully soon.

[Doctor Gast]

We desperately need a lead off man right now! Kepler isn't getting it done, other options Polanco not here, Gallo & Gordon aren't hitting. Lucky we are playing the Royals. Let's bring up right now. He can play 1B or 2B, he can't be any worse than Gordon.

[Bodie]

Nice results for Julien in the WBC.  He looked like a true pro!  And unlike normal spring training games, he was in games that all 18 men on the field cared about.

I'd say he should be the first position player to get the call, assuming he looks at least competent at AAA.  Anyone who has read my posts can guess accurately whose roster spot he should have by mid-month. (Hint: it is the guy, who when not scared to swing, looks like he doesn't know how to use the axe in his hands.)

[jkcarew]

He'll have some adjusting to do yet. WBC pitching isn't at mlb quality/depth level. Has K'd 5 times in 9 PA so for in AAA.

[jimbo92107]

19 hours ago, jkcarew said:

He'll have some adjusting to do yet. WBC pitching isn't at mlb quality/depth level. Has K'd 5 times in 9 PA so for in AAA.

He came sooo close to making the cut out of spring training. I bet he's been swinging out of his shoes the first couple games trying to hit the home run that gets him that cab ride across the river. 

Speaking of the ride across the river... It occurs to me that St Paul's close proximity to Target Field makes it possible to arrange a special form of transportation for rookie callups. 

Some candidate vehicles:

- Luxury limousine

- 1970's era van with wall to wall shag carpet

- Multi-pedal circular bar

- Parade float

- Animal drawn carriage (horse or pig)

- Ancient vintage firetruck or car

...or, just walk the whole way, surrounded by teammates, fans, friends and family. That would be a great way to see some sights, tell some stories, and connect with the public.