We’ve Reached a Prove-It Point With Kyle Farmer

[Ted Schwerzler]

Last week, the Minnesota Twins got Royce Lewis back on the active roster, and that forced the difficult decision to send Edouard Julien back to Triple-A St. Paul. Kyle Farmer stayed shielded from a move for now, but his time may be coming--and soon.

 

Image courtesy of © Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

When the Minnesota Twins signed Kyle Farmer to a $6.3-million contract to avoid arbitration this offseason, they did so hoping he would be a utility player who also brings an exceptional clubhouse presence. He is seen by his peers and coaching staff as a glue guy, and is the type of personality you want to have around. He can be a leader and mentor off the field, while being adequately capable of producing on it.

Unfortunately, the market quickly showed the Twins how wrong they were on the valuation of Farmer, and keeping him at the figure amidst budget constraints only became more cumbersome. Now carrying a 50 OPS+ more than one-third of the way through the season, Farmer has become a boat anchor. It looks like they also erred in their evaluation of him.

Rocco Baldelli had to send Edouard Julien back to Triple-A. He was wildly successful last year as a rookie, but his 94 OPS+ through 58 games was reflective of a broken process. Julien displayed tendencies he didn’t show a season ago, and the results were worthy of a reset. Since he had minor-league options, and knowing the depth required for the course of a big-league season, that move had to come first.

Surprisingly, some of Julien’s teammates were surprised he was sent down, according to a recent report from Twins analyst Trevor Plouffe. That seems odd, given the understanding that options are always explored first, and especially so when talking about the calendar just being in June. Apparently, the second baseman had previously received some assurances he wasn't going anywhere, but things changed. Farmer, Manuel Margot, and Christian Vázquez have combined to be the worst-performing trio on the Twins roster, but designating any of them for assignment prior to seeking solutions that didn't cost the team any player just wasn’t going to happen.

What Julien’s transaction did do, though, is turn up the volume on the clock ticking in Farmer’s ear. Now expected to play the weak side of a second-base platoon with Willi Castro, he has a matter of weeks to turn things around. Julien will look to get hot quickly for St. Paul, to show that his bat is revived and ready to take back his major-league spot. Brooks Lee is also now with the Saints, and eyeing a role in a similar fashion. If Farmer is going to avoid being the odd man out come July, then it certainly starts now.

Minnesota doesn’t need Farmer to be something he isn’t, and providing the leadership and personality he is known for gives him a chance to stay. His salary is a sunk cost, and while it might engender bitterness from fans, the front office won't hold it against him. If he can even return to a semblance of his best self, he can stick on the roster. However, he can’t continue to have worse numbers against southpaws, and the line across the board has to jump dramatically.

It would have been a surprise to see Farmer jettisoned in June, with other possibilities to explore first. It won’t be a surprise at all to see him sent packing in July if the same level of lacking production persists. Being a good clubhouse guy has value, and finding a way to lead while struggling through it matters. Accepting the end with grace when you’ve given an organization no choice may be the next crossroads he faces.

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[Karbo]

Tick-Tock for Farmer. Even Margot has started playing better now. Boat anchor is a good way to describe Farmer now with the results he's showing on the field.

[stringer bell]

On a day that Buxton was rested, Manny Margot got his playing time, not Kyle Farmer. With Miranda around to fill in when Lewis is off or the DH, there doesn't appear to be much of a way for Farmer to get significant playing time, unless there is another injury. Castro and Miranda take away opportunities for Farmer to get on the field at this time. 

[LambchoP]

Tough to see, seems like a really good guy. That's not what they get paid for unfortunately....

[DJL44]

It isn't that difficult to find a RH hitting 2B/3B, that's basically the default for the position. They're paying Farmer like he can still play SS but that's a sunk cost now.

I know Brooks Lee keeps getting mentioned but he hasn't played any 2B at all (only 1 game at Fort Myers) and he's not a RH batter so he doesn't make any sense for Farmer's role. They seem to want Lee to be insurance for Correa or Lewis instead. Plus, he has a 530 OPS in AAA at the moment.

[Reptevia]

You spelled “Breaking-Point” wrong. 

[SF Twins Fan]

5 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

It isn't that difficult to find a RH hitting 2B/3B, that's basically the default for the position. They're paying Farmer like he can still play SS but that's a sunk cost now.

