The Path is Clearing for Brooks Lee to Make the Twins' Opening Day Roster

[Matthew Taylor]

Spring Training always brings tough roster decisions, but sometimes, the manager’s lineup choices reveal more than words ever could. That seems to be the case for Brooks Lee. While competition remains fierce, Rocco Baldelli's lineups are painting a clear picture—one that suggests Lee is on track to make the Opening Day roster.

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

Coming into Spring Training, the battle for second base looked like a two-man race between Brooks Lee and Edouard Julien. Both young infielders struggled in 2024 but still hold plenty of potential heading into the 2025 season. While neither has completely separated himself in the competition, Rocco Baldelli’s lineups and the Twins’ evolving defensive picture are making it increasingly clear that Brooks Lee has a legitimate path to making the Opening Day roster.

Last season, Lee made an electrifying debut, scorching hot in his first week in the majors. However, after that initial burst, he struggled mightily, posting just a .503 OPS over 50 games. Some of those struggles could possibly be attributed to lingering back issues that delayed his MLB debut, while some could be chalked up to the usual adjustment period for a young hitter facing big-league pitching. Either way, 50 games isn’t nearly enough of a sample size to make any definitive judgments on his future.

Fast forward to this Spring, and Lee has put together a .727 OPS with two home runs. Fine numbers in Spring Training, but it’s not his offensive production that suggests he is on track to make the Opening Day roster—it’s how the Twins are deploying him defensively.

One of the biggest signs in Lee’s favor is his usage at shortstop. He has started at shortstop six times this spring, compared to just three starts for Willi Castro. Coming into camp, many assumed Castro’s ability to back up Carlos Correa meant that Lee’s defensive versatility wouldn’t necessarily be a factor in his roster chances. However, the way Baldelli has utilized Lee suggests that the team sees him as the primary backup shortstop rather than Castro. That shift would allow Castro to continue his super-utility role, moving around the field as needed.

Another telling sign is Lee’s lack of playing time at third base, where some expected he might find a home alongside Royce Lewis. Instead, Jose Miranda has seemingly locked down the backup third base role, with Lee seeing just one appearance at the hot corner this spring. That reinforces the idea that Baldelli views Lee as a second baseman and shortstop, strengthening his case to make the roster.

The big question now is whether Julien can still make the team alongside Lee. Could both break camp with the Twins? Our own Gregg Masterson explored that possibility earlier this week, and while the answer remains uncertain, what is clear is that Lee’s standing within the organization has improved dramatically over the past month.

Ultimately, while the Opening Day roster is not yet set, all signs are pointing toward Brooks Lee having a role on this team. If he can rediscover the bat that made him such a coveted prospect, there’s a strong chance he’ll be penciled into the Twins’ lineup when the season begins.

Do you think Brooks Lee will make the team out of camp? Leave a comment below.

View full article

[Doctor Gast]

Julien should never be considered for playing 2B (I don't care if they think his bat plays there). Then Lee wins 2B by default. But is he the right person to play there? IMO Lee's best position is 3B, he's also 2nd in line at SS & 2B is his 3rd position. that IMO makes Lee more valuable as one that is the 1st choice in subbing Lewis & Correa. 3Bmen need to have a strong arm, Miranda doesn't have one to begin with & now with shoulder surgery & related injuries, his consideration at 3B should be removed last season. Just to get his bat in the lineup should not be the reason to play him there.

IMO Martin is definitely not needed in the OF. They should clean his slate & try him at 2B, if he shows promise at 2B & able to turn his hitting around so to beat out Lee let him start at 2B. It's an unfair opportunity but least it's an opportunity & could make our team better. If Lee fairly beats out Martin then let him start at 2B while still playing plenty of 3B & SS. & send Martin down to AAA to focus on his hitting & 2B, along with Julien to do the same but at 1B.

[twinstalker]

Quote

Another telling sign is Lee’s lack of playing time at third base, where some expected he might find a home alongside Royce Lewis. Instead, Jose Miranda has seemingly locked down the backup third base role, with Lee seeing just one appearance at the hot corner this spring. That reinforces the idea that Baldelli views Lee as a second baseman and shortstop, strengthening his case to make the roster.

I'm not really sure about this.  I knew Royce Lewis is the 3B, and I know Miranda is the primary backup option there, especially since France was signed.  I don't think this affects Lee at all.  Even his backing up Correa isn't a surprise.  If Correa goes down and is IL'd, Lee is the best SS the Twins have (to call up or, like you imply, to move over).  Lee isn't a utility guy.  He's a 2B now, he's a SS when Correa goes down.  The need for him at 3B will be rare.

BUT, you'd think they'd give Castro a good number of reps at SS if Lee is demoted.  My guess is he'll get them the last week if the decision is made to send Lee down.

