The Left Side of the Infield Going Forward

[stringer bell]

Here is post-fire sale Twinsland, we can only look to the future. There really isn't any hope for 2025 and prospects for 2026 look dim. It's time for the optimists to look at prospects and project players who should (probably) stay with the team for the next few years. 

Brooks Lee has gotten quite a bit of attention since the trade deadline. He will get his chance to show whether he is a major league shortstop, both offensively and defensively. The results so far are mixed, at best. Lee is a first round draft choice and he has performed at age 24 as a replacement player. He hit .237, with a low OBP of .280 and has 15 homers and 78 RBI. Brooks has accumulated an OPS+ of 76 and a WAR of -.4. As a fielder, Lee rates negatively both defensive runs saved (-7) and zone rating (-8). Those numbers are not encouraging. However, I think there is some hope for the former first round choice. On defense, Lee's numbers are best as a shortstop, where he played almost exclusively as an amateur and minor leaguer. He is only -1 run defensively this year both in DRS and ZR, and that is being compared to the best defensive infielders on the planet. Speaking of comparisons, Lee's defensive metrics at shortstop this year are far better than Carlos Correa. With a bat in his hands, Brooks has (again) been slightly below average, but the power numbers are actually pretty good and as he matures, he should hit for more power. Looking a little deeper at Lee's hitting, he is close to average in a lot of stats--HR%, K%. exit velocity, pull % and most of those numbers have improved from 2024 to 2025. Allowing for some improvement going forward, Lee profiles as a second or third tier shortstop--not a star, but someone who doesn't hurt the team. This is from a guy who doesn't look elite athletically. He is a well below average runner, with average power and slightly below average throwing arm (for a shortstop). Given his tools, the upside seems limited to maybe a 2 WAR player, kind of a disappointment for a guy picked in the top third of the first round.

Two more thoughts about Lee-1) Injuries may have hampered him in both of his major league seasons. He had back problems and started his season late in 2024 and started 2025 on the IL as well, perhaps throwing him off even after being activated. 2) Conditioning--on another Lee thread someone (my apologies, I forgot who) suggested that Lee was carrying too much weight and looked dumpy. As a 5-9 guy carrying over 200 I get it, but maybe if he comes to Florida next year a little trimmer and more muscular, he might perform better, maybe with a little more quickness and speed. I am sure he'll always be below average in sprint speed, but maybe a MPH or two better.

On to Royce Lewis. The "face of the franchise" has faded in the last 12-13 months. Lewis struggled mightily after the All-Star break last year and has suffered more leg injuries, leading to (justified) doubt about his durability going forward. Lewis suffered a muscle strain in spring training and missed the first month plus of 2025 and then had a second leg injury in June that cost him another two weeks. Coming off the injuries, Royce didn't look like an elite athlete. He didn't sprint on the bases and failed to hit. After a miserable start Lewis lifted his numbers towards respectability, but then suffered his second leg injury this season. Since he has returned, it has been a roller coaster ride with more dips than raises. Lewis' overall numbers are barely above replacement level this year (after posting a 3.4 WAR in his 600 PAs) a .227 average, .657 OPS (79 OPS+) and only six homers and 28 RBI in his 233 plate appearances. That's all pretty bad, especially for the #1 overall draft choice in 2017. But, I would say, all is not lost. In comparison to others, Royce's statcast profile is surprisingly good. He doesn't strike out much, walks at about a league average rate, and hits the ball hard. After being a defensive liability at his new position (third base) Lewis has been above average defensively this year (+2 DRS and +3 ZR). In addition, it would seem that right now Royce is finally both healthy and trusting himself to go all out. His sprint speed has improved to 28.1 MPH this month, which is a dramatic improvement from earlier this year (that is according to Perk on yesterday's TV broadcast). Going forward, there will continue to be doubt about Lewis staying healthy. That goes with two major knee injuries and then at least four leg injuries. The second question would be if he's really good or not. His results this year have been poor and disappointing, but as mentioned, the metrics look very good and it is very encouraging to see his run so much better and field his position well. Given the Twins standing right now, I would think they have no choice but to stick with Lewis as a regular and assume that he can be very good or better than that in the near future. It would be wise to have a backup plan given his injuries and poor performance this year, but it is probably a good bet to give him more runway and hope his first 500 PAs weren't a mirage.

In summary, the Twins have two young guys who have elite pedigrees on the left side of their infield right now. They are both controlled for most of the rest of the decade at affordable prices. The luster for both has been tarnished, but I think they are the immediate future for this team and they might be pretty good. I see Lee as an okay defensive SS who switch hits and hits well enough to be a regular and I think Lewis will be a good player, if healthy, for the next few years with a chance that he again hits like a star. The defense would be good enough and there's a chance that the combined offense of Brooks and Royce is far better than league average. 

