Who Will Be the Unlucky Player That Makes Way for Royce Lewis?

[Matthew Taylor]

As Royce Lewis nears his much-anticipated return to the Minnesota Twins lineup, the team faces a difficult decision: who should be sent down to make room for the talented third baseman?

 

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

As the Twins decide who they will send down to make room for Royce Lewis, there are several factors to consider. First of all, they will almost certainly be sending down a hitter. In addition, there are a handful of key players on the team that are clearly not options. Ryan Jeffers, Carlos Correa, Max Kepler, Willi Castro, Christian Vasquez, Byron Buxton, and Carlos Santana are assuredly staying on the roster. That leaves six potential players on the hot seat. Here they are, each with their own set of pros and cons.

Jose Miranda
Sending down Jose Miranda would be the cleanest switch, as both he and Lewis are third basemen, and prior to his latest promotion, many had moved on from Miranda as a future hopeful for the Twins. However, Miranda has been playing well, making this move less appealing. On the season Miranda has a 116 OPS+ with decent defense at third base. His solid performance at the plate has been a boon for the Twins, and disrupting that could have negative repercussions for the team's momentum. In addition, after Royce comes back, Miranda can spell Lewis at third while also filling in at first base and designated hitter. 

Trevor Larnach
While Trevor Larnach has been hitting well, with a 118 OPS+ since his promotion in mid-April, he has often been the odd man out in the past when roster adjustments were needed. Larnach’s role has mostly been as a designated hitter over the past month, a position that could easily be filled by Miranda or Lewis after he returns this weekend. However, sending down a player performing well at the plate is always a tough call, and Larnach’s contributions shouldn't be underestimated.

Alex Kirilloff
Alex Kirilloff is in a similar situation to Larnach due to his nature of being a left-handed corner bat. The truth is, though, Kirilloff hasn’t been hitting well recently. In the month of May, Kirilloff is hitting just .164 with a 17/6 K/BB ratio. However, it’s hard to forget Kirilloff’s once-promising status as a star prospect. The Twins are going to need to decide soon if Kirilloff is going to have a future with this franchise, and sending him down to the minors wouldn’t be a move to help make that decision.

Edouard Julien
Edouard Julien has been struggling mightily offensively, making him a logical choice for a demotion. In the month of May, Juilen is hitting just .186 with a terribly concerning 29 strikeouts compared to just nine walks. Some time down in St. Paul to rightsize his swing wouldn’t be the worst thing. However, his strong defensive play and the Twins’ future plans for him complicate the decision. The team may be hesitant to send down a player they view as a key part of their long-term strategy despite his current hitting woes.

Kyle Farmer
Kyle Farmer is in the last year of his contract and has struggled at the plate. On the season, Farmer is sporting just a 52 OPS+. A mark in Farmer’s favor, though, is that he’s a clubhouse favorite, and his leadership qualities add intangible value. In addition, if he is taken off the roster, unlike the candidates above, sending down Farmer could mean the organization loses him completely. While sending him down could free up a roster spot, the Twins might be reluctant to disrupt team chemistry by moving a player so well-liked by his teammates.

Manuel Margot
Designating Manuel Margot for assignment (DFA) seems to be the most logical choice. Margot has been one of the team's worst hitters and can't play center field, limiting his utility. Additionally, the Twins have no plans to retain him for next year, making him the most straightforward choice to create space for Lewis. Furthermore, the Twins have other players like Willi Castro and Austin Martin, who can fill the same roles that Margot does, making him even more expendable.

Ultimately, the decision will hinge on balancing short-term performance with long-term potential and team dynamics. Given Margot’s poor performance, lack of future commitment, and the presence of versatile players like Castro and Martin who can cover his role, he stands out as the most sensible option to be DFA’d. This move would create the necessary space for Lewis while minimally impacting the team's overall performance and future prospects.

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What do you think? Who should the Twins send down? Leave a comment below and join the conversation!