I know Brooks Lee keeps getting mentioned but he hasn't played any 2B at all (only 1 game at Fort Myers) and he's not a RH batter so he doesn't make any sense for Farmer's role. They seem to want Lee to be insurance for Correa or Lewis instead. Plus, he has a 530 OPS in AAA at the moment.

Brooks Lee is a switch hitter, so once he starts hitting, he could replace Farmer.

[mnfireman]

Let's look at some hand-picked stats: Farmer's season low point was 4/26, so stats are 4/27 - current. I understand he's overpaid for how he's being used, but he has appeared in 30 of the 41 games covering this period.

[DJL44]

6 minutes ago, SF Twins Fan said:

Brooks Lee is a switch hitter, so once he starts hitting, he could replace Farmer.

He's a switch hitter who is weakest as a RH batter. Bringing up Lee to be the RH platoon caddy at 2B makes absolutely no sense.

[mnfireman]

4 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

He's a switch hitter who is weakest as a RH batter. Bringing up Lee to be the RH platoon caddy at 2B makes absolutely no sense.

IF Lee is called up, it will not be as the RH "platoon caddy" at 2B. 

[DJL44]

3 minutes ago, mnfireman said:

IF Lee is called up, it will not be as the RH "platoon caddy" at 2B. 

Lee getting promoted means Correa is injured. He's 4th on the depth chart at 3B (Lewis, Miranda, Castro, Lee) and at 2B (Castro, Julien, Farmer, Lee).

[mnfireman]

9 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Lee getting promoted means Correa is injured. He's 4th on the depth chart at 3B (Lewis, Miranda, Castro, Lee) and at 2B (Castro, Julien, Farmer, Lee).

Martin comes up before Lee does. Castro plays SS, just like the first time Correa was hurt.

[DJL44]

11 minutes ago, mnfireman said:

Martin comes up before Lee does. Castro plays SS, just like the first time Correa was hurt.

Good point on Martin. If they're just looking to replace Farmer he's a more likely player to promote to occasionally play 2B.

[Mike Sixel]

Martin can play second and the OF ... And he's fast. He should be in Minnesota over Farmer, and it isn't close. 

Leadership? They have zero rookies or even second year players on the roster, let that sink in, other than Lewis. How many leaders do they need?

[tarheeltwinsfan]

2 hours ago, Karbo said:

Tick-Tock for Farmer. Even Margot has started playing better now. Boat anchor is a good way to describe Farmer now with the results he's showing on the field.

I am glad to see Margot improve his batting. Last night he played CF. This is smart and playing into the FO's plans, which are to trade Margot for some flame throwing minor league pitcher.  

[Mike Sixel]

5 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

I am glad to see Margot improve his batting. Last night he played CF. This is smart and playing into the FO's plans, which are to trade Margot for some flame throwing minor league pitcher.  

You aren't getting a good pitching prospect, or anything, for Margot. Their plan is to have him play in Minnesota instead of any of their homegrown players. 

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, mnfireman said:

Martin comes up before Lee does. Castro plays SS, just like the first time Correa was hurt.

I'm not sure Lewis wouldn't move to SS if Correa was hurt, but I agree, Lee is too far down the depth chart to get a call up with a single injury.

[Doctor Gast]

Looks like Farmer really got screwed up this spring training. His stance is much different, his stance was more open & upright before. It's a pity because he's a great guy & would be trade bait if his #s were better. But the way thing sits he's taking up roster spot of a deserving younger player. 

There was no doubt that Julien had to be sent down to AAA to join Wallner to straighten out their swing. So (LH) Julien isn't a threat to (RH) Farmer but (RH) Martin is. 2B is Martin's natural position & should be there instead of Farmer sorry to say. I like Farmer but unfortunately, FO needs to swallow the money & DFA him.

[bean5302]

39 minutes ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

I'm amazed at how far Farmer has dropped off from last year.  Unfortunately, one can only pay so much for off-the-field leadership.  You are 100% correct, he has to step it up now or I feel he will be gone by the end of July.

Farmer is getting highly sporadic plate appearances, which is the worst thing for a guy trying to stabilize confidence or play at the plate. Also consider his xwOBA of .281 (still not great) is significantly higher than actual of .248.