After this very long post, I hope TD readers can comment and offer their views. We are now hoping for the best and that's not a way to run a franchise, but it is what we have now.

[Eris]

On Royce Lewis. Very few players in MLB have had 2 ACL restorations. (Scott Sizemore, Ronald Acuna Jr, Wilson Ramos, and Royce Lewis). Sizemore’s were on his non-plant (left) knee, Acuna and Ramos were contra lateral injuries). Royce Lewis is the only MLB player that I am aware of that has had 2 ACL reconstructions on his plant knee. He is in uncharted territory and if he has a successful MLB career he will be very fortunate. 

[Dave Borton]

Smart topic and well researched. 

MLB.com took a look at power rankings this a.m. Twins ranked #26 with these comments about Lewis:

"So when do we maybe have to start being a little bit more realistic about Royce Lewis? Over his last 103 games, all the way back to August 2024, here are his numbers: .213/.266/.315, with a 62 wRC+. That makes him, um, one of the worst hitters in the sport during that time..."

I am no ortho doc, but have to believe that underlying issues stem from two ACLs and the imperfect healing that results from ortho surgery. Been there, got the 'gimps.'

[bunsen82]

Lewis - needs to get back to hitting the opposite field.  He will continued to be pitched on the outside of the plate where he can't turn on a ball.   Right now with a pull happy swing, the outside part of the plate is open for most pitchers.  

Lee - I would argue since the trade deadline he has gone from a -.7 War to a -.3 WAR  and that has been due to some power (home runs) and much better defensive numbers.  There aren't splits on the defensive side,  but the increasing numbers are likely split between defensive and offensive.   If he can end the season with a positive WAR that would be a pretty good turn around.  Being a switch hitter,  there is still quite a bit to like there.  Between multiple defensive positions,  and switch hitting I think the MLB level has overwhelmed him a bit.   I am cautiously optimistic he is turning a corner.  He hasn't been afraid in the biggest of moments which I think is more important.  Having multiple game winners and yesterday hitting a grand slam.  He has been pretty impactful in multiple wins this year.  

[Chembry]

Maybe Royce needs some tough love...

Spencer Torkelson had a good year in 2023, but was down significantly in 2024 and was demoted to AAA where he spent quite a bit of time.  AJ Hinch told him that he wasn't guaranteed a roster spot in 2025 and would have to earn it.  We all know what he has done since.  This was published in the Detroit Free Press: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2025/03/13/spencer-torkelson-giving-detroit-tigers-lot-to-like-spring-training/82342571007/

Maybe that would give Royce some incentive to work hard this offseason.  I am not saying he doesn't, but maybe he works harder.  He still looks unsteady in the box with his feet moving and front shoulder flying open.  But, I don't think his roster spot should be guaranteed.  Especially with the defensive utility of Lee and Culpepper (who played 3rd quite a bit at K-State).  I am assuming Culpepper is invited to spring training and we will see him some time in 2026.

[nicksaviking]

I've always been the low guy on Brooks Lee. However, that was due to the profile of good contact but low power. I was concerned about the XBH as slap hitting infielders are fun in theory but frustrating in practice. As it stands now, it looks like he may have the potential to at least be average in the slugging department. As to Lewis, he's still an immensely talented athlete and it shows even when he's not playing well.

But I don't think either reach their full potential without a more instruction-forward coaching staff. I think if you get a Terry Francona, Joe Maddon, Ron Gardenhire or Paul Molitor type in there and there's a good chance these guys click and take off. I don't think a situational manager is a good fit for a young rebuilding team.

[USAFChief]

Let's hope Culpepper turns into a major league SS.

Because we don't have one and Brooks Lee isn't going to magically turn into one. Pretending he's "improving" based on a good game is just fanboy fantasy.

You have to give Lewis another year, but hopes are dimming. Twins aren't going anywhere in 2026 anyway so let him have (hopefully) a full healthy year to see if he can rebound. Hes been awful for a year now.

 

[Mike Sixel]

I didn't like the Lewis pick when it was made. I've been convinced a few times I was wrong, but mostly not .....I hope, still, to be wrong. 

I have no idea if Lee can be good or not, but I think it is too early to know for sure. I like Culpepper's odds, but you neve really know......At least they have a line of guys that might be good in the minors, that's a start. 

[Dave Borton]

14 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I didn't like the Lewis pick when it was made. I've been convinced a few times I was wrong, but mostly not .....I hope, still, to be wrong...

