Brooks Lee, Horizontal Movement, and Sticking at Shortstop Beyond 2026

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

Spring training is a time when players across the league talk about adjustments. Some work on mechanical changes at the plate, others add strength or refine defensive skills. For young players trying to establish themselves at the major league level, the offseason becomes a prime opportunity to evaluate everything.

For Minnesota, 2026 marks another important step for shortstop Brooks Lee. The former first-round pick has already shown flashes of the hitter he can become and demonstrated the steady hands and instincts that cemented him as one of the organization’s top prospects.

Despite his promise, Lee entered the winter aware that there were areas for improvement. Rather than reinventing himself, he concentrated on refining key aspects of his game to make a difference over a full major league season.

“Just same thing, hitting, getting better left-handed, staying the same right-handed. And then just lateral movement, get quicker, a lot of running,” Lee said about his offseason work. “And then just, yeah, trying new stuff in the weight room to help with that.”

That offseason focus led Lee to prioritize mobility. Last season, he posted a -1 OAA at shortstop with 0 OAA on his lateral movement toward first base and third base. Known for reliable hands and a strong arm at shortstop, he felt he was missing out on balls he should be reaching.

“It's kind of like an obvious thing,” Lee said. “You know, balls hit to me, I'll make the play, but it's the ones I don't get to. So, just try to get to more balls. And that's kind of the focus. And I think the straight-ahead speed got a lot better, and so the lateral speed will also get better.”

That work started in the weight room and extended onto the field with sprint training and technique work designed to help him move more efficiently.

“Like the weight room stuff, just changing the new things and trying to focus on, you know, being as strong as I can be, and just creating the most force,” Lee said. “And then, yeah, definitely a lot of technique and sprint work that went into it, and it seemed like it paid off.”

Lee believes the difference is noticeable even during routine defensive drills.

“It's just obvious,” he said. “When you take ground balls in the offseason, even just getting to certain balls off the bat you don't think you're going to get to. I'm not a numbers guy. If I feel like it got better, then it did.”

That defensive work ties into how Lee views his role at shortstop. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he understands he is built differently than some of the smaller, quick-twitch players who have historically played the position. Because of that, he knows maximizing his mobility is critical.

“I'm not a small shortstop. I'm a bigger one, so I got to be able to use what I can to get certain balls,” Lee said. “Because I make the play usually when it's in my glove, because I'm pretty accurate and I have good hands, but it's just those ones that I'm not getting to, and I feel like I should, and the numbers say I should.”

“Better first step,” he added. “You know, I always anticipate, but I think just getting better with changing direction really quickly is a really big focus.”

While defense was a clear offseason emphasis, Lee also worked on simplifying his approach at the plate. As a switch-hitter, much of that attention was placed on his left-handed swing. Last season, he had a .676 OPS as a right-handed hitter and his OPS was 33 points lower from the left side.

“Just trying to find one swing that I could stick with left-handed, not make so many adjustments,” Lee said. “I felt like this offseason, I made the least amount of adjustments. Didn't look at video that much. I felt good.”

Part of that adjustment involves using the entire field more consistently.

“Just try to hit the ball the other way more,” Lee said. “I didn't really do that last year, left-handed. I feel like right-handed I did. I got a lot more hits. So yeah, that was kind of a big focus. See the ball deeper so I could hit it that way. And I think that'll help with chasing.”

The approach could also help balance Lee’s offensive profile. While he has shown the ability to drive the ball with power, he knows maintaining his discipline will ultimately lead to more consistent results.

“I think the hits will come,” Lee said. “I have to stick to my approach and be OK with taking walks and maybe not try to force hits when I'm not doing well.”

For a player whose natural instinct is to put the ball in play, that can be easier said than done.

“It's just kind of my nature is to try and get hits,” Lee said. “But you've got to swing at the right pitches, and if you don't, you're probably out. Maybe I'll get more lucky than others because of the bat to ball, but it could hurt me, too.”

Despite making several adjustments, Lee’s mindset entering the season remains simple: focus on his routine and allow everything else to fall into place.

“Yeah, it is what it is,” Lee said about playing shortstop. “Whatever happens, happens. I just keep doing my thing every day, letting everything play out. It’ll all work out in the end.”

For Lee, that consistency has become part of the job. The opportunity to play shortstop for Minnesota is something he has already grown comfortable with.

“Yeah, it’s great,” Lee said. “I’ve had that chance my rookie year, I’ve had it last year, I have it this year. I’m used to it by now. It’s a good feeling, but it’s just baseball.”

As 2026 approaches, Lee isn’t overhauling his game. He is making targeted improvements that could pay dividends throughout the long season. If these adjustments carry over to the field, the Twins could see a more complete young shortstop take another step forward this year.

