Brooks Lee's Anticipation Grows for His Moment in 2024

[stringer bell]

Several infielders to comment on and they all intersect in offseason transactions. Here's my take:

Polanco--I have called him an "old 30" for a while. He's been able to adjust and keep his batting stats level by changing the type of hitter he is. Some guys (like Brian Dozier) fall off a cliff and I fear that for Jorge. His fielding has diminished notably and I certainly don't want him to be a utility type, since the only position he now plays acceptably (IMHO) is second base. While he has been a fine player for the Twins, the time to trade him is yesterday, with today being the second choice. 

Farmer--Much like Polanco, I see the window closing on Farmer as a productive player. He's older and he's never been fast, but I suspect his range will limit him as a defender everywhere, but particularly at shortstop. Farmer continues to really hit left handed pitching well, but lefties comprise only 25% to 33% of at bats for any team. If the Twins can find a way to keep Farmer, that is fine, but other more athletic options are on the horizon. I am in favor of trying to trade Farmer, although it is doubtful the Twins would get much in return.

Lee--I've heard Gleeman and the Geek discuss Lee at length and they cite sources saying that Lee profiles well as a third baseman, with Royce Lewis the better fit at second base. This complicates things a bit. As mentioned above, Lee won't come up as a utility guy and I sincerely doubt the club would ask him to play multiple positions upon his promotion to the majors. Lewis is going to play. In 58 games this year, he was the best position player on the Twins by quite a large margin. Having Julien already in the majors and proving himself to be a solid lead off guy and an improving second baseman makes a logjam a bit more concerning. One way or the other, I believe Lee will be in the major leagues sometime in 2024, but probably not on Opening Day.

Willi Castro looked more than comfortable in the infield in 2023. Depending on what happens with the rest of the roster, Willi could be called on to be more of an infielder in 2024, including backing up Correa at shortstop. A fly in the ointment for Castro is that he was a considerably better hitter from the left side last year and there would seem to be a slot as a platoon second baseman if he hit well right handed. One other right handed option at second would be Austin Martin, who could double as a right handed hitting outfielder. All last season, the Twins lacked a right handed hitting outfielder who was productive against left handers. Martin might be able to fill that hole, but more as an on-base machine rather than crushing lefties with extra base hits. 

[tony&rodney]

35 minutes ago, Fred said:

Polo isn't getting younger, and is on the cusp of chronic problems with his lower half. Yes, he's still very productive, but when knee and ankle problems start cropping up, they usually don't get better as you age.

True, we are all getting older (Polanco too). I'm not 100% sure that the injuries are chronic. I also have two thoughts. One is that the Twins will keep Jorge and he starts most games because the team is trying to win. The second thought is that the Twins are able to bundle Polanco in a trade for a starting pitcher that improves their team.  What I am sure of is that I do not know where Falvey and the brain trust stands.

[tony&rodney]

5 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Several infielders to comment on and they all intersect in offseason transactions. Here's my take:

Polanco--I have called him an "old 30" for a while. He's been able to adjust and keep his batting stats level by changing the type of hitter he is. Some guys (like Brian Dozier) fall off a cliff and I fear that for Jorge. His fielding has diminished notably and I certainly don't want him to be a utility type, since the only position he now plays acceptably (IMHO) is second base. While he has been a fine player for the Twins, the time to trade him is yesterday, with today being the second choice. 

Farmer--Much like Polanco, I see the window closing on Farmer as a productive player. He's older and he's never been fast, but I suspect his range will limit him as a defender everywhere, but particularly at shortstop. Farmer continues to really hit left handed pitching well, but lefties comprise only 25% to 33% of at bats for any team. If the Twins can find a way to keep Farmer, that is fine, but other more athletic options are on the horizon. I am in favor of trying to trade Farmer, although it is doubtful the Twins would get much in return.

Lee--I've heard Gleeman and the Geek discuss Lee at length and they cite sources saying that Lee profiles well as a third baseman, with Royce Lewis the better fit at second base. This complicates things a bit. As mentioned above, Lee won't come up as a utility guy and I sincerely doubt the club would ask him to play multiple positions upon his promotion to the majors. Lewis is going to play. In 58 games this year, he was the best position player on the Twins by quite a large margin. Having Julien already in the majors and proving himself to be a solid lead off guy and an improving second baseman makes a logjam a bit more concerning. One way or the other, I believe Lee will be in the major leagues sometime in 2024, but probably not on Opening Day.

