Is Brooks Lee the Third Baseman of the Minnesota Twins' Future?

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, ashbury said:

A "Julien with a worse bat" is a pretty bold stance.  Lee hit at high-A as a 21-year old, he hit at AA at 22, he hit at AAA at 23.  His debut in the majors at 23 was a little worrisome and I would prefer he start the season at St. Paul again, but his track record suggests not selling him quite so short at age 24.

And I am much less nervous about Lee's glove than Julien's for that matter.

I don't see it. I see the TD hype machine on overdrive for a guy since day 1 of the draft without the physical tools necessary to truly be considered versatile.

Scouts get excited about players, too. From day one, scouts have said Brooks Lee probably lacks the speed and athleticism to cover SS, but scouting reports were clearly higher on his arm than what the true metrics show. The power was lower than expected as well with Lee's max exit velocity suggesting he's a 40 grade power tool, and Brooks Lee hasn't shown he'll take walks which severely limits his OBP (big part of what I consider the hit tool) so his hit tool hasn't shown the plus grade, either.

Lee is the far smoother fielder of the two, but Julien honestly has shown the better physical tools. I don't see either as a plus fielder anywhere on the baseball field.

[ToddlerHarmon]

A lot of the commentary is taking the uncertainty over Lee's position as an indictment of his defense. Rather, I think he showed he can be a good defender anywhere in the infield. Accommodating everyone else's glove is what creates the uncertainty.

With the shift ban and pro-steal rules, I think the defensive priority of the future is second over third.

Our non-Lee best case long term defensive options at third (Lewis and Miranda) have shown more viability defensively and offensively than our options at second (Julien and Keaschall). So far.

I think it adds up to giving Lee second long term as plan A. But I would not be opposed to using this period of time to test drive Julien as the second base fixture. I also wouldn't be surprised if Lee's bat leaves him as a backup infielder long term, especially if Keaschall keeps hitting and claims second.

The Twins moves so far (bringing in short term backups for second but not third or short) makes me think this is exactly the Twins' plan.

[Patzky]

5 hours ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

I think the opening day lineup has Julien at second base and Lee at third. France is the 1B and Miranda, DH, or vice versa. Miranda will get time at 1B and 3B, with Castro filling in across the infield, particularly at 2B against left-handed, pitching, and sometimes in LF. We will get a month to see how that alignment works defensively and who can hit. Chances are an injury or nonperformance will make the decision as to who hits the bench or the shuttle back to AAA when Lewis is ready to return.

Seems sensible. DH France and 1B Miranda is an investment in your guy for the future.

[ashbury]

2 hours ago, bean5302 said:

I don't see it. I see the TD hype machine on overdrive for a guy since day 1 of the draft without the physical tools necessary to truly be considered versatile.

Scouts get excited about players, too. From day one, scouts have said Brooks Lee probably lacks the speed and athleticism to cover SS, but scouting reports were clearly higher on his arm than what the true metrics show. The power was lower than expected as well with Lee's max exit velocity suggesting he's a 40 grade power tool, and Brooks Lee hasn't shown he'll take walks which severely limits his OBP (big part of what I consider the hit tool) so his hit tool hasn't shown the plus grade, either.

Lee is the far smoother fielder of the two, but Julien honestly has shown the better physical tools. I don't see either as a plus fielder anywhere on the baseball field.

If your take is that Julien has untapped potential, and is not a lost cause, your position on Lee is easier to understand.

[bean5302]

2 hours ago, ashbury said:

If your take is that Julien has untapped potential, and is not a lost cause, your position on Lee is easier to understand.

I do think Julien could be solid. I wasn't a huge proponent of him being a stud after 2023 when a lot of hype was still supporting him. I think Julien is probably going to be a 2 WAR player. That's solid enough while he's cheap.

Brooks Lee is just going to be fine as a utility infielder, but I don't think he's going to be a guy I'd want starting. I don't think Lee will get on base well enough or show enough pop to make up for his low OBP. His physical abilities will limit his value defensively. Basically, I expect Brooks Lee to be Matt Tolbert 2.0. I'm the extreme outlier here on TD it seems. I just don't buy the hype at all. Same with Walker Jenkins and Emma. I'm way lower on those guys than almost anybody else. We'll see. I could look like a total moron at the end of this year, but it'll be great for the Twins if I do.

