We're Not Talking Enough About Second Base for the 2025 Minnesota Twins

[Greggory Masterson]

You know what they say: When you have five second basemen, you don’t have one.

Image courtesy of © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

If one asked 100 fans what the Twins' positions of need are ahead of 2025, the most common answers would probably include first base, right-handed outfielder, lefty reliever, any big bat, and maybe a backup center fielder. There are questions and a lack of depth at each of those positions, both at the MLB level and in the high minors.

Few have placed second base high on their list of concerns. That's understandable, but we may be overlooking the position to some degree. Although the position may not lack the depth of the other spots further up the list, it features as many—if not more—questions.

At present, there’s a long list of guys in this organization who could play second base, and some of them could play it pretty well, at least in theory. But each of them comes with their own concerns. FanGraphs projects the group to be middle-of-the-pack but doesn’t project any one player to man the position for even half the season.

Brooks Lee
Lee appears to be the frontrunner for the Opening Day job. He’s a recent first-round pick who was touted as a near-MLB-ready infielder on draft day. He smacked around minor-league competition and debuted less than two years after being drafted. It’s almost a foregone conclusion that the former top-35 consensus prospect will get the job.

But he was bad last year. Rookies often go through it, and he certainly did. His OPS+ nearly matched Christian Vázquez's, and although he looked good with the glove (especially at second and third base), you can’t get by with backup catcher offense from an everyday player.

It might be a little presumptuous to expect Lee to figure it out and be at least average at bat. He did start his career strong, with a .947 OPS through his first eight games, but he slid down to a .585 OPS by the end of the season, in just 50 total games. Back problems plagued the beginning of his season, and he was briefly shut down with biceps tendonitis in August. It’s hard to know what we’ll see from Lee.

Edouard Julien
Last offseason, Julien was in far better standing than what Lee is now. Coming off a season in which he had a .381 on-base percentage and hit 15 homers in 109 games, Julien was slated to bat first and play second every day, at least against righties. His defense was mediocre, but he showed big improvements on that score in 2023. He seemed to have a chance at being a long-term asset.

But then 2024 happened. Seemingly incapable of pulling the trigger on pitches he didn’t love, Julien was 16th in baseball in taking called third strikes (47), despite only having 301 plate appearances. His batting average started with a 1, and his on-base percentage started with a 2. Add in his unimpressive glovework, and you’ve got a mess of a season. There’s definitely a future wherein Julien recaptures some of the promise from his rookie year, but it’s hard to count on it happening. Even if it does, he might also be needed at first base.

Willi Castro
Castro has been one of Minnesota’s most dependable players over the last couple of years, though he’s not without warts. The 2024 All-Star didn’t finish the season well, but overall, he was solidly above-average as a hitter and became the first player ever to log 25 appearances at five different positions—shortstop, center field, third base, second base, and left field.

If push comes to shove and Castro maintains his average-ish offensive output (which is no guarantee), he could certainly be a fine starting second baseman. But that takes some of his value away. Having a player like Castro who can plug a hole almost anywhere on the diamond is very useful. He’s been a fill-in for Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, and Royce Lewis in the wake of injuries. Suppose he needs to temporarily take over a position that way again in 2025; history tells us he will. In that case, the Twins land right back where they started with Lee or Julien at second base—which is an issue, especially if they’ve played badly enough that Castro has already taken their job.

Austin Martin and Michael Helman
I’m gonna make this quick, because there’s not a ton to talk about here. Both Helman and Martin are guys who could feasibly carve out a niche in MLB in the very near future. For now, at least, that’s probably as a bench player who can bounce around the diamond and provide a little speed.

But if we hit the point in the season where Castro is already the primary second baseman and there’s an injury, we might be seeing a lot of these guys at second. Not great. They’re fine—but if there are justifiable questions about both Lee and Julien and the team can’t count on Castro to fill in for months at a time, these aren’t names that put you at much more ease.