Willi Castro looked more than comfortable in the infield in 2023. Depending on what happens with the rest of the roster, Willi could be called on to be more of an infielder in 2024, including backing up Correa at shortstop. A fly in the ointment for Castro is that he was a considerably better hitter from the left side last year and there would seem to be a slot as a platoon second baseman if he hit well right handed. One other right handed option at second would be Austin Martin, who could double as a right handed hitting outfielder. All last season, the Twins lacked a right handed hitting outfielder who was productive against left handers. Martin might be able to fill that hole, but more as an on-base machine rather than crushing lefties with extra base hits. 

Do you see Brooks Lee pushing Julien away from second base (or via Lewis sliding to 2B)? I don't think Julien will be just a platoon player or a DH. Do the Twins trade Julien? Ultimately, which player is preferred - Julien or Lee?

[stringer bell]

15 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Do you see Brooks Lee pushing Julien away from second base (or via Lewis sliding to 2B)? I don't think Julien will be just a platoon player or a DH. Do the Twins trade Julien? Ultimately, which player is preferred - Julien or Lee?

Lee has the pedigree of possible superstar, perhaps a Chipper Jones-type player. I don't think anyone has predicted as much for Julien, but he a rookie season on the books where he hit and improved his defense. I'm guessing Lee has more value to other teams and will probably develop into the better major leaguer. 

Performance and injuries seem to solve logjams. It is probably wise for the Twins to see how things play out, rather than discarding a young player who could develop into an All-Star (all of Lewis, Julien and Lee). Lee will almost certainly begin the season back at St. Paul and probably needs the time in Triple A. 

[tony&rodney]

3 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Lee has the pedigree of possible superstar, perhaps a Chipper Jones-type player. I don't think anyone has predicted as much for Julien, but he a rookie season on the books where he hit and improved his defense. I'm guessing Lee has more value to other teams and will probably develop into the better major leaguer. 

Performance and injuries seem to solve logjams. It is probably wise for the Twins to see how things play out, rather than discarding a young player who could develop into an All-Star (all of Lewis, Julien and Lee). Lee will almost certainly begin the season back at St. Paul and probably needs the time in Triple A. 

Ok, thank you. I have been asking and wondering how people feel about a Julien-Lee comparison. This is the first clear stance someone has taken.

I tend to see Lee more similarly to how Keith Law views him, as a strong regular with a lengthy successful career as a starting infielder. I only have watched Lee via milb.com in several dozen games so do not have the same feel as if viewing in person. I'm high on Julien and feel he will improve dramatically on swing decisions where he knows the umpire's zones. Julien is still inexperienced.

I appreciate the response and wonder what direction the Twins will take. I do see a possibility for the Twins to use of of these guys in trade for a very good starting pitcher. As always, I'm guessing because the Falvey clan does a good job of holding their cards close.

[TopGunn#22]

Lee is ready.  That comparison of minor league hitting stats was with the Rangers Evan Carter.  Carter is a young hitter I'm REALLY impressed with.  Here's MY hot take:

Polanco and Kepler have their options picked up.  With Julien already in the fold to play 2B and Castro on the roster, Polanco is packaged in a trade to add pitching.  Lee, if he doesn't make the team straight out of spring training will be up by May 1st or June 1st.  The Twins just aren't, nor should they, hold Lee back.

Depending on what the Twins decide to do about CF (Lewis, Castro, a trade) and the other flexibility they have, Lee will be playing 2B or 3B and bringing his switch hitting to our lineup.  In my opinion, he's going to be doing it sooner, rather than later.  I think he breaks camp a big leaguer.  If not, he's up by May 1st.  June 1st at the latest.   