[Major League Ready]

20 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

I do think Julien could be solid. I wasn't a huge proponent of him being a stud after 2023 when a lot of hype was still supporting him. I think Julien is probably going to be a 2 WAR player. That's solid enough while he's cheap.

Brooks Lee is just going to be fine as a utility infielder, but I don't think he's going to be a guy I'd want starting. I don't think Lee will get on base well enough or show enough pop to make up for his low OBP. His physical abilities will limit his value defensively. Basically, I expect Brooks Lee to be Matt Tolbert 2.0. I'm the extreme outlier here on TD it seems. I just don't buy the hype at all. Same with Walker Jenkins and Emma. I'm way lower on those guys than almost anybody else. We'll see. I could look like a total moron at the end of this year, but it'll be great for the Twins if I do.

Totally agree on Lee.  Very smooth but very limited athletically and his Milb numbers never indicated he would be an impact bat.  He did have good AAA numbers in 2024 but that was 25 games.  I see him as a utility player once Keaschall gets here.

Disagree on Jenkins.  He looks like the real deal but it's early so like you, I concede I could be totally wrong. 

Rodriquez is the one I just don't know about.  The contract rate and injury history scares me but everything else about him is exactly what we need.  I love that his splits are pretty equal and the ability to at least back-up CF adequately is a big plus given Buxton's propensity for injury.   I really want this guy to step up because his profile is exactly what this team needs.

[chpettit19]

I've never seen the star in Lee that many have seen, or at least hoped for. He simply isn't very athletic. His arm isn't strong enough (but is accurate) and his feet aren't quick enough for him to be an elite defender, but his hands and instincts are good enough for him to be a good defender anywhere on the infield, in my opinion. He has some quality bat to ball skills, but he doesn't have super quick hands or great patience. He doesn't drive the ball super well so doesn't hit for power and doesn't take a ton of walks. He may become an average regular, but I don't see anything more than that. Probably better served as your backup IFer to start the year on a championship contender.

As for all the talk of moving Lewis to 1B to keep him healthy. Why would you move the guy with leg issues to the position where he'll have to stretch at a moments notice multiple times a game? Why do people think 1B is this position that just magically keeps guys healthy? 1B would be a terrible position for Lewis. You really want him stretching to pick off-line throws? That's what's going to save his hamstrings? Or would they just be telling him to make no attempt at all to go after throws that aren't right at his chest? Put him at DH or where his skill set fits best with the rest of the team. Either he's going to get hurt or he isn't. 1B doesn't have this magical forcefield around it that saves guys from getting hurt.

[tony&rodney]

7 hours ago, bean5302 said:

I do think Julien could be solid. I wasn't a huge proponent of him being a stud after 2023 when a lot of hype was still supporting him. I think Julien is probably going to be a 2 WAR player. That's solid enough while he's cheap.

Brooks Lee is just going to be fine as a utility infielder, but I don't think he's going to be a guy I'd want starting. I don't think Lee will get on base well enough or show enough pop to make up for his low OBP. His physical abilities will limit his value defensively. Basically, I expect Brooks Lee to be Matt Tolbert 2.0. I'm the extreme outlier here on TD it seems. I just don't buy the hype at all. Same with Walker Jenkins and Emma. I'm way lower on those guys than almost anybody else. We'll see. I could look like a total moron at the end of this year, but it'll be great for the Twins if I do.

I guess I have to know how many times you have seen either Walker Jenkins or Emmanuel Rodriguez play. What specifically did you SEE across a minimum of 2 dozen games that makes you "lower" on those two? I'm curious. Naturally I have my own thoughts on players too but I want to know what you have seen.

[SwainZag]

16 hours ago, bean5302 said:

My expectation is Brooks Lee will never pan out. He won't be able to hit well enough to play full time, and his "versatility" is the same as Eddie Julien a player with the same physical skill set.

Curious on why you think that.  His build and swing will never generate the power Julien posses now, but his short compact swing IMO should mature and play well at the big league level.  He does tend to make weak contact too often, but that kinda offsets the low K rate.  I do think he was rushed last year and injuries led to his pretty abysmal overall line.  Before he was holding his own at the plate.  

He is also a much, much better defender than Julien is and not to mention his R/L splits are way less pronounced than Julien's as well.  Julien is very much a liability against any LHP.  

I might be overly high on Lee, but saying that he and Julien have the same skill set isn't that accurate.  

