Rockies Secure Edouard Julien and Pierson Ohl in Trade Deal

The Colorado Rockies recently made significant moves by acquiring infielder Edouard Julien and right-hander Pierson Ohl from the Minnesota Twins. This trade reflects the Rockies’ strategy to bolster their roster with players who have potential upsides. In exchange, the Twins received minor league pitcher Jace Kaminska and cash considerations.

Trade Details and Player Profiles

Edouard Julien, who will turn 27 in April, is an infielder with a diverse hitting profile. In his rookie season with the Twins in 2023, he displayed exciting potential. Despite striking out in 31.4% of his 408 plate appearances, Julien managed to finish the season with a .263/.381/.459 batting line. He also hit 16 home runs and recorded a 134 wRC+, indicating he was 34% more productive than the league average. However, his performance against left-handed pitchers has been concerning, posting a disappointing line of .196/.229/.217.

Over the past two years, Julien’s offensive output has declined. He collected 509 plate appearances, hitting only 11 home runs and posting an overall line of .208/.299/.324, resulting in a lower 79 wRC+. Despite his solid minor league statistics with a .261/.406/.440 line in Triple-A, the Twins opted to move him, especially after signing Josh Bell to play first base.

Opportunities for Julien with the Rockies

Julien’s chances of playing time in Colorado look promising. The Rockies currently lack established players at first and second base. This includes waiver claim Troy Johnston, who has limited experience, and newly acquired T.J. Rumfield, who has no major league appearances. Therefore, Julien might have the opportunity to contribute at either position, depending on the health and performance of other roster players.

Pierson Ohl’s Role with the Rockies

Pierson Ohl, 26, is a promising right-hander who made his major league debut last year. He has pitched 30 innings at the big league level with a 5.10 ERA. Ohl has a total of six full seasons of team control, and his ability to be optioned gives the Rockies flexibility in managing their pitching staff.

Last season, Ohl averaged around 92 miles per hour on his fastball and showcased a diverse pitch arsenal, including a changeup, cutter, sinker, and curveball. His minor league performance was impressive, with a 2.40 ERA across multiple levels, reflecting a strong 30.3% strikeout rate and a low 3.9% walk rate. This makes him a valuable asset for a Rockies team that struggles with pitching depth.

What the Twins Gain

In the trade, the Twins acquired Jace Kaminska, a 24-year-old minor league pitcher who was drafted in the tenth round in 2023. Kaminska had a solid 2024 season at Single-A, logging 87.1 innings with a 2.78 ERA. However, he missed the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, making his recovery a priority for the Twins.

Future Prospects

• Julien can be controlled for four more seasons
• Ohl can move between starting and relief roles, providing flexibility
• Kaminska will be eligible for the Rule 5 draft in December 2026

This trade seems to align with both teams’ strategies. While the Rockies seek to enhance their roster with players who have high potential upside, the Twins are offloading players getting squeezed out of their plans. As the season unfolds, the impacts of these trades will become clearer.