REPORT: There is no reason for this struggling infielder to still be on the Twins' roster

There’s no reason for Jonah Bride to still be on the Twins’ roster

It’s time for the Twins to get rid of Bride, who Minnesota acquired from the Miami Marlins on April 16 after Miami designated him for assignment.

Bride, 29, managed to post an .818 OPS with 11 homers in 71 games with the Marlins last season, but it appears that he can no longer hit at that level. Since joining the Twins, Bride has posted a lackluster .206/.267/.235 (42 OPS+) slash line with just two extra-base hits and three RBIs in 75 plate appearances while providing innings at third, second and third base, along with pitching four times. He has posted three outs above average this season, which is excellent, but his poor hitting stats hurt the team more than his defense helps.

The Twins should replace Bride with either Edouard Julien, Mickey Gasper or Carson McCusker

There is no reason for Bride to be on the roster when there are multiple options in Triple-A who have the potential to be everyday major leaguers.

Julien, Gasper and McCusker, who are all currently in Triple-A, are all better options than Bride.

If the Twins did end up designating Bride for assignment, any three of the aforementioned minor leaguers would make the most sense to take his roster spot. McCusker, who has a .912 OPS for the Saints this year, would be the least likely, as he is an outfielder, and the Twins would likely rather replace Bride with someone who can play infield.

The Twins should still find a way to get McCusker on the team, but Julien and Gasper have the upper hand if Minnesota gets rid of Bride.

Julien boasts an elite .424 on-base percentage with the Saints this year while slugging .423 with five home runs in 177 plate appearances.

Although he struggled in the major leagues this year and last, he clearly has the potential to be an everyday major leaguer, considering his outstanding rookie season in 2023 and his strong minor league stats this season.

In the scenario where the Twins DFA Bride, wants Julien to continue getting everyday at-bats in Triple-A and doesn’t want to recall McCusker, they could recall Gasper, who collected six hits in 34 at-bats over two stints with the Twins this year. Gasper has put up superb numbers with Triple-A St. Paul this season, slashing .318/.418/.609 with 10 home runs and 26 RBIs in 177 plate appearances.