What stands out about Lee’s offseason changes? Can he be the team’s long-term shortstop? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[stringer bell]

No question that some defensive improvement is needed. The sprint speed last year was recorded in the bottom quartile, not a good place for a shortstop. A half-step or foot per second faster could put him a lot closer to average.

The offensive performance is also a necessity. If he hits like a utility infielder, he is destined to be a utility infielder.

[HerbieFan]

Hope springs eternal.  How refreshing would it be for a top prospect actually develop into a good mlb player??

[LA Vikes Fan]

Who knows if this is going to work out, but you have to be cheering for the guy. He's recognized his limitations and is trying to improve. None of us know if he can get to average or above in the field or at the plate. One thing we should all recognize is that he's relatively early in his career and far from a finished product. Let's not fall into the trap of assuming a 25 year old with a total of 659 MLB ABs and 803 innings at SS can't improve. It sounds like he know that he's got a guy coming up from behind in Culpepper and this is his shot. 

Let's give Lee the benefit of the doubt with at least half a season as the everyday SS and then see where we are. We need younger core players and we need them bad. Let's give him a real chance to be one of those players. If he doesn't perform, we can move on to the next, but let's not assume that answer until he has his shot. Same for Martin, same for Roden, same for Lewis and Keaschall. As the season progresses, same for Culpepper, Emma, Jenkins, and GG . Hey, it's not like we're going to contend any way so let's use this season productively.      

[Muppet]

Can’t wait for Brooks Lee and Royce Lewis to battle it out for AL MVP. Gotta have something to be overly optimistic about during spring training. 

[Doctor Wu]

I'm still hopeful, but also a bit pessimistic about Lee's development at this point. But hey, he's still a Twin and I really want him to succeed. But this season is crucial for him. If he can hit like we hoped he could when we drafted him, we'll find a position for him. But shortstop may not be a long-term place for him.

[jmlease1]

I do like Lee's hands and arm in the infield. It is nice to feel confident that he will make the plays that he gets to, so if he can expand that range with quicker reactions, a better first step, better positioning, and/or just getting a little faster that would be great to see. Ideally, he gets forced off SS not because he's not cutting it there but because Culpepper pushes him.

The real question for me is where his bat lands. He did improve from year 1 in MLB to year 2, but it wasn't a big leap. He's got to be more selective at the plate and swing at pitches he can drive, not just ones he can reach. Fewer grounders, more line drives, please. He has shown that he can turn on a ball and drop it in the seats, which should help him some; pitchers shouldn't be able to just groove one in as a "get over" pitch on a 3-ball count, so if he works those counts a little better he should see better results.

Not giving up on him, but he's got work to do to stick as a starter, otherwise he's heading to the bench as a utility guy.

[JD-TWINS]

Glad he’s working on getting stronger and quicker!! Switch hitter with 20 plus HR power (16 in 487 AB’s in ‘25)…….. could he be a younger version of Santana at 1B in ‘27? If he could get his OBP to .335 and hit .245-.250 it may be a win? At 6’2”, with SS pedigree, seems like a decent defensive move.

Lewis - Houston - Culpepper - Lee around the infield next year? Defense would seem to take a serious uptick.

Keaschall - Buxton - Jenkins in OF (Emma & Martin) w/Caratini and some other acquisition at C.

One of Wallner OR Larnach (if either shine in ‘26) along with Gonzalez at DH.

Plenty of MONEY left over to use on pitching staff

[bean5302]

Lee understands nothing. 6'2" and 215lbs? Drop 30lbs of body-builder, looks only muscle. Beeeeefffffcake doesn't add quickness or speed.

Quote

That offseason focus led Lee to prioritize mobility. Last season, he posted -1 OAA at shortstop. Known for reliable hands and a strong arm, he felt he was missing out on balls he should be reaching.

I'm not sure where this quote came from, but he's not known for a strong arm and has never been known for a strong arm. Even when he was drafted, it was expected his arm wouldn't play at SS.

[nicksaviking]

Way more concerned with his offense. Glove only SS's pass through the waiver wire weekly. The Twins currently have two of them I'm desperately hoping to keep off of the opening day roster. Is Gray good defensively too? No idea, and really don't care. Let's have some timely hitting and score some runs this year.