[twinstalker]

20 hours ago, bean5302 said:

My expectation is Brooks Lee will never pan out. He won't be able to hit well enough to play full time, and his "versatility" is the same as Eddie Julien a player with the same physical skill set.

I'm not a big Brooks Lee fan, but putting him in the same sentence with Julien is ridiculous.  Lee is a very good fielder, Lee is able to play SS and the two positions surrounding it.  Lee struck out in the minors 40% less than Julien.  The minors.  That translates to a much, much better MLB hitter.  All the Julien people were so misguided from the beginning.

Lee at worst is going to be a helpful piece...if he's not injured all the time.  He'll hit okay, and he'll field where you need him.  My initial statement on Lee is that he'd be a high second division infielder (think 16th to 20th best starter at his position of the 30 team).  That was lower than everybody wanted to believe, but now it's moving the other direction, where it's a bit higher than a lot are beieving.  That's still his profile.  I also threw in that he might make an all-star team one day.

I'll never understand why every player on every team we cheer for has to project great at the beginning.  Part of the disappointment so many feel is the totally incorrect projection they throw on these prospects without really understanding what contributes to success.  Edouard Julien had a chance, but it was a really small chance that depended on him totally revamping his approach, because his minor league stats shouted MLB pitchers are going to kill him.

Brooks Lee is going to be fine, a decent player, a starter.  His minor league stats shout that.  Staying healthy is necessary, though.

[Major League Ready]

1 hour ago, twinstalker said:

I'm not a big Brooks Lee fan, but putting him in the same sentence with Julien is ridiculous.  Lee is a very good fielder, Lee is able to play SS and the two positions surrounding it.  Lee struck out in the minors 40% less than Julien.  The minors.  That translates to a much, much better MLB hitter.  All the Julien people were so misguided from the beginning.

Lee at worst is going to be a helpful piece...if he's not injured all the time.  He'll hit okay, and he'll field where you need him.  My initial statement on Lee is that he'd be a high second division infielder (think 16th to 20th best starter at his position of the 30 team).  That was lower than everybody wanted to believe, but now it's moving the other direction, where it's a bit higher than a lot are beieving.  That's still his profile.  I also threw in that he might make an all-star team one day.

I'll never understand why every player on every team we cheer for has to project great at the beginning.  Part of the disappointment so many feel is the totally incorrect projection they throw on these prospects without really understanding what contributes to success.  Edouard Julien had a chance, but it was a really small chance that depended on him totally revamping his approach, because his minor league stats shouted MLB pitchers are going to kill him.

Brooks Lee is going to be fine, a decent player, a starter.  His minor league stats shout that.  Staying healthy is necessary, though.

Lee is a better / more versatile defender.   However, Julien has much better offensive stats A+ through AAA.                                   

                                 BB%          K%           BB/K        AVG       OBP       SLG        OPS      wRC+

Brooks Lee            10.20%     15.70%       0.650      .281       .355      .459        814         113

Edouard Julien     20.10%      26.10%       0.770       .285     .437       487         924        148

It takes a grossly superior defender to make up for 100 points of OPS.

[bean5302]

13 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

...He simply isn't very athletic. His arm isn't strong enough (but is accurate) and his feet aren't quick enough for him to be an elite defender, but his hands and instincts are good enough for him to be a good defender anywhere on the infield, in my opinion. He has some quality bat to ball skills, but he doesn't have super quick hands or great patience. He doesn't drive the ball super well so doesn't hit for power and doesn't take a ton of walks. He may become an average regular...

What you just described was a backup utility player. Adequate to good defender, below average bat.

5 hours ago, SwainZag said:

Curious on why you think that...

Doesn't take walks. Doesn't get on base. Doesn't hit for power (couldn't). Is one of the slowest players in MLB, has a weak arm.

3 hours ago, twinstalker said:

I'm not a big Brooks Lee fan, but putting him in the same sentence with Julien is ridiculous.  Lee is a very good fielder, Lee is able to play SS and the two positions surrounding it...

