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Minnesota Twins Rookie Edouard Julien Joins Historic Group of Canadian Sluggers

Originally posted on FanNation Fastball | By Sam Connon | Last updated 9/18/23

Rookie infielder Edouard Julien lifted the Minnesota Twins to victory with a three-run shot on Sunday, joining some of Canada's most decorated ballplayers in the process.

Julien cranked his 14th home run of the season to left-center field in the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox en route to a 4-0 win. The 24-year-old from Quebec, Canada, continues to show how he carved out an everyday role in the Twins' lineup, splitting time at second, first and designated hitter.

According to TSN's StatsCentre, Julien now ranks sixth all-time in single-season home runs among Canadian born and trained rookies.

Jason Bay set the record with 26 in 2004, then Joey Votto came close with 24 with 2008. Before they came around, Pete Ward held the previous record with 22 back in 1963.

Larry Walker and Justin Morneau hit 19 homers apiece in 1990 and 2004, respectively.

The five players above Julien on the list combined for 18 All-Star appearances, six Silver Sluggers and four batting titles. Walker was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020, and Votto is expected to join him once he becomes eligible.

Julien first got called up to make up his MLB debut in April. At the time, Julien was ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the Twins' farm system, is addition to being MLB Pipeline's No. 96 overall prospect in baseball.

In just his second big league contest, Julien hit his first career home run. The Auburn product was sitting at four homers through 38 games, but he bumped that figure up to 10 over his next 17 appearances.

After hitting just one home run in his next 37 appearances, Julien unearthed his power once again in September. The rookie has hit three home runs in the Twins' last six games.

Julien is batting .268 with an .843 OPS through 98 games this season, and he ranks second among Minnesota position players with a 2.3 WAR.

The Twins open a series with the Cincinnati Reds on Monday at 6:40 p.m. ET. Julien is expected to lead off and play designated hitter in the road contest, according to RotoWire.

This article first appeared on FanNation Fastball and was syndicated with permission.

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