The Final Audition: Miranda, Julien, and Martin Fighting for Their Futures in Minnesota

[Sherry Cerny]

Image courtesy of © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

For many, these final two months of the 2025 season are nothing short of an audition: a chance to prove they belong or risk being left out of the club’s future plans. Three such players—José Miranda, Edouard Julien , and Austin Martin—have all spent time at the major league level. But instead of earning a recall, the Twins turned to external additions like Ty France, Harrison Bader, and most recently, Kody Clemens. The message? It’s now or never.

José Miranda: Time Running Out
Once considered a cornerstone of the Twins' rebuild, José Miranda hasn’t played at Target Field since April. After a breakout debut in 2022, Miranda struggled to sustain success. His inconsistencies earned him multiple demotions, and by 2024, he was no longer part of the Twins’ regular plans.

Now 27, Miranda has spent most of 2025 with Triple-A St. Paul, where his numbers have been far from inspiring. As of August 1, he's hitting just .203 with a 585 OPS in 61 games. Once praised for his compact swing and gap power, Miranda has lost his offensive identity. He still has one minor league option left and boasts a solid minor league track record, hitting .272 AVG with 77 HR over 2,500 plate appearances—but his future hinges on quickly rediscovering that form. Watching his colleagues get called up around him while he is still struggling in AAA-St.Paul must be difficult to watch. 

If he can raise his OBP toward .320 and regain confidence at the plate, Miranda could still carve out a bench or utility role for 2026. But if his struggles continue, a DFA seems inevitable.

Édouard Julien: A Star Dimmed
Two years ago, Édouard Julien was being penciled into Minnesota’s future infield. With elite plate discipline and a natural fit at second base, he seemed like a sure bet. But his 2024 & 2025 campaigns have derailed that narrative.

Julien made the Opening Day roster but was optioned to Triple-A on May 5 after a lackluster start. He posted a 198/.288/.319 slash line and his difficulty handling fastballs and breaking balls carried over from 2024.

Once demoted, Julien initially continued to struggle at St. Paul. But in late June, he found his rhythm, batting .343 with five home runs over a 19-game stretch, including a walk-off hit on June 28 that hinted at renewed confidence.

As of August 1, his Triple-A numbers are among the best in the system. In 67 games, he's hitting .275 with a .414 OBP and a 880 OPS. He's slugged 11 home runs with 34 RBI.

This weekend, Julien struggled, making a poor judgment during a defensive play that allowed runners to advance. In Saturday's game, down by a run in the ninth inning, he watched what he thought was a game-tying home run, only to watch it bounce off the top of the wall, earning himself a double but probably costing him a leadoff triple. He never scored that tying run. 

Austin Martin: Battling Time and Injuries
Of the three, Austin Martin may have the toughest road ahead, largely due to injuries. Once a top-50 MLB prospect, Martin entered 2025 eager to stake his claim, but hamstring strains in April and May derailed his season early.

He didn’t return to consistent playing time until mid-June. Yet, when healthy, Martin flashed the tools that once made him such a coveted talent. As of early August, he was hitting .306 with a .379 OBP and a 782 OPS, albeit in 124 AB. He also had three stolen bases.

Martin’s athleticism could earn him a utility role, and at age 26, he still has time on his side—but not much. The Twins need healthy, available players who can contribute across multiple positions. His injury history, combined with limited production earlier in the year, puts him in a precarious position.

He can’t afford another injury setback. These final weeks are critical if Martin wants to stay in the picture for 2026. If he keeps up the plate discipline and fielding, he may very well secure that spot. 

What Comes Next
The Twins made it clear through their trade deadline activity: performance matters, and the window of opportunity is small. With new names stepping in and others stepping up, Miranda, Julien, and Martin are all playing for more than stats—they’re playing for their jobs.

By season’s end, Minnesota’s front office will decide who stays, who gets DFA’d, and who—if anyone—can still be part of the Twins’ long-term blueprint.