I too wanted to see Hunter Greene but once drafted, I got aboard the Lewis train. I got off when it slowed again this month. Love the spirit but the frame can't manage the game.

https://www.mlb.com/player/hunter-greene-668881

[Vanimal46]

Both of these guys have at least the 2026 season to prove they’re building blocks before other prospects push for their playing time…

We were too quick to anoint Lewis as the face of the franchise after his red hot 2nd half in 2023. His stats the last 2 seasons in the majors reflects his last full season of minor league play. I hope he finds it again, but he wouldn’t be the first or last flash in the pan player for the Twins.

Lee doesn’t look like a building block starting SS, and he performed worse at 2B. Not a good sign. His approach at the plate needs to be greatly improved. 

[Linus]

At least we are going to find out. Both have to hit better or this question answers itself. I will say that Royce looks better in the field this year. Lee is a funny one - he looks most comfortable at SS but his range will prevent him from being anything but slightly below average. He is surehanded but looks less comfortable at 3rd and 2nd where he could be acceptable and in theory should be easier.   Definitely hoping Culpepper can be the answer. 

[Major League Ready]

I have been saying I don't see it with Brooks Lee since he was in AA.  My belief is that Culpepper has far more upside and therefore could displace Lee before the half-way point next year if he does well out of the gate.  Now, I am basing this on the belief that they will treat 2026 as a transition year.  We will see the same thing with the corner OF spots.  Jenkins / Rodriguez and Gonzalez will likely start 2026 at AAA but they won't be held back long if they perform.   

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, Linus said:

At least we are going to find out. Both have to hit better or this question answers itself. I will say that Royce looks better in the field this year. Lee is a funny one - he looks most comfortable at SS but his range will prevent him from being anything but slightly below average. He is surehanded but looks less comfortable at 3rd and 2nd where he could be acceptable and in theory should be easier.   Definitely hoping Culpepper can be the answer. 

I was going to mention Culpepper in the OP. It looks to me like he could be the Twins shortstop for a longer time than Correa or Lee. He's shown all the tools in his two years in the minors and could be a good one.  He's probably the next full-time option at both shortstop and third base.

One thing I probably didn't say above that I was thinking is that I think the defense on the left side would be good enough if they do indeed hit at an above-average level.

[Mike Sixel]

34 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

I have been saying I don't see it with Brooks Lee since he was in AA.  My belief is that Culpepper has far more upside and therefore could displace Lee before the half-way point next year if he does well out of the gate.  Now, I am basing this on the belief that they will treat 2026 as a transition year.  We will see the same thing with the corner OF spots.  Jenkins / Rodriguez and Gonzalez will likely start 2026 at AAA but they won't be held back long if they perform.   

I hope you are right they move quickly next year.....but that has not been their MO. 

[Major League Ready]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I hope you are right they move quickly next year.....but that has not been their MO. 

You have a point but the team is in a very different place.  It's a little harder to make these moves when you are fighting for playoff position.  The emphasis now should be creating opportunities and find answers to the mediocrity we have been experiencing.  The MO needs to adapt to the new reality.

[Linus]

23 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I was going to mention Culpepper in the OP. It looks to me like he could be the Twins shortstop for a longer time than Correa or Lee. He's shown all the tools in his two years in the minors and could be a good one.  He's probably the next full-time option at both shortstop and third base.

One thing I probably didn't say above that I was thinking is that I think the defense on the left side would be good enough if they do indeed hit at an above-average level.

Agree. The defense wouldn’t be great but sufficient if they turn into above average hitters. Will be interesting to see what happens. I like that they are both going to get an extended run so we can let their play decide. I do think the chance that both end up as plus hitters is less than 50%. 

[Eris]

According to baseball salvant, Brooks Lee is marginally better that Carlos Correa in fielding run value and outs above average. There is a huge gap between Lee and Masyn Winn, Bobby Witt Jr. and Nick Allen  

 

https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/fielding-run-value?count=&gameType=Regular&seasonStart=2025&seasonEnd=2025&type=fielder&position=6&minInnings=200&minResults=1

[knothole61]

13 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Here is post-fire sale Twinsland, we can only look to the future. There really isn't any hope for 2025 and prospects for 2026 look dim. It's time for the optimists to look at prospects and project players who should (probably) stay with the team for the next few years. 