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[Riverbrian]

Barring an injury that clears up the situation. 

My vote is Margot. 

As long as Miranda is hitting like he has been... Keep him on the roster and in the lineup.

I don't feel like I should have a vote though since I haven't been able to watch the team play for 31 days. 

 

 

[Karbo]

I agree that Margot should be the one sent down or released, but My guess is either Julian or AK will be the one sent down.

[Dave The Dastardly]

Your logic is inescapable. Therefore prepare to be dumbfounded.

[Tibs]

It should be Margot and it's not even close

[jmlease1]

I vote Margot. It's not April any longer, so the need for depth for the season is less important now than it was at the start of the year. Margot may be getting more run right now, and has been less terrible...the upside is limited. If they need another RH OF, Austin Martin is in AAA and also has the ability to play CF (and 2B if needed). 

The Twins tendency is to try to preserve options and hold on to assets, but Margot performance and limitations in his role, along with the low upside make him the right choice to get the boot this time.

[jorgenswest]

Castro has started to see some second base time. Twice this week Margot has been the pinch hitter for Julien and taken Castro’s spot in left field. Castro has gone to second base with Miranda staying at third. Farmer is no longer the natural pinch hitter for Julien. Castro is trusted and his infield positions. His use has declined.

May plate appearances. I excluded Martin and Buxton.

Farmer 36

Vazquez 55

Margot 57

Kirilloff 63

Larnach 65

Julien 81

Miranda 91

Miranda has become an everyday player. He has more plate appearances than Santana in the last 14 days. There is space for him in the line up.

They may send out Julien to get reset and start Castro at 2B. If their use is an indicator of value to the team it has to be Farmer.

 

 

 

[mikelink45]

I agree with the logic of dumping veterans who are underperforming and are not part of the future and keeping those we need to be part of the next few years.  Margot and Farmer being cut would not mean anything negative to the team.  Otherwise I vote for Julien - I am really disappointed and would love to see him get reset.  I do not know what to think about Kiriloff. 

[LambchoP]

Best move would be to DFAd Margot, but I doubt it will happen. Next best idea would be to send Julien down for a reset. Then he can battle with Brooks Lee to see who gets the call back up. Miranda and Larnach are some of our better hitters right now, we need them in the lineup. If AK continues to struggle, replace him temporarily with Martin or Keirsey Jr.

[DJL44]

Best case scenario is a team with no outfield depth looks at Margot's productivity during the last week and decides it's worth taking on a million dollars of his salary to acquire him. Twins send Margot and cash for a low level prospect.

[yeahyabetcha]

10 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Best case scenario is a team with no outfield depth looks at Margot's productivity during the last week and decides it's worth taking on a million dollars of his salary to acquire him. Twins send Margot and cash for a low level prospect.

If they traded or DFA’d Margot, the Twins would become that team with little or no outfield depth.

[jorgenswest]

There are situations where Margot is part of the best 9 on this team. I think Margot is in LF if the Twins want to end with their best defensive 9. His .328 OBP against left handed pitching is among the best on the team and probably why we have seen him lead off against lefties recently. Castro is better but they can put him at 2B against a lefty.

I am not sure that Farmer is part of any best 9 once Lewis returns. I don’t think he best 9 defensively with Julien’s progress at 2B. I am not confident he is best 9 against left handed pitching with they way Castro has hit this year. Is he a better hitter against lefties than Margot? Castro can make either expendable.

Is the Farmer of 2023 still there? That player is starting against lefties and pinch hitting. It may be worth sending out Julien for a reset and seeing if June brings out the Farmer that we saw last year and earned that contract. Best case is to have the depth that includes Farmer and Margot performing as we hoped,

[Rod Carews Birthday]

I think that ten days ago it would have been a Margot DFA.  He has played enough better lately that makes me think he is playing for his job until Lewis is back (as opposed to earlier when his job might have been doomed).  As @DJL44 said, he might have actually shown enough in the past week or so that someone could take him off of our hands, which I would take as a win and it would streamline the roster a little bit.  
 