[Cris E]

Amen.  It's easy to find excellent defense, but pairing it with offense is hard. Teams usually have to strike some balance between "enough" defense and "enough" offense. Lee is just like everyone else, somewhere between Marek Houston and Josh Bell as a SS: he fields well enough if he hits well enough.  But there are huge swathes of unplayable SS between Josh and Marek, so it's good that Lee continues honing his skills to stay relevant. It sounds like he knows his hitting will keep him ahead of Gray and Kreidler, and it sounds like he's ignoring Culpepper and focusing on his own game since there's nothing he can do about the guys behind him. Sound approach, and best of luck to him, we could use a better SS in 2026.

[D.C Twins]

Hopefully he moves horizontally to the bench with Culpepper taking over at SS by the end of the season 

[NYCTK]

3 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Lewis - Houston - Culpepper - Lee around the infield next year? Defense would seem to take a serious uptick.

I love optimism around prospects. But Twins fans here need to remember Houston struggled mightily in High A last season, and should not be expected to be a starter until 2029 at the earliest, appearing perhaps in the 2028 season. 

[JD-TWINS]

7 minutes ago, NYCTK said:

I love optimism around prospects. But Twins fans here need to remember Houston struggled mightily in High A last season, and should not be expected to be a starter until 2029 at the earliest, appearing perhaps in the 2028 season. 

HOUSTON: Might need to have a lost leader at SS for upside defense by middle of ‘27 - he may never hit “well enough” and his defense seems to be commonly regarded as already good enough to very good. There’s no perfect players in the TWIN’s organization and few anywhere else.

.370 at A Ball (54 AB’s)

.152 at High A (46 AB’s)

Assuming he’s probably in between these two, near some midpoint, at High A by sometime in June ………. if he gets to AA by mid-July and sticks, I’ll be happy with his ascension.

[stringer bell]

2 hours ago, bean5302 said:

Lee understands nothing. 6'2" and 215lbs? Drop 30lbs of body-builder, looks only muscle. Beeeeefffffcake doesn't add quickness or speed.

I'm not sure where this quote came from, but he's not known for a strong arm and has never been known for a strong arm. Even when he was drafted, it was expected his arm wouldn't play at SS.

A lot to chew on here. Is Lee really 6'2" and 215 lbs? I saw him pretty up close and he looks more like 6 even and 200. Considerably shorter than Kreidler and about the same frame as Wagaman, who is also taller. Second, players work with trainers who know a lot about athlete's bodies and how to prepare them for their season. If Lee wants to be quicker and faster, I am sure his trainer had a plan for that. One factor in last year's disappointment for Lee was the early back injury that seemed to make him less athletic all year. If he's truly over it, that one factor might make him quicker and faster this year. 

I've never heard Lee's arm described as anything above average and what I've seen of him, he's compensated by having a quick transfer and release. I'd say it is adequate, but we won't hear the rah-rahs for his throws as were accorded Correa. The -1 runs saved must have come from stats only after Correa was traded. His numbers at Savant and Fangraphs look worse.

[nicksaviking]

19 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

HOUSTON: Might need to have a lost leader at SS for upside defense by middle of ‘27 - he may never hit “well enough” and his defense seems to be commonly regarded as already good enough to very good. There’s no perfect players in the TWIN’s organization and few anywhere else.

.370 at A Ball (54 AB’s)

.152 at High A (46 AB’s)

Assuming he’s probably in between these two, near some midpoint, at High A by sometime in June ………. if he gets to AA by mid-July and sticks, I’ll be happy with his ascension.

If he never hits 'well enough' then how is he different than Ryan Kreidler or Orlando Arcia? 

Sorry, but Houston was a bad pick. Even if his batting average isn't awful, which is much in doubt, he's only a slap hitter. Shortstop is no longer a position where glove only players can survive, they tend to be amongst the best athletes in the league, therefore amongst the best hitters too. 14 shortstops had an OPS at .740 or above last year, and that didn't include down years for Mookie Betts, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts, Dansby Swanson and JP Crawford, who historically hit better, but still all had OPSs over .700. It shouldn't be too much to ask for the Twins to have a top 20 shortstop offensively. Slap hitting and questionable hitting Houston seems very unlikely to be a top 20 offensive shortstop. Bottom ten shouldn't be acceptable, it's not for other teams.

The Twins can afford glove only shortstops. They have grabbed them left and right off of waivers the last several years. More than we can count. Therefore they should NEVER blow a 1st round pick on a guy who has a significant chance to be a glove only player at the majors. Because what the Twins can't (won't) afford are top end hitters. That's what they need to do with their first round picks.

[NYCTK]

16 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Assuming he’s probably in between these two, near some midpoint, at High A by sometime in June ………. if he gets to AA by mid-July and sticks, I’ll be happy with his ascension.

Noah Miller was lauded for all the same skills, with the same challenges. He was in High-A in 2023, and is just now, 3 seasons later, hoping to break through to the majors. 