BONUS: Royce Lewis
The Twins have toyed with moving Lewis to second base, perhaps to stay there for years. There’s merit to that move, as Lewis’s arm is probably the weakest part of his profile, and it seems like Lee is a better long-term candidate to stick at third base defensively. So, there might be a switch here.

But that just shifts the question over to third base. Now you’ve still got questions about Lee, and the next guy is José Miranda (who will not be playing second base; I do not care what his Baseball Reference page said he did at Wichita in 2021), who has his own questions and creates a void at first base. Sure, it works out if Lee works out, but you can say the same thing with the original configuration.

BONUS: Luke Keaschall
I guess this is the X-factor, if you’re looking for one. Keaschall is a consensus top-50 prospect who has played first base, second base, third base, and center field since being drafted in 2023. He’s 21, but he looked great at both Double-A and High-A last year and has received a good bit of attention as a potential target for other teams in trade talks. He might be able to slide in this season and become a productive second baseman.

But that probably won’t happen until the second half, if it happens at all. Keaschall is also recovering from a torn UCL that required Tommy John surgery last season. He might be restricted to first base or DH next season. It’s hard to count on him being the savior of a broken positional group, but I guess we can throw him on the pile.

BONUS: Payton Eeles
Eeles went from Indy ball to Triple-A last season, and I'm pulling for him. I haven't seen enough of this kid to feel anything amounting to confidence that he's the answer at second base. For everyone's sake, I hope we don't reach that point.

BONUS: Christian Vázquez
Just kidding.

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After reviewing these names, I’m not sure how much recognizing the problems or questions actually matters. It’s doubtful that the Twins are going to bring in a starting-caliber second base-only guy, with a picture as crowded as this one. But maybe it’s a consideration as they try to scour what’s left on the tree this offseason.

There are more pressing needs, but it just seems like we’ve glossed over a position that probably has more questions than first base or righty outfielder. It could be an ongoing storyline this season, and I hope for the team’s sake that second base produces at least an answer or two.

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[CRF]

...and 1st base, 3rd base, outfielders, catchers, utility guys, manager. Let's get all of em in the mix!

[Riverbrian]

If I remember correctly... Someone help me out. Last off season.. we couldn't seem to figure out what to do with Polanco and Julien on the same team. Plus Farmer... Castro... Martin... Brooks Lee coming on strong. (some may get the Golden Earring connection)

It's a log jam cried the TD faithful.

Never have I seen one but the cries have rung through the valley for generations.  

[Doctor Gast]

I like all the options except Julien who should not be an option. Baldelli was dead set to have Lewis at 2B when it wasn't a good idea. Now is the time to commit Lewis at 2B but now Baldelli is quiet & unsure. Baldelli make up your mind so Lewis can properly prepare. Either Lee or Lewis are fine fixes there. But supposedly, Lee has a chronic back problem where he has to play through the pain & is Lewis done with his soft-tissue issues following his ACLs? 2B could be a juggling act, where 2B is Martin's natural position but maybe Castro is substituting often for better match-ups.

[DJL44]

I'm fine with using Castro there as the starter. Lee and Lewis are both better fits at 3B but I wouldn't want to construct the 26-man roster with Lee having a guaranteed spot anyway. If they give Lewis 2B the hole moves to 3B but they can also move Castro over there just as easily.

If they want to keep Castro in the infield full-time they need to add another outfielder who can catch the ball.

[Blyleven2011]

A weakness at second base is a concern  , can't wait for keashall to get healthy and move into the position  ...

In the mean time you have Julien  who was just awful with the bat and glove in 2024 , but you have to give him another chance at second after he had a productive rookie year in 2023  , whether he makes the adjustments is up to him , he looked very lost in 2024 ...

Lee or Lewis can play second base , most likely Lee can harness the position in the future but could be shipped to AAA after spring training to get his MOJO back , Lewis is an option but with experience  he should be a very capable 3rd basemen  , remember when Correa  was hit in the wrist and sat out with the injury  , Lewis  filled in at shortstop and everyone praised his playing before being shipped back to AAA  when correa resumed the position , lewis showed potential with the glove at shortstop but with time and experience at the hot corner he should be above average in time once he corrects his throwing errors ...

