Are Minnesota Twins Planning to Enter the 2026 Season With Edouard Julien as the Backup First Baseman?

[Cody Schoenmann]

Image courtesy of © Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

When asked whether first base would be a position the Minnesota Twins prioritize in free agency or the trade market this offseason, president of baseball and business operations Derek Falvey's answer was a mixed bag. As anticipated, the executive sang praises for the club's post-deadline primary starting first baseman.

"Kody Clemens was a huge, you know, value add for us last year,” Falvey said while discussing first base at last week’s GM Meetings in Las Vegas. “We want to give Kody a lot of runway at (first base) too, because he was really a, he was a special fit for us last year."

Unsurprisingly, Falvey also suggested the club could add a right-handed-hitting first baseman to complement Clemens. His comments on the club's other internal options, including a once highly-touted prospect Twins Territory has understandably soured on, were less on-script.

"I think (first base is) an area where we're going to hope that there's a few guys internally that we've asked to continue to grow and develop there,” he said. “Eddie Julien got some time there, and, you know, we'll continue to get a little more work." 

Despite operating as Clemens's time-share partner at first base post-trade deadline (appearing in 26 games at the position), Edouard Julien’s inclusion comes as a surprise. Given how poorly the 26-year-old has performed at the plate since his breakout 2023 rookie campaign (80 wRC+ over a combined 509 plate appearances) while being one of the worst qualified defenders in baseball the past two seasons, those who follow the Twins believed the once-beloved French Canadian was a candidate to be removed from the 40-man roster this winter. 

Falvey's comments all but bury that notion, and barring Minnesota signing a cost-effective right-handed first base option (a decision that would make this analysis moot), Julien is slated to enter next season as Clemens's backup. Obviously, entering a 162-game season with two defensively deficient, same-handed Quad-A players as the only options at an offense-first position is an unwelcome outcome.

One could justifiably criticize Falvey for naming Julien as an option at first base. Arguably, the organization has handed the 26-year-old too long a leash already. Yet, given the significant spending restrictions ownership has imposed on the front office, team decision-makers have both hands tied behind their back, with Kyler Fedko and Aaron Sabato being the only other internal candidates with experience at first base in the high minors. 

Fedko and Sabato probably aren't MLB-caliber contributors. That being the case, Falvey named Julien because he is the only other option. Again, Clemens and Julien's redundant offensive profiles make them poor platoon partners. However, since Julien can play second base (and start at designated hitter) and Clemens could rotate between second base and both corner outfield spots, the two left-handed bats could co-exist as a versatile tandem. 

Julien is out of minor-league options. He would need to pass through waivers before being outrighted to Triple-A. Despite his lousy performance in 2024 and 2025, a club would be justified in taking a chance on the left-handed bat, given his exceptional rookie campaign. Minnesota is justified in keeping Julien on the 40-man roster and not risking losing him to waivers before next season. However, if he struggles in April, they should be quick to pull the plug. Unfortunately, given how shallow the position player pool is, Julien's leash will likely be longer than deserved. 

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Twins Daily's John Bonnes contributed to the reporting in this piece.

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[Cory Engelhardt]

This is one of those answers that either we will know come Friday afternoon, when the tender deadline is set. Or we will see a change between now and February.

I guess I'd be surprised. IF Clemens is the primary 1b (which I'm not counting on, but let's say that's what is happening) how does Julien being his backup make sense? It's certainly not for the platoon advantage, and it's also certainly not for the defense he does or does not provide.

I guess I'm trying to say I don't see Julien's fit on this roster. But if they CAN get his bat back, then maybe it works? I don't see that happening, but who knows at this point.

[old nurse]

Full roster. Maybe they expect a 1b to be non tendered.  They still have plenty of non tender bats they could move on from. Clemens would be 6th on their list 

in regards to Julian, of course the new hitting coach is going to make Julian back to what he was as a rookie.  Same for Outman.  Those gaudy numbers Keirsey, McKusker, Roden, Gasper and Clemens put up in the minors are also going to shine through.  Well, if it is strike three for hitting coaches does that mean everybody is out? 

[TJSweens]

Eddy Julien does not even belong on a AAA roster let alone the 40 man roster. He is a terrible fielder and a terrible hitter. The Twins cannot use him at DH or in the field. Put him through waivers. If someone claims him, wish him good luck and tell him not to let the door hit him on the way out.