For these three, the clock is ticking.

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[Nashvilletwin]

All three ruined by the Twins.  Exceptional AAA players who never had a chance under the tutelage of Rocco and team.

And spare us the “lots of good minor leaguers never make it” baloney.  No one (specifically position players) makes it under Rocco. Name one. Jeffers is the best and only possible example.  He’s about an average major league catcher (and he’s a catcher basically platooning his entire career). The jury is still out on Wallner, Lee and Lewis - maybe one of them will develop into an above average everyday major leaguer. Lewis has the best chance and we all hope he does make it - but no one can argue he’s attained anything near his potential (including considering his injuries). Lee is expected to be a utility player in a year or two.  Wallner goes back and forth between a dependable slugger and not playable.  And he really only plays against righties.  Spare us on Larnach.  The most successful Twins minor leaguers actually make it with other teams.

The best thing that could happen to Miranda, Julien and Martin is a change of scenery.  And I’d hate to be a position player drafted by or traded to the Twins. The successs rate just isn’t there.  

[High heat]

I think Miranda is dead in the water…. Can’t hit at AAA, poor plate discipline, poor fielder at 1B and 3B.  
 

Julien though a poor defender at 2B has atleast hit at AAA, has good plate discipline (passive at times) and had played some a 1B in AAA (finally)  I think he has one more shot.  
 

Martin I believe has the best chance to stick….  Right handed OF with speed, who hit well this yr at AAA.  Even if he is a bench bat only if he can play solid defense in LF and CF option with all the LH OF a good chance to stick even if it’s in a limited role.  
 

[RpR]

11 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

All three ruined by the Twins.  Exceptional AAA players who never had a chance under the tutelage of Rocco and team.

And spare us the “lots of good minor leaguers never make it” baloney.  No one (specifically position players) makes it under Rocco. Name one. Jeffers is the best and only possible example.  He’s about an average major league catcher (and he’s a catcher basically platooning his entire career). The jury is still out on Wallner, Lee and Lewis - maybe one of them will develop into an above average everyday major leaguer. Lewis has the best chance and we all hope he does make it - but no one can argue he’s attained anything near his potential (including considering his injuries). Lee is expected to be a utility player in a year or two.  Wallner goes back and forth between a dependable slugger and not playable.  And he really only plays against righties.  Spare us on Larnach.  The most successful Twins minor leaguers actually make it with other teams.

The best thing that could happen to Miranda, Julien and Martin is a change of scenery.  And I’d hate to be a position player drafted by or traded to the Twins. The successs rate just isn’t there.  

Ruined by nothing but their lack of Big League Talent.

[Craig Arko]

I’d bet on Martin from this trio.

[mikelink45]

Julien has Keaschall to push him and I wish K was up instead.  He just plateaued and never looked like he was about to come back.  Miranda really flopped - I think his time is over.  Martin looks good for these last few games, but it is wait and see with all of them. 

I just wish we would give others the same chance to see who might actually rise above league average or replacement level.  

[DJL44]

Martin’s bat has been adequate for a 4th OF role. His glove was the problem but he is athletic enough to improve defensively.

Julien is just good enough to play for a bad team. He was best when Farmer was there to cover for his flaws.

Miranda is more likely to play overseas than in MLB.

[Nashvilletwin]

16 minutes ago, RpR said:

Ruined by nothing but their lack of Big League Talent.

Just like all our top AAA position players.  Every one.  Please enlighten all of us about the inordinate success the Twins have transitioning those players.  

[DKrz56]

"Of the three, Austin Martin may have the toughest road ahead."

I struggle to see how you could possibly come to that conclusion after reviewing the path forward for those three players. Miranda may not even get another chance for the Twins in the majors. Of the three, Martin has the best chance to make the roster next year due to his versatility. 

[RpR]

43 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Just like all our top AAA position players.  Every one.  Please enlighten all of us about the inordinate success the Twins have transitioning those players.  