So yes we have a need for a solid second basemen  ...

[mikelink45]

This just doesn't seem like a problem to me. When you have that many options it will work out.

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, CRF said:

...and 1st base, 3rd base, outfielders, catchers, utility guys, manager. Let's get all of em in the mix!

Way to be upbeat early in the a.m. - everyone sucks.

[Hubie29]

I asked Brooks Lee at the Twins Caravan last night where he thought the organization was going to have him spend his time in spring training. He said 2nd base was where he thought he would end up, and I believe his preference. 

[jmlease1]

My preference would be to slot Royce in there from day one and let him cook. His glove is well-suited there, and it would minimize the pain of his more scattershot arm. 

Yes, this opens up an issue at 3B, but Lee looks excellent there defensively, and I have confidence his bat will come around. Miranda can play there (he looked better there defensively than at 1B, really) and Castro is an excellent backup there. If Lee struggles early and needs to go back to AAA, you still have options at 3B, but this is the right time to transition Lewis to 2B. Let him try and become Ryne freakin' Sandberg.

It's way too early to be thinking about Keaschall until we know where he is after the injury. I think he'll be fine, and his talent is impressive, but until he gets back on the field and shows his elbow is ok, he's a non-factor on this. Eeles is a wild card. He had an amazing season in 2024, and the fact that he kicked butt at every level he was asked to play is great. Would I like to see him repeat it in AAA for a few months before asking him to tackle MLB? Sure would, but you have to like this kid's drive. Much like Keaschall, it's too early to plug him in anywhere for MLB.

I still like Julien's bat, and I'm a little baffled why for some people his 2024 season (which was poor) means that we should ignore everything about his 2023 season. (BTW, when sent back down to AAA for a re-set, he did fine started looking like 2023 Julien again) My preference is for him to move to 1B, but he's still a decent option to fill in at 2B if Lewis gets hurt.

 

[Julian Bernick]

Is Astudillo available?  That's probably in the range of their big free agent signing before Opening Day.

[JD-TWINS]

37 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

I like all the options except Julien who should not be an option. Baldelli was dead set to have Lewis at 2B when it wasn't a good idea. Now is the time to commit Lewis at 2B but now Baldelli is quiet & unsure. Baldelli make up your mind so Lewis can properly prepare. Either Lee or Lewis are fine fixes there. But supposedly, Lee has a chronic back problem where he has to play through the pain & is Lewis done with his soft-tissue issues following his ACLs? 2B could be a juggling act, where 2B is Martin's natural position but maybe Castro is substituting often for better match-ups.

Do you think Rocco should send TD readers an email on whether or not Lewis may play 2B? I don’t get the criticism of his thinking nor approach w/o any tangible knowledge. Many here thinks the Team’s thoughts/plans should be in the Tribune every morning, I don’t get it at all. No other business posts it’s 6 month - 1 year - 3 year plan unless it’s publicly owned and trying to drive stock value.

I like some combination of Lewis & Keaschall at 2B by June. Keaschall still needs to prove himself for longer than just Spring Training. Ultimately, I like them to handle 2B & 1B if they both are hitting! Shorter term Miranda at 1B & depth at 3B to protect Lee’s head & health. Lee’s the best glove option at 3B from what I’ve seen.

I agree, Julien has a big hill to climb to be considered competent to play 2B/HIT at the MLB level.

Castro, if still here, is an obvious option at either 2B or 3B as needed.

[IndianaTwin]

1 hour ago, Doctor Gast said:

I like all the options except Julien who should not be an option. Baldelli was dead set to have Lewis at 2B when it wasn't a good idea. Now is the time to commit Lewis at 2B but now Baldelli is quiet & unsure. Baldelli make up your mind so Lewis can properly prepare. Either Lee or Lewis are fine fixes there. But supposedly, Lee has a chronic back problem where he has to play through the pain & is Lewis done with his soft-tissue issues following his ACLs? 2B could be a juggling act, where 2B is Martin's natural position but maybe Castro is substituting often for better match-ups.