Your position is all hype/hope and no current reality. Lee was not a good fielder last year. I watched him. Balls dropped in short outfield spots because Lee was simply too slow to chase them down. He didn't make throws he needed to make at the MLB level. He graded out below average at SS in all 3 advanced metrics. DRS -1, UZR/150 -3.4, OAA -2 in just 208 innings. UZR/150 at 2B was -13.3. The sample sizes are just too small to be credible on paper, and the metrics were generous compared to what I saw in person. Lee is not an acceptable starter at SS and he never will be. He might be able to eek out a subpar performance at 2B... maybe, but I doubt it with his speed. He might be able to handle 3rd as he has exactly the same physical tools as Jose Miranda but better instincts.

Now time for the reality bomb with real numbers, not hype. Sprint speed fastest to slowest: Willi Castro 27.9, Mickey Gasper 27.0, Carlos Correa 26.8, Eduard Julien 26.7, Royce Lewis 26.6, Jose Miranda 25.9, Carlos Santana 25.9, Brooks Lee 25.6. Yep. Brooks Lee was a slower runner than Carlos Santana. Fact, Brooks Lee was among the slowest 12% of players in all of MLB and speed is important for 2B/SS/OF. He's a statute. How about when he throws the ball? Max throwing speed last year. Carlos Correa 94.1, Royce Lewis 85.5, Jose Miranda 83.2, Brooks Lee 83.1, Eddie Julien 83.0. Now do you get it? Julien is faster than Lee, and Julien has the same (or better) arm. You see, Brooks Lee's fastest throws were coming from the far side of the infield which favors higher velocities from being able to setup while 2B needs to make quicker throws because velo doesn't matter as much due to the distance. The 0.1mph advantage Lee has is likely attributable to the fact Lee had more incentive to set before throwing.

Brooks Lee = Matt Tolbert = Levi Michael. That's my opinion based on his stats and watching him play. Maybe if Lee committed to improving his athleticism, sprint speed, range, arm, or built strength to hit the ball harder he could compensate for his bottom tier MLB athleticism, but I that'd be highly unusual.

[DJL44]

On 3/19/2025 at 9:01 AM, Jasper said:

Injuries and offensive play of others will determine who plays third. On another note, does anyone know why Eeles is not playing in any spring training games?

Offseason knee surgery

www.cbssports.com

[chpettit19]

57 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

What you just described was a backup utility player. Adequate to good defender, below average bat.

 

What I described was a player who I believe has a range of outcomes between a utility infielder and average regular. Which is why I said he'd be between a utility infielder and average regular. Luis Arraez doesn't hit for power or take walks and he's most definitely not a below average bat. I'm not predicting Lee will hit like Arraez, just saying there's a wider range of outcomes and a path to a successful hitter. Correa has slow feet and is still an elite defender because of his size, instincts and arm strength. I'm not predicting Lee will field like Correa, just saying there's a wider range of outcomes and a path to a good fielder with his size and instincts but lack of arm strength.

He's not a finished product. I watched him a lot in St Paul. I don't think he's going to be a star. Never did. But I think he has a chance to be a solid regular. Don't think it's a sure thing by any means. Maybe a 50/50 shot. If he ends up on the low end of all his outcomes he won't even have a major league career. If he ends up on the high end of all of them he'll be an above average regular. I don't find that to be a realistic outcome. What I described was a guy who has a range of outcomes. Like every other human who's ever tried to be great at something. 

[RpR]

3 hours ago, Major League Ready said:

Lee is a better / more versatile defender.   However, Julien has much better offensive stats A+ through AAA.                                   

                                 BB%          K%           BB/K        AVG       OBP       SLG        OPS      wRC+

Brooks Lee            10.20%     15.70%       0.650      .281       .355      .459        814         113

Edouard Julien     20.10%      26.10%       0.770       .285     .437       487         924        148

It takes a grossly superior defender to make up for 100 points of OPS.

Even an average fielder is grossly superior to Julien.

[RpR]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

What you just described was a backup utility player. Adequate to good defender, below average bat.

Doesn't take walks. Doesn't get on base. Doesn't hit for power (couldn't). Is one of the slowest players in MLB, has a weak arm.

Your position is all hype/hope and no current reality. Lee was not a good fielder last year. I watched him. Balls dropped in short outfield spots because Lee was simply too slow to chase them down. He didn't make throws he needed to make at the MLB level. He graded out below average at SS in all 3 advanced metrics. DRS -1, UZR/150 -3.4, OAA -2 in just 208 innings. UZR/150 at 2B was -13.3. The sample sizes are just too small to be credible on paper, and the metrics were generous compared to what I saw in person. Lee is not an acceptable starter at SS and he never will be. He might be able to eek out a subpar performance at 2B... maybe, but I doubt it with his speed. He might be able to handle 3rd as he has exactly the same physical tools as Jose Miranda but better instincts.