They come into the minors to show the level of talent they have; they either can make it or they cannot not.

It being some one else's fault, is throwing the failure where it did not come from, simple as that.

They simply are not good enough from the get-go.

[Vanimal46]

The clock struck midnight for both Miranda and Julien. I’ll be surprised if either one sign an MLB or MiLB deal this offseason. 

Martin seems to be taking advantage of the opportunity so far. Let’s see what he does during this 2 month audition. 

[Patzky]

34 minutes ago, DKrz56 said:

"Of the three, Austin Martin may have the toughest road ahead."

I struggle to see how you could possibly come to that conclusion after reviewing the path forward for those three players. Miranda may not even get another chance for the Twins in the majors. Of the three, Martin has the best chance to make the roster next year due to his versatility. 

When Buxton and perhaps Emmy show up, Martin can be who Keirsey has tried to be for the rest of the year.

[Mike Sixel]

2 hours ago, Craig Arko said:

I’d bet on Martin from this trio.

Concur..

[Nashvilletwin]

58 minutes ago, RpR said:

They come into the minors to show the level of talent they have; they either can make it or they cannot not.

It being some one else's fault, is throwing the failure where it did not come from, simple as that.

They simply are not good enough from the get-go.

Which position player has successfully transitioned (every day regular - average to above average) to the majors under Rocco?  He’s been at the helm since 2019.

Simple question. Just name one (other than Jeffers, a catcher).

Crickets. 
 

Either we can’t draft or we can’t develop. Given the initial success in the show so many of our “Top 100” accomplished minor leagues have had, I’m taking “we can’t develop”

I’m wondering if any other small/mid market team has had as little success in this endeavor over the past seven years?  Doubt it.  Under Rocco we are probably the standard bearers in futility. 

[LastOnePicked]

This is why it would have been really, really nice to see what a change in managers could have potentially done for these guys. Maybe nothing. But maybe something.

Baseball is just such an emotional game, and nobody seems to be able to help players like Miranda, Lewis and Julien adjust. Or even to distract them from their jitters. It might even have been helpful to have a manager that young players were afraid to disappoint,

But we'll never know, because it will still be Rocco as these guys chase the last of their dreams in the Twins organization. Remind me again - why is he still managing the club after the fire sale?

[LastOnePicked]

1 hour ago, RpR said:

They simply are not good enough from the get-go.

I don't know. Each flashed some legitimate ability to succeed at the big-league level. I'm guessing another organization could have unlocked more. The Twins are just too good at getting less production out of more potential.

[Nashvilletwin]

3 minutes ago, LastOnePicked said:

I don't know. Each flashed some legitimate ability to succeed at the big-league level. I'm guessing another organization could have unlocked more. The Twins are just too good at getting less production out of more potential.

Exactly. 

[RpR]

23 minutes ago, LastOnePicked said:

I don't know. Each flashed some legitimate ability to succeed at the big-league level. I'm guessing another organization could have unlocked more. The Twins are just too good at getting less production out of more potential.

A Lot of rookies come up and are hot for a  few weeks/days,

A "flash of success" typically refers to a brief and fleeting moment of achievement . It's a success that is short-lived and doesn't  indicate long-term progress . It's often used to describe a sudden, unexpected, and often temporary success, much like a "flash in the pan"

[TheLeviathan]

The premise I like....but Martin doesn't deserve the slander of being lumped with these two.

[Bodie]

9 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

All three ruined by the Twins.  Exceptional AAA players who never had a chance under the tutelage of Rocco and team.

And spare us the “lots of good minor leaguers never make it” baloney.  No one (specifically position players) makes it under Rocco. Name one. Jeffers is the best and only possible example.  He’s about an average major league catcher (and he’s a catcher basically platooning his entire career). The jury is still out on Wallner, Lee and Lewis - maybe one of them will develop into an above average everyday major leaguer. Lewis has the best chance and we all hope he does make it - but no one can argue he’s attained anything near his potential (including considering his injuries). Lee is expected to be a utility player in a year or two.  Wallner goes back and forth between a dependable slugger and not playable.  And he really only plays against righties.  Spare us on Larnach.  The most successful Twins minor leaguers actually make it with other teams.