[Karbo]

IMO Julian should go to St. Paul and play 1B every day and see if his glove plays there. I just don't see a place at 2nd for him with his defense, and all signs point to Lee there for now, with Keaschall knocking at the door.

[mikelink45]

I liked Julien a lot two years ago, but he really lost it last year and that was bad timing with Lee and Keaschall coming quickly.  Had he kept up his rookie production 2B would be his.  Now he is AAA or bench and I would be looking to package him with Paddack and see what we could get.

Lee has too much potential, has had a good track record and projects much better than the other options.  So the question is not this year - it is next years competition with Keaschall.

[Mark G]

I have this debate with my son every year or two whether we need to or not.  🫠

Middle infielder vs corner infielder.  Regular position vs utility infielder.  Right side infielder or left side infielder.  Each has its own needs and skill sets; very few fit perfectly into all of the above.  We agree on Correa, after that.........well, after that I put my foot down, say I'm the dad, and what I say goes.  🤭

And what I say is leave Brooks in the middle of the field, at 2nd when CC is good and at short when CC isn't in.  If his bat isn't quite ready yet, let him figure it out in St. Paul until he is ready, but I believe we need him in the middle more than either corner (my son thinks I am full of........) 😉

[Riverbrian]

I think that Lee will start at AAA playing SS primarily. 

I think Castro will be starting at 2B against the Cardinals on opening day. 

I think... I don't know for sure. 

 

[Whitey333]

These prospects have a lot to prove.  This is an important year in their development  for them and the Twins.  Lee, Julien, Martin, Miranda, need to show the can be regular MLB players.  So far they haven't proven much of anything.  Also if they make the major league team they must play regularly.  Platooning and playing part time will hurt both the players and the team.

[Eris]

Castro had -9 DRS at SS last year. His shortcomings are very exposed when he has to play SS on a regular basis. 

[Drtwins]

11 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I think that Lee will start at AAA playing SS primarily. 

I think Castro will be starting at 2B against the Cardinals on opening day. 

I think... I don't know for sure. 

 

I agree, last week I had Lee at 2B after 3 solid games but his 0.685 OPS isn’t keeping up with Julien or Gasper at this point even with the much better defense. There’s still another week so I could flip right back next week. This will be a battle til the end.

[DJL44]

Let's be clear that all of these guys are getting reps at more than one position in spring training. Most reps happen in practice, not during games.

[Major League Ready]

Maybe Rocco is just giving him every opportunity to prove he is better than his very poor level of play last year, especially the 2nd half of last year where his wRC+ was 62.  His OPS for spring training is one point from the lowest of any Twin this spring.  Should he just be granted the position if this continues the rest of the spring?  We all know spring training performance does not get much weight but his performance last year does not inspire confidence.  It would be understandable if they gave someone else a shot.

[LambchoP]

Lee should and probably will be the starting 2b and backup SS. Julien has looked atrocious at second base this spring, he has no business playing there. They should send him to St Paul and see if he can play first base and if he can find his bat again. With Keaschal already looking like a better bat than him, I think Julien's days as a Twin could be numbered. Maybe he can put up some decent AAA and build a bit of trade value so that we can get something for him. Paddack and Julien should theoretically net us something of value down the road.

[Otaknam]

Brooks Lee’s skills are still evolving and he doesn’t have enough history at any one position for fans to make pronouncements about where he should play, like other postings here have done. I will trust the coaching staff to make informed decisions about where Lee should play because they see him every day and know what his capabilities are. Hopefully, he has earned the second base starting job because we do know his defense is better than Julien’s, and his offense looks promising. We know that Julien is below average at second and first, so Julien’s bat is the key to staying the the big leagues. 

[stringer bell]

What is see right now is somewhat of a reversal--Castro as the primary second baseman to start the season while Lee fills three spots in the infield. If someone was needed to go to the outfield, that would be Willi with Lee slotting in as the primary second baseman. 

[Fatbat]

Obviously 2B is the team’s biggest question mark. We have so many options and most of them are just temporary place holders. Lee has the most push because Rocco loves switch hitters. Castro and Lee both being switch hitters playing primarily the same position make Julien and Martin the odd men out. 

Lee is a better backup defensively at SS and 3B than Castro so he only has to hit to be on the roster permanently. 

There has been a lot of talk about Castro starting at 2B and that may be viable temporarily but he will never be a long term solution there.  The real battle is Lee or Keaschall at 2B long term. 

Going forward later this summer, its not hard to imagine Lee as the primary infield utility sub and Keaschall taking over 2B.  Castro/Lee can then play the Margot pinch hitting role but actually hit, get on base and drive in runs. 
 

[tony&rodney]

If Julien repeats 2023 there are going to be some very unhappy folks who comment on Twins Daily. Is Awkward Eddie the key to the 2025 season?