Farmer's only had 39 plate appearances in the past 35 days and is averaging less than 2 plate appearances per game played using the Baldelli Ultra Platoon method.

[Riverbrian]

3 hours ago, stringer bell said:

On a day that Buxton was rested, Manny Margot got his playing time, not Kyle Farmer. With Miranda around to fill in when Lewis is off or the DH, there doesn't appear to be much of a way for Farmer to get significant playing time, unless there is another injury. Castro and Miranda take away opportunities for Farmer to get on the field at this time. 

7 Games into the Lewis is here and everyone is healthy portion of our season. 

Lewis at the moment appears to be playing two and sitting one. 

Buxton at the moment appears to be playing three and sitting one.

Too soon to lock this in but that's what has happened so far. 

This has opened up 4 lineup holes against right handers that either Santana, Margot and Farmer will have to fill in. 

Buxton has sat twice over this stretch. 

Farmer got the nod once. (June 6) Castro shifted to CF. 

Margot got the nod once. (June 10) Margot played CF

Lewis has sat twice over this stretch. 

Santana got both of those starts at 1B as Miranda slid to 3B.

Santana also picked up two more starts.

Playing 1B when Kirilloff sat against a left hander (June 5) 

Playing 1B when Miranda sat against a right hander (June 10) 

Right now... it's too soon to tell but Buxton maintenance days have been lightly split by Farmer and Margot. Santana seems to be the primary choice for fill in work against right handers thus far for everyone else.   

[Mike Sixel]

14 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

Looks like Farmer really got screwed up this spring training. His stance is much different, his stance was more open & upright before. It's a pity because he's a great guy & would be trade bait if his #s were better. But the way thing sits he's taking up roster spot of a deserving younger player. 

There was no doubt that Julien had to be sent down to AAA to join Wallner to straighten out their swing. So (LH) Julien isn't a threat to (RH) Farmer but (RH) Martin is. 2B is Martin's natural position & should be there instead of Farmer sorry to say. I like Farmer but unfortunately, FO needs to swallow the money & DFA him.

Also, we don't need to worry about Martin's LT development at this point, imo. He is what he is (though he can improve over time). My point is, it is ok if he only plays 2-3 times a week, and pinch runs......

[Riverbrian]

2 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

7 Games into the Lewis is here and everyone is healthy portion of our season. 

Lewis at the moment appears to be playing two and sitting one. 

Buxton at the moment appears to be playing three and sitting one.

Too soon to lock this in but that's what has happened so far. 

This has opened up 4 lineup holes against right handers that either Santana, Margot and Farmer will have to fill in. 

Buxton has sat twice over this stretch. 

Farmer got the nod once. (June 6) Castro shifted to CF. 

Margot got the nod once. (June 10) Margot played CF

Lewis has sat twice over this stretch. 

Santana got both of those starts at 1B as Miranda slid to 3B.

Santana also picked up two more starts.

Playing 1B when Kirilloff sat against a left hander (June 5) 

Playing 1B when Miranda sat against a right hander (June 10) 

Right now... it's too soon to tell but Buxton maintenance days have been lightly split by Farmer and Margot. Santana seems to be the primary choice for fill in work against right handers thus far for everyone else.   

Update:

Day 8 of Lewis Back/Julien sent down - Everybody healthy lineups. 

Miranda sits for 2nd straight day against a RH. Margot starts for 2nd straight day against a RH. 

Hot Hand?   

[USNMCPO]

Wait, didn't Farmer bring the summer sausage? That right there deserves some consideration.

 

[D.C Twins]

Is it?  When is the last time the Twins FO gave up on a player that that they were paying over 6 million this early in the season?

I totally OK with it... but I doubt it

[mikelink45]

11 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

Martin can play second and the OF ... And he's fast. He should be in Minnesota over Farmer, and it isn't close. 

Leadership? They have zero rookies or even second year players on the roster, let that sink in, other than Lewis. How many leaders do they need?

For a team that has the winning and losing streaks that the Twins have this year I have to question leadership by anyone.  That is not the criteria to use in making decisions like this.

