Don't Forget About Jose Miranda

[Cody Christie]

The Twins offense struggled through different parts of the season, including the team's final two playoff games at Target Field. Jose Miranda was supposed to be a middle-of-the-order hitter in 2023, and here's how he can help the Twins next season.

Image courtesy of Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, the Twins announced that Alex Kirilloff would be undergoing surgery on his shoulder. The full extent of the injury and a recovery timeline won't be known until doctors put him under the knife. There's a chance he won't be ready for the start of the 2024 season, depending on the severity of the injury. His injury leaves the Twins looking for other first base options heading into the off-season.

The Twins had multiple young players impact the roster during the 2023 campaign, but a different player was supposed to be in the middle of the order. Jose Miranda entered spring training with high expectations because of his tremendous rookie season, where he posted a 114 OPS+. The team traded away Gio Urshela to open a full-time spot at third base. However, a shoulder injury this spring slowed him down, and he played through the injury with some poor results (56 OPS+ in 40 games). Like Kirilloff, Miranda had shoulder surgery so both players will have something to prove next season. Miranda's 2023 campaign was a lost season, but there is still an opportunity for him to regain his previous form while shifting to first base.

"There was a point during the season that I was going through a lot of pain," Miranda told reporters. "I was playing through a lot of pain, but I just wanted to keep playing. I was grinding. I don't know if it was the right thing, but you learn with everything that happens in your life. There were some points where I thought maybe surgery or something could have happened."

In recent seasons, the Twins have struggled against left-handed pitching because many of their top batters are left-handed. Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton are supposed to lead the charge against southpaws, but both players saw their offensive production drop last year while dealing with injuries. Miranda might be one of the Twins' solutions to their left-handed pitching woes. His OPS for his career is nearly 140 points higher against lefty starters. Minnesota hopes Correa and Buxton return to form next season, but Miranda is another lefty-mashing option.

Miranda has played nearly 80 games at first base during his big-league career with mixed results. During his rookie season, he posted a -6 DRS and a -4 OAA at first base. He had made 31 starts at first base during his minor league career after being used primarily as a third baseman. It can be challenging to adjust to a less familiar position at the big-league level, especially with the footwork involved at first base. One can hope that Miranda becomes more comfortable in the position as he gains more experience. 

The Twins roster also doesn't have a clear spot for a player with Miranda's skill set. Royce Lewis will likely be penciled in at third base, with Jorge Polanco at second and Edouard Julien getting time at first and second. Minnesota also needs to find playing time for Willi Castro and Kyle Farmer. Miranda has one option year remaining, so the Twins can make him prove himself at Triple-A before getting another shot at the big-league level. 

It's also logical for the Twins to consider trading Miranda if they feel he is superfluous on the roster. Unfortunately, his 2022 season likely means his trade value is at an all-time low. With his remaining option, it seems likely for the team to hold on to him for added depth unless another team blows them away with an offer.

What role does Miranda fill on the 2024 Twins? Will the team consider trading him? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

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[Karbo]

Another player that if healthy, should play some winter ball at 1st base to get more comfortable. If not healthy, more time in the minors.

[mikelink45]

I like this option!  

[RpR]

Odds are Miranda and Gordon will play some where else in 2024.

The Twins do treat rookies like they are family children, giving them ever break, but time does run out.

[jmlease1]

I think Miranda will get another opportunity with the Twins, and should if he comes back from the shoulder injury. He should practice reps at 1B and 3B as soon as he's cleared for drills, because he looks like a fine option to spell Kirilloff with his RH bat, or even jump on the job if Kirilloff isn't ready to start the season (possibly platooning with Julien at 1B). Maybe Brooks Lee is ready to be the first infielder up if there's an injury next season, but Miranda has the hit tool to make it a race. Royce missed time even after returning from the 2nd ACL tear, so Miranda should be ready to go, and look for his opportunity.

I think if everyone is mostly healthy to start the season, Miranda starts in AAA, but he will get a chance. If he's hitting in AAA like he did before, then he'll either force his way back up to MLB or be one very nice trade chip.

i haven't forgotten about Jose Miranda and neither has the Twins organization.

[Riverbrian]

I have not forgotten about Miranda. I think Miranda has the talent to be an important part of 2024. I'm willing to bet on him.  

He has an option remaining. He can start in AAA. If he hits the ball in St. Paul they will bring him across the river because injuries will occur that require his call up. If he performs decently with the Twins... He will probably get to stay and be a part of the future.  

With that said 2024 will be a huge year for him. Because once his last remaining option is used.

He shall then be judged and he will want a good 2024 to present to the court as exhibit A.  

In the same vein... 2024 is big year for Larnach as well. 

[Five minute major]

I would much rather see the organization hold on to the potential that Miranda brings over Farmer and especially Castro.  

 

[Blyleven2011]

It would be nice if Miranda can be a rh bat in the lineup ...

He will definitely start at AAA  and will have to prove himself all over again  ...

no way is a spring training long enough to evaluate  , if his injury  kept him from hitting  and fielding last year , his mental approach to the game may need encouraging  , did the pitcher's adjust to Miranda and he didn't adjust back  ...