[DJL44]

There are roughly 30 available free agent 1B (including minor league free agents) who are better choices to make the Twins roster.

[dberthia]

The fact we're still discussing him as a viable option is terribly depressing.

[The Great Hambino]

I see two paths they could potentially go here if it's not Julien (cuz if it is Julien, what are we even doing here?):

1. Make a modest FA investment in a 1B to be the starter and make Clemens the backup

2. Make some low-wattage move like a minor league FA or a trade similar to the one just made for Orze to back up Clemens, ideally as a platoon partner

Given the way they're operating and the amount of needs they need to cover with their limited resources, it would be pretty disappointing if they paid someone more than the minimum to back up Clemens

A more unlikely move would be 3. convert an internal corner outfielder to first base to share time with Clemens, but this feels like something they already would've done by now if they were going to do it.  Plus most of the potential candidates to make the switch - Wallner, Larnach, Mendez, Roden - bat lefthanded, which wouldn't platoon well with Clemens.  Among non-corner outfielder internal options, Fedko an Sabato wouldn't be ready on opening day (and probably would've been added to the 40 man if they were in the running) and Gasper is ... yeah

I have a feeling option 2 will be the way they go.  But option 1 would be more fun

[rdehring]

As I continue reading multiple reports every day, one thing is becoming clear.  Most of the writers here are putting way to much emphasis on every word Falvey is saying.  Spring training is a long way off.  There will be lots of changes to the Twins roster between today and then.  None of us have a clue what those changes will be.  To some extent, neither does Falvey.

[DJL44]

4 minutes ago, rdehring said:

Most of the writers here are putting way to much emphasis on every word Falvey is saying. 

Agreed. Most of what he says is complete BS. Why quote it as gospel?

[jmlease1]

I doubt he's getting serious consideration as the backup 1B to Kody Clemens, but he's still on the 40-man, so they'll throw the idea out there at this point in the offseason. They can at least pretend to the agents of the world that they're not desperate to find a cheap RH 1B/DH type to add to the roster.

I was on Team Julien, and really thought he could be a hitter for the Twins, but it's increasingly looking like he's not been able to adapt to how MLB pitching attacks him. It's not a done deal that he can't figure something out; unlike Miranda, when he got shipped back to AAA he hit credibly for the Saints and he does have good recognition of the strike zone. But he's not a realistic candidate for 1B unless there's an injury, and his defensive chops aren't good enough for him to contribute much if he's not hitting. He's a platoon bat with some real deficits right now.

To be fair, he did hit well enough to close out the season (though the lack of pop in his bat was concerning), but he was also terrible in August, so betting on him to be like he was in September is the sort of thing that got me foolishly overhyped about Chris Parmelee back in the day.

[hlsballer318]

Just think about how eddie was the first LH bat to homer against skubal last season. Need to turn those glimpses into a whole good season.

[Nashvilletwin]

I will take a contrarian pov.

Why not?  Here are four reasons:

1.  Is Julien that much different than all the others who have had to battle Rocco’s mental games?  At least at some point he performed at the plate.  When Julien is on, he’s as good a bat as almost anyone on the roster.  He should get a chance in the post Rocco world just like Lewis, Wallner, Martin and even maybe Lee - all of whom at many times played superbly but could never get over the hurdle with Rocco pulling the strings.

2. Don’t dwell on defense.  We’ve all seen Moneyball. 1B is not that hard (that was meant to be sarcastic). But seriously, if he can rake, “we don’t care” (to quote Brad Pitt as Billy Bean).

3. What’s his trade value?  Nada.  Julien is a free option.

4. Whose ABs would he be stealing?  Clemens? Big whoop. He is in almost perpetual slumps. Fedko? Sabato?  Yeah, the FO thinks so highly of those guys they left them unprotected.

Let’s face it. There are a number of Twins who are going to get chances thru the all star break to see if they can get back to their potential under the new regime. All of them are cheap and worth zippo in the trade market - so they all are essentially free options to see if they can be part of the post lockout core. Julien may not be at the top of that list, but he’s really not that far behind and deserves to be on it.

[DJL44]

18 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Why not?  

There are other players currently available and looking for a job who are better choices. Several of them will also cost nothing.

[LambchoP]

They need to sign a legit first baseman and have Clemens be the backup. I doubt they will do in that case if we're stuck with Clemens at first, I guess the best we can hope for is that the RH Fedko rakes in Spring training and wins the backup/platoon gig and eventually takes over full-time.