"Quiet" does not equal "unsure." In particular, "quiet in public" does not equal "unsure." And at this point, "unsure" isn't necessarily even a weakness. If anything, it's a strength to not be making decisions without being able to test them in spring training, etc.

Based on Rocco's willingess to go visit Lewis at home around the winter meetings, do we actually think that they haven't been in constant communication? I'm guessing he has access to Zoom and has a phone plan with unlimited minutes/texting. I'll take @JD-TWINS's helpful comment a step further and say they shouldn't be hashing and rehashing these things through the media. 

[William K Johnson]

I still like Casto at second, Lewis in left field and Lee at third.

[Trov]

I think Lewis or Lee will get 2nd and the other will get 3rd to break camp, barring just a terrible camp by Lee.  Castro, if still on team, will do what he does and float around the field.  Personally, I would love to see Eeles force some hands because he tears up AAA.  

[TopGunn#22]

2B was the focal point of my comments in Seth's series of comments regarding how the A.L. Central teams stack up, position by position.  All of us, as ardent Twins fans, really have no idea who will be playing at 2B, 3B or 1B in our infield.  I can't remember anything like this in all my years as a Twins fan, going back to the 1960's.  

Castro is the ultimate fallback, but the fact that Gregg came up with such a LONG list is interesting.  There are many good candidates, but no one who is the clear cut guy.  And whatever happens with 2B will also affect 3B and to a certain degree, 1B.

I do not think it's too early to be considering guys like Keaschall and Eeles.  Keaschall may be prevented from playing 2B for half the season or the entire season, but one thing is quite clear, the kid is going to push for a major league spot.  And soon.  Payton Eeles may be nothing more than a one-year flash in the pan.  Lord knows baseball has seen them on the major league and minor league since the game began.  But there's always the chance Eeles is the next Dustin Pedroia.  You just never know.  

But here we are, mere days from pitchers and catchers reporting, and not one of us ardent Twins fans can with any certainty tell us who is going to be playing where.  And that concerns me.  We could end up being just fine.  But like I've said, I've never seen a Twins team on the verge of spring training in a situation like this.  

[Parfigliano]

Does anybody in the infield have a dedicated everyday position or is it going to be musical chairs all year?

[tony&rodney]

The Twins have a big investment in both Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee. We can be pretty sure one of them will get the first shot at second base. That is how the Twins roll.

It would be refreshing to see a competition for the positions in Spring Training. Other than Carlos  Correa and Byron Buxton and maybe Matt Wallner, none of the other players looking to be in the starting lineup have proven themselves to be regulars. Payton Eeles pretty much showed he deserves an opportunity last summer. If he can play at a high level, give him a shot. 

I'm actually more worried about the catching position if there is an injury than I am about second base or any other position.

[Greggory Masterson]

5 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Does anybody in the infield have a dedicated everyday position or is it going to be musical chairs all year?

I feel like that Correa kid will get most of his time at shortstop. He's got a real chance to make a name for himself this year, and I like the cut of his jib.

[chpettit19]

2 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

I like all the options except Julien who should not be an option. Baldelli was dead set to have Lewis at 2B when it wasn't a good idea. Now is the time to commit Lewis at 2B but now Baldelli is quiet & unsure. Baldelli make up your mind so Lewis can properly prepare. Either Lee or Lewis are fine fixes there. But supposedly, Lee has a chronic back problem where he has to play through the pain & is Lewis done with his soft-tissue issues following his ACLs? 2B could be a juggling act, where 2B is Martin's natural position but maybe Castro is substituting often for better match-ups.

01/22/25 - Inside Twins featuring Rocco Baldelli | Inside Twins...

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Inside Twins returns with Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli. Inside Twins airs every Wednesday until Spring Training. Tune In for news, stories and we'll...

Go to the 12:40 point in this interview from yesterday. If that's not a reasonable answer to you I don't know what to tell you.

