The Minnesota Twins are moving on from two players.
The Minnesota Twins are entering the final stretch of the offseason focused on fine-tuning a roster they believe can contend in the American League Central. After a disappointing previous season, the organization prioritized clarity, especially when it came to positional depth and pitching options.
With younger players pushing for opportunities and roster spots at a premium, Minnesota’s front office evaluated where overlap existed and which players no longer fit cleanly into the club’s immediate plans.
The Twins have consistently emphasized internal development, particularly with hitters who control the strike zone and pitchers who can provide flexible roles. That philosophy has created competition across the roster, but it has also forced difficult decisions.
As spring training approached, it became clear that not everyone would have a defined role moving forward, prompting the Twins to explore trade options rather than risk losing value later. That direction became official when Minnesota made a roster move public this week.
The Twins announced on X that they had traded infielder Edouard Julien and right-handed pitcher Pierson Ohl to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor-league pitcher Jace Kaminska.
The announcement confirmed weeks of speculation surrounding Julien’s future with the organization and highlighted Minnesota’s willingness to reshuffle its depth before Opening Day.
Julien was once viewed as a key offensive piece for the Twins. Known for his patience at the plate, the left-handed hitter showed an ability to draw walks and reach base early in his career.
However, production declined over the past two seasons. Julien hit below .210 during that span, while strikeouts increased and limited his overall impact. Defensive versatility helped his case, but with Minnesota crowded in the infield, consistent playing time became harder to find.
Ohl’s role was more subtle but still relevant. He provided pitching depth and made sporadic appearances at the major-league level, recording a 5.10 ERA across 30 innings. His strikeout numbers were solid, hovering close to one per inning, but command issues and roster competition kept him from locking down a steady role.
For the Twins, the return centers on flexibility rather than immediate results. Kaminska is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is viewed as a long-term project, while the added cash helps offset roster costs elsewhere.
Ultimately, this move reflects Minnesota’s broader approach heading into the season. The Twins are prioritizing opportunity, efficiency and long-term balance, even when that means moving on from players who once represented important pieces of their future.