[GNess]

Lee will be on the roster opening day and he will play 2B and back up SS/3B. Defense matters and Lee has hit in the minors. Give him some time to adjust at the MLB level.

Keaschall is still recovering from surgery so his timeline to resume playing in the field seems TBD. He seems to be a plus bat so the Twins will find a spot for him and it doesn't have to be Lee v Keaschall especially if they both hit.

Julien doesn't seem to be in the mix despite his positive spring at the plate because his defense at 2B is just unacceptable.

[DocBauer]

Or maybe they already know what they have in Castro after 2 years and they want a longer look at Lee at SS?

I think it's debatable as to whether Lee is better at 2B or 3B. I think he could be very good at both spots and what's important is putting together the best INF you can TODAY. Yes, I'm very high on Keaschall as well. And maybe the best FUTURE INF has him at 2B and a shuffling of the lineup where Lee is best at 3B, Lewis at 1B, etc. But Keaschall hasn't arrived yet, and could end up at 1B or replace Castro as the SUPER UTILITY guy, but that's for a different day.

Good ST stats are nice, but workouts, practice reps, work with coaches, and the approach at the plate in games means more than final numbers. If they believe Lee's bat is ready to go, his defense and switch hitting as the #1 2B makes the most sense. It also allows Castro to stay in his role. After that, the final decision is who fits best on the roster as the 13th man, Julien or Gasper. I can see reasons and room for either.

[twinstalker]

58 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

If Julien repeats 2023 there are going to be some very unhappy folks who comment on Twins Daily. Is Awkward Eddie the key to the 2025 season?

He'd have to put a spell on the pitchers, because it wasn't a fluke that he suddenly got bad.  Pitchers learned to pitch him.  If you strike out at 25-30% without a huge power tool in the minors, what do you think major league pitchers are going to do to you?

[JD-TWINS]

2 hours ago, Major League Ready said:

Maybe Rocco is just giving him every opportunity to prove he is better than his very poor level of play last year, especially the 2nd half of last year where his wRC+ was 62.  His OPS for spring training is one point from the lowest of any Twin this spring.  Should he just be granted the position if this continues the rest of the spring?  We all know spring training performance does not get much weight but his performance last year does not inspire confidence.  It would be understandable if they gave someone else a shot.

The article says he has 2 HR & a .727 OPS this Spring - what’s real?

[bean5302]

It's interesting how so many people have decided Brooks Lee has a lot defensive value despite his poor range and weak arm. Brooks Lee was not good defensively last year. Like at all.

Lee might make the opening day roster, but I think Julien will get the spot with Lee struggling a bit at the plate. I don't want to see Lee on the MLB roster until mid year after the debacle which was last year's plate performance where he was substantially worse than Julien over the season.

[Doctor Gast]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

If Julien repeats 2023 there are going to be some very unhappy folks who comment on Twins Daily. Is Awkward Eddie the key to the 2025 season?

I'd be very happy if Julien could adjust & have some resemblance of '23 but never believed his glove belongs at 2B. 

[tony&rodney]

30 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

I'd be very happy if Julien could adjust & have some resemblance of '23 but never believed his glove belongs at 2B. 

Do you believe Lewis can play third base?

[tarheeltwinsfan]

So many choices. So little time. I want Miranda to take a huge step forward this year. But where will he play? I think France will be our "Carlos Santana" this year, although he won't win a Glod Glove. Leave Lewis at 3B. The 3B-man of today must field like a SS and have a rifle for an arm.  Lewis fits the bill. Miranda is below average, at best, at any fielding position. He is best suited for DH. Lee needs to play 2B due to his potential to be a good fielder there and he is a switch-hitter. He is just getting started as a major league hitter. It takes a while for 95% of the major leaguers to learn to hit at that level. C-4 is the anchor at SS. Julian needs to hit well somewhere and then the Twins need to trade him. Bader is solid in the OF. A great signing. Castro needs to be a utility player in the infield. I expect big years from Wallner and Larnach. I feel the Twins are going to play with chips on their shoulders because of the embarrassing late season swoon in 2024. They need to prove something in 2025. Buck, Correa, Jeffers are in line for big seasons. The pitching is the best I can ever remember the Twins having, especially the bullpen.  Today I'm making my no-refund hotel reservations for Minneapolis in October.   

[tony&rodney]

I'm going to guess that Brooks Lee opens at third base.

[Major League Ready]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

The article says he has 2 HR & a .727 OPS this Spring - what’s real?

Here are the stats.  Spring Training Stats

[bean5302]

Brooks Lee has pretty much just made the opening day roster. Royce Lewis pulled his hamstring running to 1B. Looked pretty bad. 

[Schmoeman5]

Looks like that path is even clearer now unfortunately.

[IndyTwinsFan]

2 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

I'm going to guess that Brooks Lee opens at third base.

Especially with Lewis now injured (again)!