I'm just saying, temper your expectations. Prospects take time. 

[JD-TWINS]

Just now, NYCTK said:

Noah Miller was lauded for all the same skills, with the same challenges. He was in High-A in 2023, and is just now, 3 seasons later, hoping to break through to the majors. 

I'm just saying, temper your expectations. Prospects take time. 

I don’t need you or anyone else to help me temper my expectations. I’m fully aware of the repeated mediocre results from Team’s #1 draft picks, particularly at SS. Noah Miller was traded because he had nearly zero hit tool. Houston is 21 ….. he isn’t near borderline defensively as a floor …... and I think that neither 54 successful AB’s in A Ball nor 46 AB’s in High A have much to do with what he’ll do in ‘26&’27.

[JD-TWINS]

7 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

If he never hits 'well enough' then how is he different than Ryan Kreidler or Orlando Arcia? 

Sorry, but Houston was a bad pick. Even if his batting average isn't awful, which is much in doubt, he's only a slap hitter. Shortstop is no longer a position where glove only players can survive, they tend to be amongst the best athletes in the league, therefore amongst the best hitters too. 14 shortstops had an OPS at .740 or above last year, and that didn't include down years for Mookie Betts, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts, Dansby Swanson and JP Crawford, who still all had OPSs over .700. It shouldn't be too much to ask for the Twins to have a top 20 shortstop offensively. Slap hitting and questionable hitting Houston seems very unlikely to be a top 20 offensive shortstop. Bottom ten shouldn't be acceptable, it's not for other teams.

The Twins can afford glove only shortstops. They have grabbed them left and right off of waivers the last several years. More than we can count. Therefore they should NEVER blow a 1st round pick on a guy who has a significant chance to be a glove only player at the majors. Because what the Twins can't (won't) afford are top end hitters. That's what they need to do with their first round picks.

I get it - you’re not happy with Houston, after 100 AB’s in MiLB. Culpepper is supposed to fit your description - Lewis fits the “bat” expectation - Lee, on paper from College, fit the “bat” expectation. All 3 #1’s at SS. With all of their results rolled together (too early for Culpepper) I have no issue with a contact guy, if he’s above average defensively, playing SS. He’s not necessarily the “forever” shortstop but Arcia is washed and Kriedler doesn’t seem to be as good with glove nor potential with bat, after a longer history…….those are the differences, IMO.

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

A lot to chew on here. Is Lee really 6'2" and 215 lbs? I saw him pretty up close and he looks more like 6 even and 200. Considerably shorter than Kreidler and about the same frame as Wagaman, who is also taller. Second, players work with trainers who know a lot about athlete's bodies and how to prepare them for their season. If Lee wants to be quicker and faster, I am sure his trainer had a plan for that. One factor in last year's disappointment for Lee was the early back injury that seemed to make him less athletic all year. If he's truly over it, that one factor might make him quicker and faster this year. 

I've never heard Lee's arm described as anything above average and what I've seen of him, he's compensated by having a quick transfer and release. I'd say it is adequate, but we won't hear the rah-rahs for his throws as were accorded Correa. The -1 runs saved must have come from stats only after Correa was traded. His numbers at Savant and Fangraphs look worse.

Just referencing the info in the article on his weight. It feels like there's an epidemic of beeeffffffcaaake heavyweight gainer activity in baseball. Feels like the steroid era all over again where players pack on bulk rather than adding athleticism.

Weight is the enemy of quickness. Top speed, not as much. 

Lee's back issue is chronic. It's a herniated disc (meaning the wall of the disc is damaged). These injuries never heal. There's no blood supply to the walls of the disc to repair the weakness so it'll be with him for the rest of his life with current medical technology. What he can do is strengthen his core and back so his muscles don't rely on the walls of the disc for as much support to prevent the disc from pressing on the nerve. Here's hoping it stays healthy. Being crippled up with a bad back in your early 20s is rough, and I'm certainly rooting for him not to have to deal with it.

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

I get it - you’re not happy with Houston, after 100 AB’s in MiLB. Culpepper is supposed to fit your description - Lewis fits the “bat” expectation - Lee, on paper from College, fit the “bat” expectation. All 3 #1’s at SS. With all of their results rolled together (too early for Culpepper) I have no issue with a contact guy, if he’s above average defensively, playing SS. He’s not necessarily the “forever” shortstop but Arcia is washed and Kriedler doesn’t seem to be as good with glove nor potential with bat, after a longer history…….those are the differences, IMO.

It has nothing to do with Houston's 100 AB's in MiLB. His draft profile said he had no power and his hit tool was very questionable. 

