Solutions for the Twins’ Slumping Sophomores

The Twins have had some outstanding rookies throughout their history. However, the Class of 2023 is arguably their best group ever, based on their overall performance and impact on the team. Minnesota hoped those players would be essential parts during the current season, but that hasn’t come to fruition. What needs to happen for these players to return to impacting the big-league team for the better?

Edouard Julien, IF
2023 Recap: Julien burst onto the stage during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, with Team Canada, so it seemed like a matter of time before the Twins called him up. In 109 games, he posted a 132 OPS+, with 16 doubles and 16 home runs. He finished with the fifth-most walks ever among Twins rookies, and only Colorado’s Nolan Jones had a higher OBP among rookies with a minimum of 350 plate appearances. Some evaluators were critical of his defense at second base, but he made great strides, especially in the second half. 

2024 Struggles: Julien posted an .830 OPS in April, with five doubles and seven home runs. However, May hasn’t been kind to him, with an OPS hovering around .500. He has been limited to one extra-base hit in 75 plate appearances, and hasn’t hit a home run since his two-homer game back on Apr. 25. The Twins have dropped Julien down in the batting order, but he might need something else to wake up his bat. 

Solution: Julien might best serve the Twins with a reset at Triple-A, especially with Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee returning from injury. 

Matt Wallner, OF
2023 Recap: Wallner entered last season as the Twins organization's reigning Minor League Player of the Year. He mashed at Triple-A with a .927 OPS, and it got to the point where it seemed silly for him to still be with the Saints. Minnesota called him up for good in the middle of July, and he ended the season with impressive power totals. In 76 games, he hit .249/.370/.507, with 11 doubles and 14 home runs. From the team’s viewpoint, it seemed he had surpassed other former first-round picks like Trevor Larnach and Alex Kirilloff.

2024 Struggles: Wallner began the year on the Twins’ Opening Day roster, but went 2-for-25 (.080 BA) with 17 strikeouts. The team was forced to demote him to Triple-A, where he has an OPS below .630 despite playing in an offensive-friendly environment. There have been flashes of his powerful swing from his rookie season, but he’s lacked consistency. Batters with Wallner’s offensive profile are prone to slumps, so he must prove his 2023 season was not a fluke.

Solution: Other outfielders have surpassed him on the organizational depth chart. He needs to rediscover his swing to be a big-league option. 

Louie Varland, RHP
2023 Recap: The Twins needed Varland to serve multiple roles during the 2023 campaign. He began the year as a starter and posted a 5.30 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP in 10 games. Opponents combined for a .848 OPS against him, as he allowed more than one home run per game (14 homers). Minnesota moved him to the bullpen for the stretch run, and he was electric. In 12 innings, he allowed two earned runs (both solo homers) with 17 strikeouts and one walk. It created a tough decision for the team about what role he should serve in 2024. 

2024 Struggles: Varland was scheduled to begin the year at Triple-A, but Anthony DeSclafani’s season-ending injury changed those plans. He began the year as the team’s fifth starter, but flopped. In four starts (16 2/3 innings), he allowed 17 earned runs, including six home runs, which isn’t sustainable at the big-league level. The Twins demoted him to Triple-A, where he has a 4.41 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP. Those totals are a little deceiving, because the Twins are treating his starts like spring training games wherein he works on specific pitches or locations. 

Solution: The Saints continue to use Varland as a starter, but it's getting close to time for him to shift back to the bullpen.

The Twins are finding ways to win despite the poor performances of their sophomores. Cleveland and Kansas City have built a lead atop the AL Central standings. To get back in the division race, production from all parts of the 40-man roster will be required. Minnesota needs these players not only for 2024, but for years to come.

Which player is most critical to the team’s second-half success? Leave a comment and start the discussion.