Despite being only two months into the season, it has become evident just how wide the performance gap is between Major League Baseball and Triple-A. Players frequently appear overwhelmed against MLB pitching but can then excel in the minors, and the reverse can also happen. This stark contrast highlights the challenges players face when adjusting between these levels, making the Edouard Julien Triple-A struggles and performance review particularly relevant.
Mickey Gasper serves as a prime example. During his time with the Minnesota Twins, Gasper managed only six hits, including just one double, over 39 plate appearances, registering a .115/.258/.135 slash line in 62 total MLB trips. Yet, once back in Triple-A with the Saints, Gasper has been exceptional, hitting .348/.450/.717 with nine home runs and 18 RBIs in 109 plate appearances. His dominance in Triple-A last season, where he led the entire league in OPS while with Boston’s system, underscores the complexity of bridging the two competitive levels.
Carson McCusker provides another illustration of this divide. Currently leading the International League with a remarkable 1.032 OPS, McCusker has torn through minor-league pitching, yet the Twins have been reluctant to promote him, giving him limited playing opportunities even after a call-up.
Impact of Experienced Hitters Against Triple-A Pitching
When proven big-league hitters face Triple-A pitching, the results can be overwhelming. Matt Wallner, during a recent rehab assignment with the Saints, launched five home runs and drove in 13 runs across just 27 plate appearances. His key three-run homer in the eighth inning turned a potential loss into a win, leaving the opposing pitcher frustrated and bewildered.
“Why am I facing this guy in the minor leagues, this is stupid.”
— Opposing Pitcher
José Miranda and Edouard Julien’s Difficult Returns to Triple-A
José Miranda and Edouard Julien were optioned to Triple-A on April 13th and May 5th, respectively, with both players struggling immensely since their demotions. Miranda’s return to the minors has been hampered by a hand injury sustained while handling a water case at Target, which placed him on the injured list immediately after his option. Since his activation, Miranda has continued to display troubling issues with quality of contact, despite making decent contact overall and striking out only seven times in 65 plate appearances with St. Paul.
Miranda’s batting average stands at a disappointing .224 with a .310 slugging percentage and just five doubles but no home runs. Across both majors and minors, he has hit only one home run in his last 78 games and 272 plate appearances, a blast off Houston pitcher Spencer Arrighetti’s breaking ball.
Though Miranda is only 26 years old, his recent struggles are particularly concerning given his previously promising performance. Last year at this time, he was on an impressive hot streak, entering the All-Star break with a slash line of .325/.366/.522, nine homers, and 21 doubles in 276 plate appearances. However, a back injury disrupted his progression, and he has yet to regain that form.
The current situation echoes cautionary tales like Alex Kirilloff’s career struggles following back injuries, but there remains hope. Injuries can heal, and players often reclaim their former abilities. Miranda’s talent at his peak is well documented, leaving room for optimism if he can recover fully.
Edouard Julien’s Steep Decline Without Health Concerns
Edouard Julien, also 26, presents a more complicated case. Unlike Miranda, no injury appears responsible for his sharp decline. Observers and scouts may have adjusted to his style, or he simply might be experiencing a regression in his skills. Julien’s past performances suggested a player very capable of thriving in the current offensive environment, evidenced by his .932 OPS with St. Paul in 2023 before his final Major League call-up.
During last season’s stints back in the minors, Julien still managed a solid .803 OPS, including several extra-base hits. In 2024, however, his offensive metrics have taken a nosedive. He has managed a .388 OBP due to occasional walks but is batting just .231 with a .308 slugging percentage in 85 plate appearances, striking out at a troubling rate of 27%. His power has evaporated, with no extra-base hits in the past two weeks.
Both Julien and Miranda also face defensive challenges that only worsen the impact of their offensive slumps. They remain far from cost-effective contributors to the Twins’ roster despite their youth and previous promise. The team’s need for dynamic offense makes their continued struggles a pressing concern.
Twins’ Immediate Needs and Future Prospects for Julien and Miranda
As the Twins return close to full health for their upcoming series in Seattle, it is clear that they require additional reinforcements to remain competitive through the summer. Even with a full complement of planned starters, Minnesota’s lineup desperately needs offensive spark.
Julien and Miranda are currently down but far from out. Their ability to recover and contribute meaningfully before the midseason mark could influence the Twins’ strategic decisions as they chase improved results. Both players have enough potential to turn their fortunes around, and their performances in the coming weeks will likely determine their futures within the organization and their roles on the team.