Brooks Lee has gotten quite a bit of attention since the trade deadline. He will get his chance to show whether he is a major league shortstop, both offensively and defensively. The results so far are mixed, at best. Lee is a first round draft choice and he has performed at age 24 as a replacement player. He hit .237, with a low OBP of .280 and has 15 homers and 78 RBI. Brooks has accumulated an OPS+ of 76 and a WAR of -.4. As a fielder, Lee rates negatively both defensive runs saved (-7) and zone rating (-8). Those numbers are not encouraging. However, I think there is some hope for the former first round choice. On defense, Lee's numbers are best as a shortstop, where he played almost exclusively as an amateur and minor leaguer. He is only -1 run defensively this year both in DRS and ZR, and that is being compared to the best defensive infielders on the planet. Speaking of comparisons, Lee's defensive metrics at shortstop this year are far better than Carlos Correa. With a bat in his hands, Brooks has (again) been slightly below average, but the power numbers are actually pretty good and as he matures, he should hit for more power. Looking a little deeper at Lee's hitting, he is close to average in a lot of stats--HR%, K%. exit velocity, pull % and most of those numbers have improved from 2024 to 2025. Allowing for some improvement going forward, Lee profiles as a second or third tier shortstop--not a star, but someone who doesn't hurt the team. This is from a guy who doesn't look elite athletically. He is a well below average runner, with average power and slightly below average throwing arm (for a shortstop). Given his tools, the upside seems limited to maybe a 2 WAR player, kind of a disappointment for a guy picked in the top third of the first round.

Two more thoughts about Lee-1) Injuries may have hampered him in both of his major league seasons. He had back problems and started his season late in 2024 and started 2025 on the IL as well, perhaps throwing him off even after being activated. 2) Conditioning--on another Lee thread someone (my apologies, I forgot who) suggested that Lee was carrying too much weight and looked dumpy. As a 5-9 guy carrying over 200 I get it, but maybe if he comes to Florida next year a little trimmer and more muscular, he might perform better, maybe with a little more quickness and speed. I am sure he'll always be below average in sprint speed, but maybe a MPH or two better.

On to Royce Lewis. The "face of the franchise" has faded in the last 12-13 months. Lewis struggled mightily after the All-Star break last year and has suffered more leg injuries, leading to (justified) doubt about his durability going forward. Lewis suffered a muscle strain in spring training and missed the first month plus of 2025 and then had a second leg injury in June that cost him another two weeks. Coming off the injuries, Royce didn't look like an elite athlete. He didn't sprint on the bases and failed to hit. After a miserable start Lewis lifted his numbers towards respectability, but then suffered his second leg injury this season. Since he has returned, it has been a roller coaster ride with more dips than raises. Lewis' overall numbers are barely above replacement level this year (after posting a 3.4 WAR in his 600 PAs) a .227 average, .657 OPS (79 OPS+) and only six homers and 28 RBI in his 233 plate appearances. That's all pretty bad, especially for the #1 overall draft choice in 2017. But, I would say, all is not lost. In comparison to others, Royce's statcast profile is surprisingly good. He doesn't strike out much, walks at about a league average rate, and hits the ball hard. After being a defensive liability at his new position (third base) Lewis has been above average defensively this year (+2 DRS and +3 ZR). In addition, it would seem that right now Royce is finally both healthy and trusting himself to go all out. His sprint speed has improved to 28.1 MPH this month, which is a dramatic improvement from earlier this year (that is according to Perk on yesterday's TV broadcast). Going forward, there will continue to be doubt about Lewis staying healthy. That goes with two major knee injuries and then at least four leg injuries. The second question would be if he's really good or not. His results this year have been poor and disappointing, but as mentioned, the metrics look very good and it is very encouraging to see his run so much better and field his position well. Given the Twins standing right now, I would think they have no choice but to stick with Lewis as a regular and assume that he can be very good or better than that in the near future. It would be wise to have a backup plan given his injuries and poor performance this year, but it is probably a good bet to give him more runway and hope his first 500 PAs weren't a mirage.

In summary, the Twins have two young guys who have elite pedigrees on the left side of their infield right now. They are both controlled for most of the rest of the decade at affordable prices. The luster for both has been tarnished, but I think they are the immediate future for this team and they might be pretty good. I see Lee as an okay defensive SS who switch hits and hits well enough to be a regular and I think Lewis will be a good player, if healthy, for the next few years with a chance that he again hits like a star. The defense would be good enough and there's a chance that the combined offense of Brooks and Royce is far better than league average. 

After this very long post, I hope TD readers can comment and offer their views. We are now hoping for the best and that's not a way to run a franchise, but it is what we have now.

S.B., that was a great and highly detailed account--thanks.