And I was also amongst the lowest enthused fans on this site about Lee. I didn't dislike him, but just like Austin Marin, he never profiled to be a major offensive force. But I am far from given up on Lee, he may have more pop than expected, and his offensive potential has always been miles beyond what Houston profiled as.

But going after a Houston just seems like it defies big picture logic. If or when Houston, Lee or Martin were free agents none of them profile as a guy that is out of the Twins price range. But if this team is EVER going to win a championship, they need to somehow acquire guys who typically WOULD be out of their price range. They should be using their 1st round picks on those kinds of players every single year. Same when they trade away their top players. So if Houston doesn't profile to be a 'forever' shortstop, then he shouldn't be drafted in the first round.

[mrtwinsfan]

6 hours ago, Muppet said:

Can’t wait for Brooks Lee and Royce Lewis to battle it out for AL MVP. Gotta have something to be overly optimistic about during spring training. 

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

It has nothing to do with Houston's 100 AB's in MiLB. His draft profile said he had no power and his hit tool was very questionable. 

And I was also amongst the lowest enthused fans on this site about Lee. I didn't dislike him, but just like Austin Marin, he never profiled to be a major offensive force. But I am far from given up on Lee, he may have more pop than expected, and his offensive potential has always been miles beyond what Houston profiled as.

But going after a Houston just seems like it defies big picture logic. If or when Houston, Lee or Martin were free agents none of them profile as a guy that is out of the Twins price range. But if this team is EVER going to win a championship, they need to somehow acquire guys who typically WOULD be out of their price range. They should be using their 1st round picks on those kinds of players every single year. Same when they trade away their top players. So if Houston doesn't profile to be a 'forever' shortstop, then he shouldn't be drafted in the first round.

Houston's struggle in A+ ball should really be tempered a bit. It was 51 plate appearances. Obviously a little concerning, but it's not like he struck out 40% of the time, and it came with a miserly .162 BABIP.

Guy hit 15 HRs in 298 PA at Wake Forest and he's billed as an elite defender at SS. An elite shortstop who only hits league average is still a 3 WAR player.

I'd like him to repeat A+ ball this year for a couple months and see how it looks after he has a chance to adjust before I write him off.

[nicksaviking]

3 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Houston's struggle in A+ ball should really be tempered a bit. It was 51 plate appearances. Obviously a little concerning, but it's not like he struck out 40% of the time, and it came with a miserly .162 BABIP.

Guy hit 15 HRs in 298 PA at Wake Forest and he's billed as an elite defender at SS. An elite shortstop who only hits league average is still a 3 WAR player.

I'd like him to repeat A+ ball this year for a couple months and see how it looks after he has a chance to adjust before I write him off.

The Twins can afford to pay for defense, it's dirt cheap. They need better than league average hitters, those aren't cheap. And I'm not sure if league average is expected of Houston, I'm remembering hit and power tools being graded at 40-45 for him.

[JD-TWINS]

3 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

It has nothing to do with Houston's 100 AB's in MiLB. His draft profile said he had no power and his hit tool was very questionable. 

And I was also amongst the lowest enthused fans on this site about Lee. I didn't dislike him, but just like Austin Marin, he never profiled to be a major offensive force. But I am far from given up on Lee, he may have more pop than expected, and his offensive potential has always been miles beyond what Houston profiled as.

But going after a Houston just seems like it defies big picture logic. If or when Houston, Lee or Martin were free agents none of them profile as a guy that is out of the Twins price range. But if this team is EVER going to win a championship, they need to somehow acquire guys who typically WOULD be out of their price range. They should be using their 1st round picks on those kinds of players every single year. Same when they trade away their top players. So if Houston doesn't profile to be a 'forever' shortstop, then he shouldn't be drafted in the first round.

I don’t know enough about College players nor High School stars to have any feel on “who should be drafted”

Houston was drafted and that’s when I got mildly familiar with his skill set. My “forever” comment is meant to be in reference to what can be done from today forward. My point is maybe he raises a bar at SS, defensively, until a better all-around guy can be procured via draft or free agency?

Not really sure I follow your logic or thought process on affordability (seems you’re saying Team is drafting guys that they’ll be able to afford as free agents, “lesser talents”, 8 years or so in the future?) as they signed a SS specifically, that made $30-$35M/year. Obviously, I’m missing something.

[dxpavelka]

All this debate and consternation about shortstop and nary a mention of Tanner Schobel OR the Big Q.

 

[mluebker]

22 hours ago, Cris E said:

It's easy to find excellent defense…

Not on this roster. Too many “could develop into a reliable hitter” guys who probably shouldn’t even own a glove. Good for Lee for working on his defense.