[tony&rodney]

It is easy to see either Clemens or Julien playing first base as the 2026 season opens. Not exactly a charming thought but one that has a fair degree of chance behind it. They are virtually identical in my mind; mediocre.

The tell will be what happens with them or any others for that matter who were our September guys, when June arrives in 2026. By then an answer should be apparent. Either Julien/Clemens is performing at an average rate, at a minimum, as a MLB first baseman in which case the experiment continues or the Twins cut bait and go in a different direction. A continuation of last September is not a good idea.

[jorgenswest]

I don’t think Julien is the back up to Clemens. He may start at first base. He may be the starter at second if Keaschall is injured. If he can win the first base job I can see Clemens on the bench with his ability to play 5 positions pretty well.

I think he will either win a starting job in spring training or be moved for little or no return. There is at least some reason for optimism. In the last quarter of the season when he was getting consistent playing time he hit 275/367/377. His exit velocity for the full season was back in his 2023 range as were his barrels and hard hit rates.

In the spring he needs to show the bat he had in the last quarter of the season and he should have a job on this team.

note: His consistent playing time probably started game 126 and his triple slash from that game was 278/380/344.

[IndianaTwin]

I don't read much into Falvey's comment. It feels a bit like he was saying, "Oh, yeah. Julien's still on the roster. I should probably mention him as well." 

 

[Nashvilletwin]

9 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

I don’t think Julien is the back up to Clemens. He may start at first base. He may be the starter at second if Keaschall is injured. If he can win the first base job I can see Clemens on the bench with his ability to play 5 positions pretty well.

I think he will either win a starting job in spring training or be moved for little or no return. There is at least some reason for optimism. In the last quarter of the season when he was getting consistent playing time he hit 275/367/377. His exit velocity for the full season was back in his 2023 range as were his barrels and hard hit rates.

In the spring he needs to show the bat he had in the last quarter of the season and he should have a job on this team.

note: His consistent playing time probably started game 126 and his triple slash from that game was 278/380/344.

Thank you for sharing the facts.  The kid can hit. And he has proven that at the big league level.  There literally is no downside in the first half of ‘26 to give him the ABs and show faith in him on a consistent basis.  He will not be stealing any ABs from any  other player who could be considered for the post lockout core (Clemens most assuredly will not be part of that core, nor will Fedko or Sabato).  

[DJL44]

If Eduoard Julien was currently on a different team's roster, would anyone here be advocating for the Twins to acquire him?

[Nashvilletwin]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

There are other players currently available and looking for a job who are better choices. Several of them will also cost nothing.

I’m sure there are a few.  Please let us know who they are. And let us know how they performed last season when given a consistent opportunity (please feel free to refer to the post below highlighting Julien’s performance in the last quarter of the season when he was getting playing time for comparison purposes).

[DJL44]

16 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

(please feel free to refer to the post below highlighting Julien’s performance in the last quarter of the season when he was getting playing time for comparison purposes).

I watched him play. He's one of the worst first basemen I've seen in MLB. Just brutal defensively. 

36 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

278/380/344

That's the "consistent playing time" triple slash. A .724 OPS for a platoon DH is nothing special.

[mickster]

2 hours ago, jmlease1 said:

I doubt he's getting serious consideration as the backup 1B to Kody Clemens, but he's still on the 40-man, so they'll throw the idea out there at this point in the offseason. They can at least pretend to the agents of the world that they're not desperate to find a cheap RH 1B/DH type to add to the roster.

I was on Team Julien, and really thought he could be a hitter for the Twins, but it's increasingly looking like he's not been able to adapt to how MLB pitching attacks him. It's not a done deal that he can't figure something out; unlike Miranda, when he got shipped back to AAA he hit credibly for the Saints and he does have good recognition of the strike zone. But he's not a realistic candidate for 1B unless there's an injury, and his defensive chops aren't good enough for him to contribute much if he's not hitting. He's a platoon bat with some real deficits right now.

To be fair, he did hit well enough to close out the season (though the lack of pop in his bat was concerning), but he was also terrible in August, so betting on him to be like he was in September is the sort of thing that got me foolishly overhyped about Chris Parmelee back in the day.

Julien is another example of how the twins over value prospects.   I would love to see them ship some high end prospects for proven players once - we have seen past trade deadlines past when the Twins were in serious contention met with crickets.   I want to see Erod sent at high value.  I wanted them to dump Brooks Lee when he was a prospect who now is nothing special.  