Now time for the reality bomb with real numbers, not hype. Sprint speed fastest to slowest: Willi Castro 27.9, Mickey Gasper 27.0, Carlos Correa 26.8, Eduard Julien 26.7, Royce Lewis 26.6, Jose Miranda 25.9, Carlos Santana 25.9, Brooks Lee 25.6. Yep. Brooks Lee was a slower runner than Carlos Santana. Fact, Brooks Lee was among the slowest 12% of players in all of MLB and speed is important for 2B/SS/OF. He's a statute. How about when he throws the ball? Max throwing speed last year. Carlos Correa 94.1, Royce Lewis 85.5, Jose Miranda 83.2, Brooks Lee 83.1, Eddie Julien 83.0. Now do you get it? Julien is faster than Lee, and Julien has the same (or better) arm. You see, Brooks Lee's fastest throws were coming from the far side of the infield which favors higher velocities from being able to setup while 2B needs to make quicker throws because velo doesn't matter as much due to the distance. The 0.1mph advantage Lee has is likely attributable to the fact Lee had more incentive to set before throwing.

Brooks Lee = Matt Tolbert = Levi Michael. That's my opinion based on his stats and watching him play. Maybe if Lee committed to improving his athleticism, sprint speed, range, arm, or built strength to hit the ball harder he could compensate for his bottom tier MLB athleticism, but I that'd be highly unusual.

How is speed measure here ? number of feet or yards run.

To wander  a bit, in a 20 yard dash, I believe there are a lot of Twins that could beat or equal Wallner, BUT, in a 40 yard dash, maybe Buxton could take him..

How quickly one gets up to speed, is just as important as top velocity.  As in drag racing some times the car twith the fastest speed does not win, as getting out from the lights, quickly, is many times where a race is won.

In baseball getting to the ball quickly is very important.

[bean5302]

39 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

What I described was a player who I believe has a range of outcomes between a utility infielder and average regular...

...He's not a finished product...

This is fair. I've already 80% closed the book on what he can be based on what I've seen, and you're more optimistic there's more in the tank.

There are fair reasons to suspect there's more to Brooks Lee than what he's shown. The shoulder and back could have physically hampered him more than we know. Maybe Lee's arm strength was sapped from the shoulder and that impacted not only his throwing but his swing speed/max exit velo? That would essentially make a huge impact on Lee's projectability. 

[gman]

Neither Lee nor Lewis have played enough at the major league level to know what they "will" be. Lots of rampant speculation going on. At some point over the coming season  we will have a better idea, I hope.

[USAFChief]

Hahahaha.

 

Lee scratched from today's game with lower back tightness.

 

 

[Vanimal46]

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

Hahahaha.

 

Lee scratched from today's game with lower back tightness.

 

 

A 24 year old man with chronic back injuries. We really know how to pick them here in Minnesota. 

[ashbury]

3 hours ago, USAFChief said:

Hahahaha.

 

Lee scratched from today's game with lower back tightness.

 

 

I was gonna type that Lee has to hit if he's to be the third baseman of the future, regardless of the glove, otherwise he's only a stopgap at the position. 

But by waiting I get to add that he also needs to demonstrate durability, or else he's either an afterthought or else at best another roster headache.

[LA Vikes Fan]

22 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

What I described was a player who I believe has a range of outcomes between a utility infielder and average regular. Which is why I said he'd be between a utility infielder and average regular. Luis Arraez doesn't hit for power or take walks and he's most definitely not a below average bat. I'm not predicting Lee will hit like Arraez, just saying there's a wider range of outcomes and a path to a successful hitter. Correa has slow feet and is still an elite defender because of his size, instincts and arm strength. I'm not predicting Lee will field like Correa, just saying there's a wider range of outcomes and a path to a good fielder with his size and instincts but lack of arm strength.

He's not a finished product. I watched him a lot in St Paul. I don't think he's going to be a star. Never did. But I think he has a chance to be a solid regular. Don't think it's a sure thing by any means. Maybe a 50/50 shot. If he ends up on the low end of all his outcomes he won't even have a major league career. If he ends up on the high end of all of them he'll be an above average regular. I don't find that to be a realistic outcome. What I described was a guy who has a range of outcomes. Like every other human who's ever tried to be great at something. 

