Reevaluating the Twins’ Long-Term Third Base Plan

Jose Miranda looked like he was naturally progressing to becoming a regular in the Twins’ line-up. He posted a breakout season in the upper minors during the 2021 season on his way to being named the TD Minor League Hitter. Last season, he made his big-league debut and posted a 114 OPS+, even with a late-season slump. During the offseason, he worked to get himself in better shape, and plenty of buzz surrounded him at the season’s start. The Twins hoped he was ready to bat in the middle of their line-up for multiple years. 

Miranda struggled at the big-league level before the team demoted him last week. In 35 games, he hit .220/.275/.318 (.593) with four doubles, three home runs, and a 23-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Miranda has to hit very well to bring value to the club because his defense is below average, and he is slow on the bases. His struggles have been well documented, and now his future at third base is cloudy. Miranda would never stay at third base for the long term, so let’s reevaluate some of the team’s long-term options at third base. 

Carlos Correa
As Correa ages, he will eventually need to move from shortstop to another defensive home. Many of baseball’s all-time best shortstops moved to third base later in their careers. Minnesota hopes Correa’s health (and ankle) can keep him at shortstop into his early 30s, but father time is undefeated regarding player performance. There is no immediate need to move Correa, but it’s certainly something the team has to consider when completing long-term outlooks. 

Royce Lewis
Correa’s presence at shortstop means Lewis doesn’t have a defined defensive home as he returns from his second ACL surgery. The Twins have said he will primarily play shortstop and third base during rehab appearances. When back in the big leagues, he can serve as the Twins’ shortstop when Correa needs an off-day, but third base might be his best opportunity for regular playing time. During the 2019 Arizona Fall League, he played over 100 innings at third base but has fewer than 30 innings with a Twins affiliate. 

Brooks Lee
Lee seems the ideal fit to be the Twins’ long-term third baseman. He’s played shortstop throughout his professional career, but many expect him to move off the position as he gets closer to the big leagues. Some have wondered whether Lee might solve the Twins’ offensive woes, but calling him up seems a little premature. If he continues to hit well, he can be promoted to Triple-A before midseason and make his big-league debut in the second half. Minnesota fans can envision a future infield that includes Correa at short, Lee at third, and Lewis at second base. 

Edouard Julien
Julien might be a dark horse candidate for third base with the Twins. Nearly all of his professional career has been spent at second base, with just over 20 starts each at first and third base. In college, he was primarily used as a third baseman, so he’s had plenty of reps at the position in the past. It seemed likely for the Twins to give him reps at other defensive positions following his demotion to Triple-A, but he has only played second base this season. Minnesota’s front office might believe that he is best suited for that position, which means third base might not be in his future. 

Who is the correct answer at third base for the long term? Will Miranda get another look at third? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.