[stringer bell]

14 minutes ago, TopGunn#22 said:

Lee is ready.  That comparison of minor league hitting stats was with the Rangers Evan Carter.  Carter is a young hitter I'm REALLY impressed with.  Here's MY hot take:

Polanco and Kepler have their options picked up.  With Julien already in the fold to play 2B and Castro on the roster, Polanco is packaged in a trade to add pitching.  Lee, if he doesn't make the team straight out of spring training will be up by May 1st or June 1st.  The Twins just aren't, nor should they, hold Lee back.

Depending on what the Twins decide to do about CF (Lewis, Castro, a trade) and the other flexibility they have, Lee will be playing 2B or 3B and bringing his switch hitting to our lineup.  In my opinion, he's going to be doing it sooner, rather than later.  I think he breaks camp a big leaguer.  If not, he's up by May 1st.  June 1st at the latest.   

I think the Twins moves this winter will tell us whether the team agrees with you. If they keep Polanco and Julien, it is saying they aren't counting on Lee this year. If Jorge is dealt, I think we can interpret that there is enough quality infield bats and that would include Mr. Lee.

My opinion is that he needs more than a month of AAA. He was far from dominating, but he has the skills and the makeup to continue his fast rise.

[Fatbat]

@TopGunn#22 with Lee in MLB in April 24, he also bring an additional 1st round draft pick on top of everything else he will do in our lineup. Even if Polo isn’t traded, we still need at least 4 regulars to play 2nd, SS and 3rd in a rotation of matchups and rest days. I haven’t read anyone in this thread talk about Lee’s college career and how that put him on a fast track for MLB. He is not an average 22 yo prospect that needs another year or 2 in the minors.  The reason I compared him to ECarter was because of how he wasn’t called up until September. The kid is clutch!! I can only imagine what he would have done had he been a MLB’r in May or June.  I doubt he would have crashed and burned. 

[Major League Ready]

They are going to move Polanco for multiple reasons but one of them is not to make room for Lee.  I think Jocko87 was on the right track.  Polanco has been beat out for 2B and does not have a primary position.  Farmer therefore fits this roster better (especially given he hits LHP better) but they don't have to keep Farmer either.  They also have a better and more flexible defender in Castro plus several other players waiting in the wings including Lee / Severino / and Prato / Schobel or Hellman could get in the mix as well.

The last and perhaps most compelling reason is the money is probably better spent on pitching or OF depth.  I am fine with Polanco being traded if it creates enough payroll space for Jordan Montgomery as opposed to a reclamation project of back of the rotation depth..

[stringer bell]

2 hours ago, Major League Ready said:

They are going to move Polanco for multiple reasons but one of them is not to make room for Lee.  I think Jocko87 was on the right track.  Polanco has been beat out for 2B and does not have a primary position.  Farmer therefore fits this roster better (especially given he hits LHP better) but they don't have to keep Farmer either.  They also have a better and more flexible defender in Castro plus several other players waiting in the wings including Lee / Severino / and Prato / Schobel or Hellman could get in the mix as well.

The last and perhaps most compelling reason is the money is probably better spent on pitching or OF depth.  I am fine with Polanco being traded if it creates enough payroll space for Jordan Montgomery as opposed to a reclamation project of back of the rotation depth..

Mostly agree with this take. Throughout last season, we saw a succession of lineups against left handed pitching which featured the likes of Castro, Kepler or Wallner with pretty dismal results from the switch hitter or LH hitter. This problem would be minimized by a good -hitting RH hitter who crushes lefties. Next to adding to the rotation, I see this as the Twins’ biggest need. If Polanco’s money can help solve the two biggest needs, I’m on board for a Polanco trade. 

[2wins87]

3 hours ago, Fatbat said:

@TopGunn#22 with Lee in MLB in April 24, he also bring an additional 1st round draft pick on top of everything else he will do in our lineup. Even if Polo isn’t traded, we still need at least 4 regulars to play 2nd, SS and 3rd in a rotation of matchups and rest days. I haven’t read anyone in this thread talk about Lee’s college career and how that put him on a fast track for MLB. He is not an average 22 yo prospect that needs another year or 2 in the minors.  The reason I compared him to ECarter was because of how he wasn’t called up until September. The kid is clutch!! I can only imagine what he would have done had he been a MLB’r in May or June.  I doubt he would have crashed and burned. 