Because I think this, obviously Margot will now catch fire and be awesome.  After all I proposed the same trade scenario (IIRC it was for a bag of balls) for Kepler about this time last year and he showed me how foolish that would have been.  
 

if this comes true, I will select other Twins players who are currently sucking and demand a trade/DFA.  I feel like this is how I can best help the team.  

[DJL44]

11 minutes ago, yeahyabetcha said:

If they traded or DFA’d Margot, the Twins would become that team with little or no outfield depth.

If I had to create a current depth chart for the Twins current outfield talent it would go

Kepler

Buxton

Castro

Larnach

Kirilloff

Martin

Margot

Keirsey

Rodriguez (and he's going to move past most of those guys soon)

Wallner

[DJL44]

2 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

Because I think this, obviously Margot will now catch fire and be awesome.  After all I proposed the same trade scenario (IIRC it was for a bag of balls) for Kepler about this time last year and he showed me how foolish that would have been.  

I hope someone else believes this. Margot's best hitting season is a 104 OPS+ and his career line is a 90 OPS+. He's always been known as a glove-first outfielder but he's slower now and not covering as much range. He might catch fire and be adequate but that's the upside. The downside we've already seen for the first 6 weeks of the season.

[USAFChief]

I don't think they'll send down an outfielder. 

The obvious move is to DFA Farmer. 

 

[Parfigliano]

Farmer goes because Lewis is an infielder.  It would be Margot if Lewis was an outfielder.  

In a perfect world both should be gone.

[Dman]

IMO it could be Julien or Kirilloff.  Seeing as there is a lot of coverage for second base and less in the outfield Julien feels like the odd man out.  If they want to split time with Santana and Miranda at 1st base then maybe they send down Kirilloff? I guess it just depends on how they want to strengthen the team.

I think who ever gets sent down it might be a blessing to get everyday work in a less pressure filled environment.  Gain some confidence and be ready for the next injury or moves at the trade deadline.

[SD happy]

I still think  someone will be put on the IL with some kind of ailment. My guess is Farmer.

[bean5302]

It's an obvious choice of Kirilloff to me. No defensive value. Limited value at the plate. Never had a good season in his entire career.
2021 = 0.3 fWAR (Scrub)
2022 = (0.5) fWAR (AA player caliber)
2023 = 0.6 fWAR (Scrub)
2024 = 0.1 fWAR (Scrub)

Not sure how much more people need to see of Kirilloff to come to the conclusion he's a bust, but I've seen plenty. In fact, if the season ended today, I'd non-tender him.

[TopGunn#22]

MARGOT !!  But there are still some moves to be made within the next 2-4 weeks.  Time to cut out some dead timber and start growing some new trees.  

[Richie the Rally Goat]

While I agree with the DFA Farmer contingent (I was in the DFA Margot group, but he has improved lately), why is Santana a lock?

being a good defensive first baseman clearly has some value, but he’s a terrible hitter and has been for several years. First baseman need to hit, and Miranda hits decent/well and plays passable first. The whole reason Santana was signed is because the FO didn’t trust Miranda and Kirilloff. Fair enough, Kirilloff hasn’t earned the trust, but Miranda’s OPS would be average at first base (compared to Santana’s bottom of the league)

i think there’s an outside chance Santana gets DFA’d at some point.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Parfigliano said:

Farmer goes because Lewis is an infielder.  It would be Margot if Lewis was an outfielder.  

Castro is both which gives you flexibility to cut either.

[Riverbrian]

2 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

Castro has started to see some second base time. Twice this week Margot has been the pinch hitter for Julien and taken Castro’s spot in left field. Castro has gone to second base with Miranda staying at third. Farmer is no longer the natural pinch hitter for Julien. Castro is trusted and his infield positions. His use has declined.

