Get to Know Twins Draft Pick, RHP Jeremy Lee

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Twins went pitching heavy in the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft, and Jeremy Lee was part of a run that saw 11 go in a row. The South Alabama product played in the MLB Draft League, and now will look to rise the ranks through the system.

 

Image courtesy of South Alabama Athletics - Story

Building back this year after surgery in 2022, Jeremy Lee was looking to get innings. He threw 66 innings for the Jaguars this season and is looking to further distance himself from rehab. Now healthy, he joins the Twins organization looking to continue developing in professional baseball.

Headed down to Fort Myers for the next step in his career, I caught up with him quick for a few post-draft questions.

Twins Daily: Building back up from your first year at South Alabama, what was the thing you focused most on this year looking towards the draft? 

Jeremy Lee: Well, last year, I had elbow surgery on my throwing arm. This year, my focus was to get back on the mound and compete and do what I love. It was a tough year coming off of surgery last year, but I think I am trending in the right direction!

TD: What does your stuff look like? Which pitches do you showcase, and what do you feel most comfortable with? 

JL: I throw four pitches which include: Fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. I throw both two-seam and four-seam fastballs, slider and curveball in any count, and change-up is more of a show pitch as of right now but look forward to developing that pitch into a weapon.

JL: The Sun Belt is a great baseball league. I would argue that it is probably a Top 4, Top 5 baseball league in the country. Obviously this is a big step forward no matter what league you are in, but I feel that the Sun Belt was a great league to get some experience against some really good competition.

TD: You participated in the MLB Draft league with Trenton. What was that experience like and how do you feel like that prepared you for the next level? 

JL: The Draft League was a great experience for me. I threw for two weeks there this summer and faced some really good hitters. Many of them I’m sure were drafted this year. Trenton was a great team to play for. There were anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 fans at all of our games which makes it a very good atmosphere to pitch in. 

TD: As you build on your abilities, what are you most looking forward to from a development perspective at the next level? 

JL: I look forward to working with the pitching coaches and strength coaches of the Twins organization. Any time you have a chance to work with the best in the world at development, it is very exciting. I think when I get in the lab with these coaches and work with them, the sky's the limit for my performance.

TD: What was draft day like for you? Obviously anticipation and excitement, but did you have any indications as to where you’d go? How did you celebrate? 

JL: I was very excited for the draft this year. I had no idea where I would go in the draft or to what organization. I had some very close family there with me when I heard my name called so it was a special moment for me to share with them. As far as a celebration, it was just spending time with my family and taking it all in.

TD: Minnesota is obviously a ways from Alabama. What do you know about the Twins and the organization? 

JL: I know the Twins are a great developmental organization, which I look forward to. The Twins have had so many great players in their organization, and it will be an honor to be a part of such a history rich organization.

TD: What do you do to stay relaxed outside of baseball? Any hobbies or specific things you enjoy? 

JL: Outside of baseball, I love to hunt and fish. Being from Alabama, I grew up being outdoors as much as I could. I also like to play golf and look forward to spending time with family and friends when I get the chance in the off-seasons. 

Welcome to Twins Territory, Jeremy!

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[jimbo92107]

He likes hunting, fishing, and golf. Might as well be a Minnesota native. 

Welcome to Minnesota, kid. Biggest difference will be the northern accent. Oh, and there's this thing called, "winter..." ;-)

[Doctor Wu]

11 hours ago, jimbo92107 said:

He likes hunting, fishing, and golf. Might as well be a Minnesota native. 

Welcome to Minnesota, kid. Biggest difference will be the northern accent. Oh, and there's this thing called, "winter..." ;-)

Well, let's just say that a typical Alabama accent may be quite a comprehension challenge for a lot of northerners!