Isn't this why Lee dropped far enough in the draft so the Twins could get him? He's got good bat to ball skills, doesn't strike out much, and was projected to move up quickly. On the other hand, he was projected to have below average power, isn't very athletic by MLB standards, is slow, and doesn't take walks. In other words, classic high floor, low ceiling player. I think what we've seen so far validates those projections. He's good enough to be in MLB at least as a bench player on a good team or a starter on a bad one, and he could be as much as an above average regular but he's unlikely to be a star.  I think the best case scenario is that he's an above average fielding 2b or 3b (not a SS) who hits 6 or 7 in a solid batting order.  A solid complimentary player.  Nothing wrong with that but he's not going to carry a team or anything close. 

Julien has a higher offensive ceiling but a much lower overall floor because he's a butcher in the field. Maybe with time and practice he can improve to average at 2B or 1B but that's probably it and may be a long shot.  On the other hand, he could hit .280 plus with a .375 OBP and give us 15-20 HRs a year with an .800 plus OPS who hits in the top 5 in the order. That is within the reasonable range of outcomes and that's a guy who HAS to play somewhere if you can get that out of him. Hitters like that are hard to find. 

So pick your poison. Lee gives you a more comfortable, predictable range of outcomes.  Julien gives you a higher upside but could crap out completely. What do you like better, that comfortable pair of jeans or shoes or that fashion forward suit that's a pain to deal with but impresses the ladies? Frankly, I think we need both. The good news is that with the Lewis injury we'll have a month to see the range of outcomes before there's a decision that has to be made.  

[chpettit19]

11 minutes ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

Isn't this why Lee dropped far enough in the draft so the Twins could get him? He's got good bat to ball skills, doesn't strike out much, and was projected to move up quickly. On the other hand, he was projected to have below average power, isn't very athletic by MLB standards, is slow, and doesn't take walks. In other words, classic high floor, low ceiling player. I think what we've seen so far validates those projections. He's good enough to be in MLB at least as a bench player on a good team or a starter on a bad one, and he could be as much as an above average regular but he's unlikely to be a star.  I think the best case scenario is that he's an above average fielding 2b or 3b (not a SS) who hits 6 or 7 in a solid batting order.  A solid complimentary player.  Nothing wrong with that but he's not going to carry a team or anything close. 

Julien has a higher offensive ceiling but a much lower overall floor because he's a butcher in the field. Maybe with time and practice he can improve to average at 2B or 1B but that's probably it and may be a long shot.  On the other hand, he could hit .280 plus with a .375 OBP and give us 15-20 HRs a year with an .800 plus OPS who hits in the top 5 in the order. That is within the reasonable range of outcomes and that's a guy who HAS to play somewhere if you can get that out of him. Hitters like that are hard to find. 

So pick your poison. Lee gives you a more comfortable, predictable range of outcomes.  Julien gives you a higher upside but could crap out completely. What do you like better, that comfortable pair of jeans or shoes or that fashion forward suit that's a pain to deal with but impresses the ladies? Frankly, I think we need both. The good news is that with the Lewis injury we'll have a month to see the range of outcomes before there's a decision that has to be made.  

I agree with that assessment of both. And I think it's reasonable to keep both, even if I'd have traded Julien before last year and would move Lee for a top catcher prospect if I could. I don't think either is likely a key to the Twins future, but both are reasonable guys to keep around for the reasons you mentioned. That's the challenge of running a major league team. Every player is a spectrum of outcomes. We all hope they reach the top end, but very few do. The Twins have just added the extra frustrating variable of injuries to the equation far too often recently. 

[tony&rodney]

24 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

And I think it's reasonable to keep both, even if I'd have traded Julien before last year and would move Lee for a top catcher prospect if I could. I don't think either is likely a key to the Twins future, but both are reasonable guys to keep around

Well put. The front office has FOMO when it comes to looking at their players. I thought Julien and even Lewis would have brought back some decent possibilities after the 2023 season. My first thought when the 2024 season ended was to trade Lee for a catcher. At this point all of Lewis, Lee, and Julien seem like keys to the 2025 season, although I don't see any of them around by 2027. The general belief in Lewis as a core player for the Twins is totally fair but I just don't see it.