If the Twins bring in a 3B Royce will play 2B. If they don't he's their 3B with the potential to pop over to 2B here and there like he's been working on all offseason. 

You not being aware of Rocco's comments doesn't make him "quiet and unsure." He's been pretty open about the plan with Lewis. But how the roster is constructed effects who plays where. If they bring in a 1B then Miranda is going to get some time at 3B with Royce at 2B because that's the obvious alignment. If they bring in a new LFer who fields really well Larnach is going to the DH spot because that's the obvious alignment. If they bring in a 2B then Royce will be a 3B because that's the obvious alignment. The roster isn't set so Rocco isn't giving definitive answers because he doesn't know what his options are yet. 

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, William K Johnson said:

I still like Casto at second, Lewis in left field and Lee at third.

No problem with this thinking at all…….to me, Lewis in LF eliminates the continual hunt for a corner OF that hits w/power from right side!

As an alternative, Lewis at 1B answers same questions at that position.

[JD-TWINS]

4 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

01/22/25 - Inside Twins featuring Rocco Baldelli | Inside Twins...

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Inside Twins returns with Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli. Inside Twins airs every Wednesday until Spring Training. Tune In for news, stories and we'll...

Go to the 12:40 point in this interview from yesterday. If that's not a reasonable answer to you I don't know what to tell you.

If the Twins bring in a 3B Royce will play 2B. If they don't he's their 3B with the potential to pop over to 2B here and there like he's been working on all offseason. 

You not being aware of Rocco's comments doesn't make him "quiet and unsure." He's been pretty open about the plan with Lewis. But how the roster is constructed effects who plays where. If they bring in a 1B then Miranda is going to get some time at 3B with Royce at 2B because that's the obvious alignment. If they bring in a new LFer who fields really well Larnach is going to the DH spot because that's the obvious alignment. If they bring in a 2B then Royce will be a 3B because that's the obvious alignment. The roster isn't set so Rocco isn't giving definitive answers because he doesn't know what his options are yet. 

Nice post - great clarification - logical!!

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, William K Johnson said:

I still like Casto at second, Lewis in left field and Lee at third.

 

1 minute ago, JD-TWINS said:

No problem with this thinking at all…….to me, Lewis in LF eliminates the continual hunt for a corner OF that hits w/power from right side!

As an alternative, Lewis at 1B answers same questions at that position.

Lewis, and his agent, have been pretty clear he has no desire or willingness to play the outfield. He says he's open to playing anywhere on the dirt. He's not going to LF. Even though I like the idea, he's been pretty clear he isn't willing to do it.

[In My La Z boy]

2 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

01/22/25 - Inside Twins featuring Rocco Baldelli | Inside Twins...

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Inside Twins returns with Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli. Inside Twins airs every Wednesday until Spring Training. Tune In for news, stories and we'll...

Go to the 12:40 point in this interview from yesterday. If that's not a reasonable answer to you I don't know what to tell you.

If the Twins bring in a 3B Royce will play 2B. If they don't he's their 3B with the potential to pop over to 2B here and there like he's been working on all offseason. 

You not being aware of Rocco's comments doesn't make him "quiet and unsure." He's been pretty open about the plan with Lewis. But how the roster is constructed effects who plays where. If they bring in a 1B then Miranda is going to get some time at 3B with Royce at 2B because that's the obvious alignment. If they bring in a new LFer who fields really well Larnach is going to the DH spot because that's the obvious alignment. If they bring in a 2B then Royce will be a 3B because that's the obvious alignment. The roster isn't set so Rocco isn't giving definitive answers because he doesn't know what his options are yet. 

Indicating Rocco still expects a move or two to be made yet? That's good news. Hubie29 says based on Brooks comments last night he expects to get the most time at 2B, and felt that was his preference. Sounds like Rocco is prepping Royce for 3B and that's also probably his preference. I do like playing guys where they are most comfortable. Good comment Thanks!

[Major League Ready]

2 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

If I remember correctly... Someone help me out. Last off season.. we couldn't seem to figure out what to do with Polanco and Julien on the same team. Plus Farmer... Castro... Martin... Brooks Lee coming on strong. (some may get the Golden Earring connection)

It's a log jam cried the TD faithful.