May plate appearances. I excluded Martin and Buxton.

Farmer 36

Vazquez 55

Margot 57

Kirilloff 63

Larnach 65

Julien 81

Miranda 91

Miranda has become an everyday player. He has more plate appearances than Santana in the last 14 days. There is space for him in the line up.

They may send out Julien to get reset and start Castro at 2B. If their use is an indicator of value to the team it has to be Farmer.

 

 

 

I can't argue with your logic... which is solid as usual. 

I just can't see them cutting Farmer and what's left of the 6 million. I actually don't see them cutting Margot either even though he gets my vote.

I think it will end up being a player with options barring injury to anybody of course.  

 

[jorgenswest]

6 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I can't argue with your logic... which is solid as usual. 

I just can't see them cutting Farmer and what's left of the 6 million. I actually don't see them cutting Margot either even though he gets my vote.

I think it will end up being a player with options barring injury to anybody of course.  

 

I am not sure it is wise to cut either at this point. Margot gets on base against lefties and is solid on a corner. The money is spent and that role is useful. The 2023 Farmer is useful also and seeing if that ability shows itself in June. 

[Riverbrian]

If it's Julien

Right/Left - Multi-Position

DH - Kirilloff/Miranda 

C - Jeffers/Vazquez

1B - Miranda/Santana

2B - Castro/Farmer

3B - Lewis

SS - Correa

LF - Larnach/Castro

CF - Buxton

RF - Kepler/Margot

You could also substitute Kirilloff or Larnach using this model. 

If it's Kirilloff... Julien takes Castro spot at 2B and Larnach slides into the DH and Castro is the every day LF. 

If it's Larnach... of course... Julien slides into the Castro spot at 2B and Castro is the every day LF. 

All bets are on the table. 

[Mike Sixel]

My guess? A good young player so they can have bad depth. 

My want? Margot, Farmer, or Santana. I mean, I'd do Margot and Farmer right now and bring up kiersey and Lewis. Once Wallner is right, bring him up and move on from Santana. 

[Riverbrian]

1 minute ago, jorgenswest said:

I am not sure it is wise to cut either at this point. Margot gets on base against lefties and is solid on a corner. The money is spent and that role is useful. The 2023 Farmer is useful also and seeing if that ability shows itself in June. 

As much as I complain about the plan to roster three short side guys and platoon heavy like they do. I don't believe it is wise to change plans in the middle of the season so... they should keep going on the planned path and hopefully try something else next year. 

With that said... If Miranda is to stay... A right hander for a right hander would be eye for an eye. The players with options are all left handed with the exception of course being... Miranda.  

[Guest]

A couple of weeks ago I feared it would be Larnach, but he continues to hit too well to send him down.  The best odds are on Julien.  Margot's picked up the pace a bit even leading off against left-handers recently.  It might tempt the FO to bring up Kiersay, but they likely want to see if his performance this year isn't a flash in the pan.  Cutting Margot wouldn't hurt admittedly as Lewis can also play left, but they can hope Manny reverts to the mean and wait to cut him if he continues to underperform.  Julien, like Wallner, needs a reset.  I still have high hopes for both.

[Guest]

8 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

If it's Julien

Right/Left - Multi-Position

DH - Kirilloff/Miranda 

C - Jeffers/Vazquez

1B - Miranda/Santana

2B - Castro/Farmer

3B - Lewis

SS - Correa

LF - Larnach/Castro

CF - Buxton

RF - Kepler/Margot

You could also substitute Kirilloff or Larnach using this model. 

If it's Kirilloff... Julien takes Castro spot at 2B and Larnach slides into the DH and Castro is the every day LF. 

If it's Larnach... of course... Julien slides into the Castro spot at 2B and Castro is the every day LF. 

All bets are on the table. 

If they cut Manny, Lewis can play left too, and Larnach also can play right.