It seems awfully presumptuous that Lee will win ROY (or finish top 3 in MVP voting) next year.  Particularly considering he'll have competition for the award from Carter who you mentioned, as well as Junior Caminero, Jackson Holliday probably, possibly Yamamoto, maybe Wyatt Langford, among others.

I like Lee but I'm not sure he's the type of player who I would put big odds on winning the award.  He seems like he could step in and be a solid regular right away, but he lacks some of the loud tools that some other more volatile prospects have.  I don't think the odds of getting the prospect promotion pick would be high enough that it would have more value than keeping a 40-man roster spot available for another player at the start of the season.  

[tony&rodney]

How bummed would people be if Brooks Lee won ROY for a different team .... and the Twins won the World Series?

[tony&rodney]

Lee will be really good at the MLB level.

[Major League Ready]

53 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Mostly agree with this take. Throughout last season, we saw a succession of lineups against left handed pitching which featured the likes of Castro, Kepler or Wallner with pretty dismal results from the switch hitter or LH hitter. This problem would be minimized by a good -hitting RH hitter who crushes lefties. Next to adding to the rotation, I see this as the Twins’ biggest need. If Polanco’s money can help solve the two biggest needs, I’m on board for a Polanco trade. 

If they trade Polanco but keep Kepler and Farmer, they could spend $46M given a $150M budget.  I don't think they spend $150M but even if they came in at $140M, they could sign a very good pitcher and have enough money to do something with a RH bat.  We all know it's hard to land free agent SPs but I am right there with you in terms of the priorities.

[RpR]

4 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Lee will be really good at the MLB level.

Maybe some day, and may be not, as so many former Twins rookies have shown.

 

[Fatbat]

4 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

How bummed would people be if Brooks Lee won ROY for a different team .... and the Twins won the World Series?

That would be great for the team and us fans but I would be salty about Lee getting traded. 

[RpR]

4 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

How bummed would people be if Brooks Lee won ROY for a different team .... and the Twins won the World Series?

Not at all,

[Fatbat]

1 hour ago, RpR said:

Maybe some day, and may be not as so many former Twins rookies have shown.

 

That’s weird to judge a kid’s future based on something unrelated to him.  Understand that a certain percentage do flame out for every team but geez, that’s negative.

[tony&rodney]

12 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

That would be great for the team and us fans but I would be salty about Lee getting traded. 

The job ahead for Falvey is to identify those players to add who bring the potential for the Twins to be a better team next season. 

[RpR]

1 minute ago, Fatbat said:

That’s weird to judge a kid’s future based on something unrelated to him.  Understand that a certain percentage do flame out for every team but geez, that’s negative.

No different from the post I responded to, only , his was an absolute, mine was maybe, maybe not.

[tony&rodney]

13 minutes ago, RpR said:

No different from the post I responded to, only , his was an absolute, mine was maybe, maybe not.

Fair.

I do believe Lee will be a good regular. He may even make an All Star team. I don'r see him as a superstar talent. Still, Brooks Lee hasn't even played his first game yet so literally all possibilities on the continuum from left to right are unknowns. 

The line, "Lee will be be really good" was too absolute even if it is pretty vague. Thus the criticism is warranted.

[Fatbat]

@RpR true true

[Heiny]

I love the way this  offseason is shaping up.  I see Lee as a very possible call-up in 2024, but even if he isn't, we still have a strong base of players already.  And with that being said, we also have several valuable trade chips either separately or packaged, namely Polanco, Kepler, Larnach, Miranda, and yes even Walner and Julien not to mention many prospects not named Lee or Jenkins.  Use some of these to aquire a starting pitcher and a CF.  I'm already excited for next year.  On a personal level, I would love to see Larnach, Martin, and Lee all in the bigs and playing well.  In my opinion, the most likely to be traded are Polanco, Miranda, and Larnach.

[specialiststeve]

On 10/31/2023 at 4:30 AM, Hashim said:

I would rather move on from Kepler, Polanco was huge in the Playoffs. Kepler was terrible in the first half and playoffs. 

Understand... but "selling" when the market is high on him is the best time especially with his injury issues over the past few years.... It is time... has been very good for us but the timing just makes too much sense.