    

[Mike Sixel]

On 8/18/2025 at 5:54 PM, Major League Ready said:

You have a point but the team is in a very different place.  It's a little harder to make these moves when you are fighting for playoff position.  The emphasis now should be creating opportunities and find answers to the mediocrity we have been experiencing.  The MO needs to adapt to the new reality.

And yet, we have Urena starting, and Gasper and Clemens on the roster. And Julien. 

[Major League Ready]

2 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

And yet, we have Urena starting, and Gasper and Clemens on the roster. And Julien. 

We agree in theory but it's not like they have a lot of options.  The only position player that might be ready IMO is Fedko and he has played all of 17 games at AAA .  My guess is he is the guy they bring up when the rosters expand..  Sabato has been mediocre.   GG has been pretty disappointing so far at AAA and I am not at all for rushing Jenkins or Culpepper. 

I would also be for keeping Vasquez on the DL and bringing up Pereda for Gasper.  Fitzgerald and Eeles are kind of redundant and apparently Fitzpatrick can play some 1B.  He has actually looked OK.  Who would you like to see? 

[Mike Sixel]

23 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

We agree in theory but it's not like they have a lot of options.  The only position player that might be ready IMO is Fedko and he has played all of 17 games at AAA .  My guess is he is the guy they bring up when the rosters expand..  Sabato has been mediocre.   GG has been pretty disappointing so far at AAA and I am not at all for rushing Jenkins or Culpepper. 

I would also be for keeping Vasquez on the DL and bringing up Pereda for Gasper.  Fitzgerald and Eeles are kind of redundant and apparently Fitzpatrick can play some 1B.  He has actually looked OK.  Who would you like to see? 

One of the other catchers for sure. 100%.

Eeles over Julien. Though that's mostly "whatever, I just am done with Julien".

One of the guys they just traded for over Urena. That's not hard at all.....

[Mike Sixel]

25 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

We agree in theory but it's not like they have a lot of options.  The only position player that might be ready IMO is Fedko and he has played all of 17 games at AAA .  My guess is he is the guy they bring up when the rosters expand..  Sabato has been mediocre.   GG has been pretty disappointing so far at AAA and I am not at all for rushing Jenkins or Culpepper. 

I would also be for keeping Vasquez on the DL and bringing up Pereda for Gasper.  Fitzgerald and Eeles are kind of redundant and apparently Fitzpatrick can play some 1B.  He has actually looked OK.  Who would you like to see? 

ooops. duplicate.

[DocBauer]

Here is what I Know. While Lewis is no longer a speedy player, he is a STRONGER player with a different body since drafted. He's also continued to have muscle injuries since his body has developed. He's actually acknowledged that. Despite some amazing performances he's produced, he's admitted he's still trying to figure out his body and his swing. It's frustrating as hell for him, the Twins, and all of us. I'm not willing to give up a 26yo kid who understands he's trying to figure out his swing at this point.  He needs time, work, and another season to figure out his body and stoke.

Lee needs to avoid "Miranda Disease" and stop believing CONTACT by itself is a good thing. He SAYS he understands that. Will he do anything with that knowledge? He began this season BARELY above rookie status as a 24yo. There's a ton of potential still sitting there if he can get his eyes/,head right. 

If Lee can ONLY achieve a portion of what was expected of him...not saying he can't/won't be better, he could still be a really good utility INF player. 

But Royce is a different matter. He's either going to be a BIG BAT at 3B, and maybe transition to 1B based on team need, OR, his injuries will make him a very sad story of "what might have been".

I'm still betting on Lewis figuring things out once and for all and having an impact full 2026. I sure hope I'm right  

[Major League Ready]

13 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

One of the other catchers for sure. 100%.

Eeles over Julien. Though that's mostly "whatever, I just am done with Julien".

One of the guys they just traded for over Urena. That's not hard at all.....

Totally agree on the catchers. and I am right there with you on Julien.   However, it does not work very well to replace Julien with Eeles.  Where would they play him?  We want Lee and Keaschall at SS and 2B.   As much as we question the Outman trade, at this point it makes more sense to have Outman in the OF over Eeles.

Urena is a placeholder filling a couple starts until Pablo / SWR or Festa are back.  I would not want them disrupting Able's development to fill in for a couple starts and Bradley looks like he really needs to work on some things right now as well.  If the goal is to win as many games as possible for the rest of the season, starting Urena is a really bad idea.  If the goal is to develop replacements over the remainder of this year and 2026, giving Urena a handful of starts is a non-issue.

[bunsen82]

16 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

And yet, we have Urena starting, and Gasper and Clemens on the roster. And Julien. 

The answer why they are playing is pretty clear. See if 1 flashes and 2ndly getting better draft position.