The best thing that could happen to Miranda, Julien and Martin is a change of scenery.  And I’d hate to be a position player drafted by or traded to the Twins. The successs rate just isn’t there.  

Julien is the fault of God.  That is simply not a MLB player. 

 

I'm sure someone will leave me a reply providing the "cheap Pohlads" are to blame for his sub-beta personality.. 

[Nshore]

Miranda seemed to be really coming on as a Twins hitter.  He had that stretch of 12 hits in a row.  But then he was hit in the helmet by a pitch.  He's never been the same.

[Fatbat]

Martin will stick around. He has defensive skills and speed.  He might actually find a late blooming MLB bat and if he does, he will be our 4th OF/pinch running specialist for years to come. We need that. I can see where he will be a tandom as a 4/5 OF with GG or Erod to start ‘26.  Thats if an actual MLB OF isn’t brought in from a different org or in FAgency.

Miranda is lost and will likely live in AAA as depth or dfa’d. There are way too many young infielders coming thru the system that take his chances away. Clemons is a temporary block as well. 
 

Julien is an interesting talent. His defense hasn't gotten better and his MLB bat might just not be enough to stick and be serviceable.

The org hasn’t failed these guys. They are simply fringe talent that has had shots and haven’t had prolonged results. Maybe that will change in the future but who knows. 
 

 

[Brandon27]

Just use them as trade bait for someone 

[dxpavelka]

I'm ok with Martin.  But I'd rather see some of the kids than the others.  

[dxpavelka]

9 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

The premise I like....but Martin doesn't deserve the slander of being lumped with these two.

I agree.  However, he HAS been with the organization for 4 years and is getting his first big league at bat of the season AFTER the start of August.  So it's NOT like he's taken the bull by the horns and forced them to put him on the field.  In an ideal world HE would have played the role Willie Castro has for two and a half years.  He didn't.

[Bodie]

1 hour ago, Nshore said:

Miranda seemed to be really coming on as a Twins hitter.  He had that stretch of 12 hits in a row.  But then he was hit in the helmet by a pitch.  He's never been the same.

Mauer took a bang to the head and was never the same. 

And he was a proven all-around player...

[Doctor Wu]

10 hours ago, LastOnePicked said:

Each flashed some legitimate ability to succeed at the big-league level.

Very true, which is why it's so disappointing to see Julien and Miranda flailing. I think the talent WAS there, but then it disappeared? Can we blame that all on Twins coaches or like of development? I honestly don't know.  But I still have hope that Martin can stay healthy, get some real playing time and show us if he's for real or not. 

[Bodie]

10 hours ago, LastOnePicked said:

I don't know. Each flashed some legitimate ability to succeed at the big-league level. I'm guessing another organization could have unlocked more. The Twins are just too good at getting less production out of more potential.

Julien has never shown such ability. Even hitting .282 (his peak) his "defense" made him a bet loss.  And then his glove work went into decline...

On a well-constructed roster, maybe he has enough bat (probably not, ever...) to be a pinch hitter.  On the recent Twins' rosters he is an unusable liability, and lately (1.5 seasons...) needs about 10 roster moves ahead of him, of quality, to be anything but an anchor!

[Nashvilletwin]

9 hours ago, RpR said:

A Lot of rookies come up and are hot for a  few weeks/days,

A "flash of success" typically refers to a brief and fleeting moment of achievement . It's a success that is short-lived and doesn't  indicate long-term progress . It's often used to describe a sudden, unexpected, and often temporary success, much like a "flash in the pan"

Still crickets.   Zero position players in seven years under Rocco.

 

[Bodie]

35 minutes ago, Brandon27 said:

Just use them as trade bait for someone 

Something...

A bag of balls, the bag...