Spring traing to short  , prove himself in AAA and gain confidence ...

If I was FO  I would not be expecting  Miranda to break camp  and head north n 26 man roster  ...

[Riverbrian]

8 minutes ago, Blyleven2011 said:

It would be nice if Miranda can be a rh bat in the lineup ...

He will definitely start at AAA  and will have to prove himself all over again  ...

no way is a spring training long enough to evaluate  , if his injury  kept him from hitting  and fielding last year , his mental approach to the game may need encouraging  , did the pitcher's adjust to Miranda and he didn't adjust back  ...

Spring traing to short  , prove himself in AAA and gain confidence ...

If I was FO  I would not be expecting  Miranda to break camp  and head north n 26 man roster  ...

Agreed

The front office doesn't need to consider him for a 26 man spot out of camp unless they deplete other options and it would be extremely aggressive to deplete other options forcing you to use your safety net without a safety net.  

I'm willing to bet that infielders Lewis, Correa, Polanco, Julien, Farmer are all players who will not start at AAA next year.

Having Miranda as a safety net waiting in the wings is wonderful. 

[DJL44]

Based on 2023 I think you have to put Miranda behind Severino on the depth chart.

[bighat]

1 hour ago, RpR said:

Odds are Miranda and Gordon will play some where else in 2024.

The Twins do treat rookies like they are family children, giving them ever break, but time does run out.

Same could be said for Larnach, who has been given a starting OF job on a platter for the past 2-3 years but has been unable to keep it. Heck, Gordon went out and grabbed that OF job in 2022 and had a great year until he was hurt in '23. 

 

[jorgenswest]

Severino had a wRC+ of 100 in AAA in his 153 PAs. Severino’s numbers in AAA look good until you realize it is typical in the run scoring context of the International League. For context, Celestino was 106 last year and no one would be lobbying for him at corner position. I think Severino needs a half season in AAA to show a wRC+ of 130 or better and put up a lower strikeout rate. The Twins had the patience for Wallner to get to that level and lower his strike out rate. They need patience with Severino.

It would help if Julien can play a passable 1B. 

[jorgenswest]

1 hour ago, RpR said:

Odds are Miranda and Gordon will play some where else in 2024.

The Twins do treat rookies like they are family children, giving them ever break, but time does run out.

When should time run out? Some suggest 1500 plate appearances. 

[nicksaviking]

A return to form for Miranda would be bigger than just about any free agent addition. His ability to limit strikeouts was sorely missed last year and would be a big help next.

[Lasso]

32 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

Severino had a wRC+ of 100 in AAA in his 153 PAs. Severino’s numbers in AAA look good until you realize it is typical in the run scoring context of the International League. For context, Celestino was 106 last year and no one would be lobbying for him at corner position. I think Severino needs a half season in AAA to show a wRC+ of 130 or better and put up a lower strikeout rate. The Twins had the patience for Wallner to get to that level and lower his strike out rate. They need patience with Severino.

It would help if Julien can play a passable 1B. 

How about Lewis back to the OF, our better bats now & future are in the infield.  The knee surgery lightning shouldn’t strike again.  Doesn’t provide great difference of defensive metrics @ 3rd than the rest of our right handed bats.

[DJL44]

46 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

Severino had a wRC+ of 100 in AAA in his 153 PAs. Severino’s numbers in AAA look good until you realize it is typical in the run scoring context of the International League. For context, Celestino was 106 last year and no one would be lobbying for him at corner position. I think Severino needs a half season in AAA to show a wRC+ of 130 or better and put up a lower strikeout rate. The Twins had the patience for Wallner to get to that level and lower his strike out rate. They need patience with Severino.

It would help if Julien can play a passable 1B. 

I agree with all of that, but Severino still performed significantly better than Miranda. Miranda hit .255/.326/.360 in AAA.

[JD-TWINS]

2 hours ago, Five minute major said:

I would much rather see the organization hold on to the potential that Miranda brings over Farmer and especially Castro.  

 

What would that potential be? Youth?

Castro plays 5 defensive positions at average or better……..he switch hits……….he steals bases at a high level. hit .255 in ‘23.

Farmer plays 3 positions better than average & has a proven track record vs. LH pitching.

Hoping for the best for Jose but don’t see him playing in Minneapolis again in a TWINS uniform

[jorgenswest]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

I agree with all of that, but Severino still performed significantly better than Miranda. Miranda hit .255/.326/.360 in AAA.

I have no idea how his spring training shoulder injury impacted his season.

Miranda shown in AAA a 156 (AA was 162) wRC+ in 2021 and a major league wRC+ of 117 in 2022. Neither of those numbers came with a high BABIP or high strikeout rates. 

Severino could get there. He had a wRC+ of 165 in high A in 2022 and his AA was 139 last year. He needs to show that kind of performance in AAA over an extended time period before I would plan for him to take over at 1B.

Miranda has shown he can produce in extended periods at both AAA and the majors. That performance should not be disregarded.

[Major League Ready]

3 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

A return to form for Miranda would be bigger than just about any free agent addition. His ability to limit strikeouts was sorely missed last year and would be a big help next.