Never have I seen one but the cries have rung through the valley for generations.  

I saw them play that song live.  That drum solo was phenomenal live.

[stringer bell]

Regarding the infield, IMHO the Twins need to:

1) Decide if Brooks Lee is ready to be a major league regular.

2) If Lee is ready, figure out whether they are better suited with Lee at second and Lewis at third or Lee at third and Lewis at second.

3) Decide Jose Miranda's role 

4) Determine the backups--Castro, Martin, Helman, Julien, Gasper. Can't have them all.

[chpettit19]

1 minute ago, In My La Z boy said:

Indicating Rocco still expects a move or two to be made yet? That's good news. Hubie29 says based on Brooks comments last night he expects to get the most time at 2B, and felt that was his preference. Sounds like Rocco is prepping Royce for 3B and that's also probably his preference. I do like playing guys where they are most comfortable. Good comment Thanks!

Zoll, Falvey, and Rocco have all given indications that they're still hunting hard on the trade market. There's reports out today from Dan Hayes about a trade with the Padres that'd include Vazquez (and a bunch of money) shipping out with Dylan Cease a possibility coming back this way. Other pieces included, I'd assume. They say nothing is imminent at all, but there's been continued talks and both sides plan to keep talking. Obviously nothing is for sure that they make any more moves, but it does sound like they're looking. For what that's worth.

Lewis has the stronger arm so him at 3B and Lee at 2B would make sense to me. Lee has a lot of proving to do still, though. Royce sounds like he's pretty comfortable in all the spots now after putting in more work over the offseason. Hopefully that's the case and they're able to fit the pieces in as best they can with everyone being comfortable in their spots.

[Old Crow]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

I'm fine with using Castro there as the starter. Lee and Lewis are both better fits at 3B but I wouldn't want to construct the 26-man roster with Lee having a guaranteed spot anyway. If they give Lewis 2B the hole moves to 3B but they can also move Castro over there just as easily.

If they want to keep Castro in the infield full-time they need to add another outfielder who can catch the ball.

If the Twins wind up needing Castro as an every day position player at one position they are toast.

[old nurse]

The advice for the players? Gotta feel cool now, got to take care 

[Doctor Gast]

57 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

01/22/25 - Inside Twins featuring Rocco Baldelli | Inside Twins...

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Inside Twins returns with Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli. Inside Twins airs every Wednesday until Spring Training. Tune In for news, stories and we'll...

Go to the 12:40 point in this interview from yesterday. If that's not a reasonable answer to you I don't know what to tell you.

If the Twins bring in a 3B Royce will play 2B. If they don't he's their 3B with the potential to pop over to 2B here and there like he's been working on all offseason. 

You not being aware of Rocco's comments doesn't make him "quiet and unsure." He's been pretty open about the plan with Lewis. But how the roster is constructed effects who plays where. If they bring in a 1B then Miranda is going to get some time at 3B with Royce at 2B because that's the obvious alignment. If they bring in a new LFer who fields really well Larnach is going to the DH spot because that's the obvious alignment. If they bring in a 2B then Royce will be a 3B because that's the obvious alignment. The roster isn't set so Rocco isn't giving definitive answers because he doesn't know what his options are yet. 

I listened to that interview before, yes he was open but asked about Lewis he never said "Yes he's our 2Bman or no he isn't". He was not sure. My impression about Lewis is he likes to be the best he can be. If he's the 2Bman he wants some instruction & someone working with him besides taking some GBs on the left-side. Baldelli has even admitted that Lewis would like know as quick as possible. I don't get why he was so determined during the season & not be now when it's more beneficial to Lewis. Baldelli might have a good reason to be this way beyond what's on the surface. I just don't get it & why so many people are so bent out of shape because of my statement.

Rethinking it. It's probably not his fault. FO has probably informed him not to fix anything because they might want to shake things up. Which I think isn't a good idea, just saying.