[Linus]

I think we are worried about the wrong players. I get the frustration with Farmer and Margot but they are a minor problem in that they are getting relatively few at bats. Look to the lefty’s that are supposed to be doing damage but aren’t. They are the ones getting the majority of the chances. 

[Mike Sixel]

38 minutes ago, Linus said:

I think we are worried about the wrong players. I get the frustration with Farmer and Margot but they are a minor problem in that they are getting relatively few at bats. Look to the lefty’s that are supposed to be doing damage but aren’t. They are the ones getting the majority of the chances. 

This thread is about Farmer..... And he's not helping.... If you want to talk about the other problems, there are plenty of places. 

[Major League Ready]

7 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

This thread is about Farmer..... And he's not helping.... If you want to talk about the other problems, there are plenty of places. 

He also has not been the problem the last month so the point Linus makes is far more germane to improving the team at the moment than what Farmer (a bench player) is doing.  There are 7 players getting far more playing time of late that are performing worse than Farmer.   

#	Name	Team	PA	BB%	K%	BB/K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	ISO	Spd	BABIP	UBR	wGDP	XBR	wSB	wRC	wRAA	wOBA	wRC+
1	Edouard Julien	MIN	51	5.9%	33.3%	0.18	.188	.235	.208	.444	.021	5.3	.290	0.0	0.1		0.3	2	-4.2	.205	31
2	Christian Vázquez	MIN	52	1.9%	13.5%	0.14	.163	.192	.286	.478	.122	2.5	.167	0.1	-0.1		-0.4	2	-4.1	.209	33
3	Max Kepler	MIN	92	5.4%	22.8%	0.24	.179	.242	.286	.527	.107	2.5	.226	-0.1	0.1		-0.1	6	-5.1	.239	54
4	Ryan Jeffers	MIN	89	9.0%	29.2%	0.31	.141	.239	.295	.534	.154	3.1	.163	0.3	0.2		0.1	6	-4.5	.244	58
5	Trevor Larnach	MIN	71	9.9%	16.9%	0.58	.175	.254	.333	.587	.159	2.9	.163	-0.1	0.1		0.1	6	-2.6	.262	70
6	Byron Buxton	MIN	74	5.4%	28.4%	0.19	.203	.257	.362	.619	.159	7.2	.244	0.6	0.1		0.3	6	-2.0	.274	78
7	Alex Kirilloff	MIN	62	11.3%	32.3%	0.35	.167	.258	.370	.628	.204	1.0	.188	0.0	-0.2		-0.1	6	-1.5	.277	80
8	Kyle Farmer	MIN	36	2.8%	19.4%	0.14	.219	.306	.313	.618	.094	5.2	.280	0.1	0.0		-0.3	3	-0.7	.284	85
9	Carlos Correa	MIN	111	7.2%	21.6%	0.33	.260	.306	.450	.756	.190	3.6	.303	0.1	0.2		-0.2	14	1.1	.321	110
10	Jose Miranda	MIN	90	3.3%	14.4%	0.23	.259	.289	.459	.748	.200	2.5	.261	-0.1	-0.2		-0.1	11	1.0	.322	111
11	Willi Castro	MIN	110	12.7%	20.9%	0.61	.225	.373	.315	.687	.090	7.3	.292	0.3	0.1		0.3	14	1.3	.324	112
12	Carlos Santana	MIN	90	11.1%	16.7%	0.67	.250	.333	.438	.771	.188	2.6	.262	0.0	0.1		0.0	13	2.3	.340	124
13	Manuel Margot	MIN	54	9.3%	9.3%	1.00	.313	.389	.417	.806	.104	6.9	.349	0.2	-0.1		0.1	8	2.1	.359	136
14	Royce Lewis	MIN	26	7.7%	19.2%	0.40	.261	.308	.696	1.003	.435	0.8	.188	-0.3	0.0		0.0	5	2.1	.411	172

[Linus]

9 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

This thread is about Farmer..... And he's not helping.... If you want to talk about the other problems, there are plenty of places. 

Didn’t realize you are a moderator now. 

[Dave The Dastardly]

On 6/11/2024 at 11:01 AM, Mike Sixel said:

You aren't getting a good pitching prospect, or anything, for Margot. Their plan is to have him play in Minnesota instead of any of their homegrown players. 

And it ain't much of a plan.