It would make sense to give Miranda a shot if they think Kirilloff is going to back relatively early in the season.  They could also let Miranda and Severino audition for the position in spring training.  Julien could be the back-up plan if they both stink it up. 

Here is another idea.  How about Jeffers working on 1B during the off-season.  He could play 1B part-time.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

Miranda cannot be judged by 2023 as he was playing through an injury.  He should come into camp healthy and ready to impress.

Based on? Shoulder injuries have ended several careers. Shoulder surgery isn't like Tommy John, it's a lot riskier.

[tony&rodney]

3 hours ago, Lasso said:

How about Lewis back to the OF, our better bats now & future are in the infield.

The Twins have specifically stated (recently) that Lewis is playing third base, taking ground balls at shortstop at times for practice. Everyone can forget about Royce Lewis as an outfielder, even if you think it is a good idea.

Jose Miranda lost this year to injury. We cannot know to what extent he was ineffective due to injury. The 2022 Jose Miranda had a solid MLB bat with the ability to drive the ball for extra base hits and carry a decent K rate. A return to full force at the plate brings a fair option back to the Twins roster. Nothing will be known until late March. 

[stringer bell]

I think Miranda could and should assume the role that Solano had for the Twins in 2023, probably minus any time at second base. He certainly has better power than Solano and makes contact as much. His 2021 and 2022 seasons looked like he had a chance to become a near-elite hitter.

If Kirilloff can't go to start '24, some type of platoon between Miranda and Julien would make sense, with both players able to play other positions if AK is ready to become the primary 1B. We don't know exactly how much the shoulder injury hindered Jose, but it is fair to assume that the injury had some negative effect on his play during the season. 

A defense that has Julien and Miranda as their first basemen might be suspect, but I think both guys can be adequate with hard work. 

[Rod Carews Birthday]

15 hours ago, stringer bell said:

I think Miranda could and should assume the role that Solano had for the Twins in 2023, probably minus any time at second base. He certainly has better power than Solano and makes contact as much. His 2021 and 2022 seasons looked like he had a chance to become a near-elite hitter.

After Miranda shows signs of complete recovery, I think this could be a potential option.  Solano isn't getting any younger and Miranda can potentially replace him at the plate.  He may not currently be better, but could definitely get there.  As for no second base, we have a bunch of people who can play second base, so that isn't very important.

[saviking]

20 hours ago, Blyleven2011 said:

It would be nice if Miranda can be a rh bat in the lineup ...

He will definitely start at AAA  and will have to prove himself all over again  ...

no way is a spring training long enough to evaluate  , if his injury  kept him from hitting  and fielding last year , his mental approach to the game may need encouraging  , did the pitcher's adjust to Miranda and he didn't adjust back  ...

Spring traing to short  , prove himself in AAA and gain confidence ...

If I was FO  I would not be expecting  Miranda to break camp  and head north n 26 man roster  ...

Maybe MIranda's shoulder was the problem but I think it was his lack of plate discipline. He was hacking at everything the pitcher threw at him ..

[terrydactyls]

15 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

The Twins have specifically stated (recently) that Lewis is playing third base, taking ground balls at shortstop at times for practice. Everyone can forget about Royce Lewis as an outfielder, even if you think it is a good idea.

And I've never heard a MLB front office say one thing and then do the opposite!  If Brooks Lee makes the team and is a superior 3B, do you really think Lewis stays at third?  There's a good reason why many major leaguers have multiple types of gloves in their locker.

[Jeff K]

21 hours ago, RpR said:

Odds are Miranda and Gordon will play some where else in 2024.

The Twins do treat rookies like they are family children, giving them ever break, but time does run out.

Miranda has to prove himself at St. Paul next year before he can be considered as an option for any position.  There are guys behind him in the minors that are likely to leap frog over Miranda on the depth chart.  The odds are not in his favor with the Twins.

[HrbieFan]

19 hours ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

Miranda cannot be judged by 2023 as he was playing through an injury.  He should come into camp healthy and ready to impress.  If he is good, and Kirilloff's surgery keeps him out until say May, then I'd put Miranda at 1B to start the season.

Is he healthy? Did he need surgery or just rest? He didn't have a great year with the Saints either 

[Otaknam]

There is no reason to trade Miranda since he has another option. He should be motivated to earn a roster spot next year. If he puts up good numbers but still is behind Lee and others, then try to trade him. 

[nicksaviking]

17 hours ago, Major League Ready said:

It would make sense to give Miranda a shot if they think Kirilloff is going to back relatively early in the season.  They could also let Miranda and Severino audition for the position in spring training.  Julien could be the back-up plan if they both stink it up. 

Here is another idea.  How about Jeffers working on 1B during the off-season.  He could play 1B part-time.

To get more at bats for Vazquez? That wouldn't interest me at all.

I'd only be interested in finding extra spots for Jeffers to play if Camargo or Cossetti are crushing it and ready for a promotion. And from the sounds of it, Camargo would likely be the one playing a secondary position.

[Trov]

I would not forget about Miranda, but I would not count on him coming back either.