[TwinsDr2021]

41 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Thank you for sharing the facts.  The kid can hit. And he has proven that at the big league level.  There literally is no downside in the first half of ‘26 to give him the ABs and show faith in him on a consistent basis.  He will not be stealing any ABs from any  other player who could be considered for the post lockout core (Clemens most assuredly will not be part of that core, nor will Fedko or Sabato).  

What has Julien one since 2023 that shows he has proven that at the big league level? Sure he did well in Sept 23 (.838 OPS), August was (.654), was amazing in 65 at bats in July, and was pretty good in 110 or so at bats before that. 

In 448 since he has been terrible. Him getting at bats prior to a injury or some young guy falling apart is absolutely stealing at bats from the future, the same as Clemens. I would rather see Keaschall, GG, Mendez, or just about any other prospect given a chance. Or an infield of Lewis, Culpepper, Lee and Keaschall. There is no reason to be playing established replacement level players over the future. 

[Nashvilletwin]

17 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

What has Julien one since 2023 that shows he has proven that at the big league level? Sure he did well in Sept 23 (.838 OPS), August was (.654), was amazing in 65 at bats in July, and was pretty good in 110 or so at bats before that. 

In 448 since he has been terrible. Him getting at bats prior to an injury or some young guy falling apart is absolutely stealing at bats from the future, the same as Clemens. I would rather see Keaschall, GG, Mendez, or just about any other prospect given a chance. Or an infield of Lewis, Culpepper, Lee and Keaschall. There is no reason to be playing established replacement level players over the future. 

All of those players you cited will get their chance.  Just not yet for some of them. Lewis and Lee for sure in ‘26. Keaschall certainly as well this season.  Might see some of the others later in the year. 

Personally, if the draft goes really well, I actually like Keaschall as the 1B of the future starting in late ‘27 or ‘28.  By then, Culpepper is likely at 3B if Houston can hit well enough to justify his defense at SS.  Chowolsky (i.e. the draft went really well) is at 2B. There is your ideal 2028 infield and future infield core (with Tait at C). Note no Julien, no Lewis, no Lee.  But ideally each of those three players do well enough in ‘26 to get something in return or one of them pans out and is part of the core (but that is unlikely, right?).

[sweetmusicviola16]

If Julien is part of the plan at 1B it's a very poor plan. 

[HerbieFan]

No.  Just....no.  I'm not sure which is the bigger reason for the "no, the fact that he's not a MLB level hitter for any position or the fact that he's a hatchet in the field.  Just time to let Eddie try again for another organization.

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

If Eduoard Julien was currently on a different team's roster, would anyone here be advocating for the Twins to acquire him?

Name a position player on the Twins, besides Buxton and Keaschall (really still a rookie-49 games), you would look to acquire in a trade. 

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

If Eduoard Julien was currently on a different team's roster, would anyone here be advocating for the Twins to acquire him?

Waiver-wire pickup?  Sure.  Maybe.

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, mickster said:

Julien is another example of how the twins over value prospects.   I would love to see them ship some high end prospects for proven players once - we have seen past trade deadlines past when the Twins were in serious contention met with crickets.   I want to see Erod sent at high value.  I wanted them to dump Brooks Lee when he was a prospect who now is nothing special.  

If you don't think the players you mention have any value, what team (player) are you suggesting as a partner in a deal?

[jorgenswest]

1 hour ago, mickster said:

Julien is another example of how the twins over value prospects.   I would love to see them ship some high end prospects for proven players once - we have seen past trade deadlines past when the Twins were in serious contention met with crickets.   I want to see Erod sent at high value.  I wanted them to dump Brooks Lee when he was a prospect who now is nothing special.  

I don’t think they overvalue. Prior to right sizing the budget they sent prospects for Mahle and Lopez. At some point in 2023 the budget was right sized.

The decisions they made since those 2022  trades didn’t overvalue prospects either. You are not overvaluing prospects when you are adding decline phase veterans on team friendly one year deals.

I think all teams overhype prospects. It is in their interest to do so. Publications putting out rankings instead of tiers add to the hype. I think value is shown in playing time and until August 1 of last year the Twins were not giving very much time to prearb players. @Riverbrian showed us that deficit with every series. Teams valuing prospects are going to play them. I look forward to seeing that next year.