The Twins’ Infield Shuffle Has Created Short-Term Answers And Long-Term Questions

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

For much of the last two seasons, the Twins have been searching for stability in the infield. Injuries, underperformance, and constant lineup juggling have turned what once looked like a strength into one of the roster’s biggest uncertainties. Now, with Brooks Lee settling in at third base and Royce Lewis working to rebuild his value in Triple-A, the organization appears to be quietly reshaping the future of its infield defense.

Some of those answers could arrive quickly. Others may take years to fully develop. But the Twins' recent moves have created a clearer picture of what the organization might want its infield to look like moving forward.

Shortstop
Short-Term Fix: Ryan Kreidler, Orlando Arcia, and Tristan Gray
The immediate aftermath of Lee’s move to third base has been a revolving cast at shortstop. Kreidler, Arcia, and Gray have all received opportunities there since Lee moved to third. It seems like the Twins don’t have a great fit at third, and they want all their veterans to receive playing time. That likely means a rotation at the position, which isn’t very common across baseball.

Kreidler feels like the most logical short-term option because he immediately improves the defense. Even if the bat remains inconsistent, his glove changes the complexion of the infield. The Twins desperately needed more range and reliability up the middle, and Kreidler provides both. Minnesota can live with limited offense if it means preventing extra outs from turning into extra innings.

Arcia and Gray fit more as temporary depth pieces. Both can handle the position in stretches, but neither profiles as someone the Twins want playing there every day for the remainder of the season. Their presence mostly buys time while the organization evaluates bigger-picture solutions.

The important part is that Lee no longer has to carry the burden of playing shortstop every day. The defensive pressure there was substantial, and the move to third base allows him to focus more on developing offensively while settling into a more natural defensive fit.

Long-Term Solution: Kaelen Culpepper
The Twins’ long-term thinking becomes much more obvious once Kaelen Culpepper enters the discussion. The 2024 first-round pick has rapidly climbed the organizational ladder and is beginning to look like the future answer at shortstop. His performance at Triple-A has accelerated the timeline considerably, and the Twins suddenly have a legitimate prospect knocking on the door.

More importantly, Lee’s move to third base clears a clean path for Culpepper. Had Lee remained at shortstop, the organization eventually would have faced uncomfortable defensive and developmental questions. Now, Minnesota can allow Culpepper to arrive without forcing a position change on either player.

Culpepper’s combination of athleticism, defensive tools, and offensive upside gives the Twins something they have lacked for years: a potential long-term two-way shortstop. His arrival may not be far away.

Longer-Term Solution: Marek Houston
If Culpepper represents the next phase, Marek Houston could represent the one after. The slick-fielding 2025 first-round pick already carries a reputation as one of the better defensive shortstop prospects in the system. His glove gives him a high floor, but the real question will be how quickly the bat develops.

That creates a fascinating future scenario for the Twins. If Houston hits enough to force his way into the conversation, Minnesota could once again face difficult decisions regarding positional alignment. Culpepper’s athleticism might allow flexibility, but Houston looks like the type of defender who could eventually demand everyday shortstop consideration.

That problem could arrive as soon as 2027, but it is exactly the kind of organizational depth the Twins have lacked in previous seasons.

Third Base
Short-Term Fix: Brooks Lee
The Twins finally appear committed to giving Lee an extended opportunity at third base, and that may be the best thing for both the player and the organization.

Lee’s defensive profile fits more naturally at third than shortstop, and the move simplifies things considerably. Instead of asking him to survive at one of baseball’s most demanding defensive positions, the Twins can focus on maximizing his offensive development while allowing his instincts and hands to play at third.

There will still be growing pains. Lee is young, and consistency remains part of the development process. But the organization needs to stop bouncing him between positions and allow him to settle into a permanent role. For now, third base belongs to him.

Long-Term Solution: Brooks Lee
The simplest answer may also be the correct one. If Lee proves capable of handling third base defensively while becoming the hitter the Twins believe he can be, there is little reason to move him again. The constant shifting around the diamond has likely done little to help his overall development, and stability could unlock another level offensively. That also creates an unavoidable ripple effect involving Lewis.

For much of the last two years, third base has effectively been reserved for Lewis whenever healthy. But injuries, inconsistent production, and his recent Triple-A demotion have changed the equation. If Lee establishes himself there, Lewis may need to reinvent his defensive value elsewhere. The Twins cannot continue building around theoretical upside forever. At some point, availability and consistency have to matter.

Second Base
Short-Term Fix: Luke Keaschall
Keaschall has been playing regularly at second base during the 2026 season. His offensive struggles have been tough to keep him in the lineup, and he could quickly follow Lewis to Triple-A. If Keaschall is demoted, some of the other veteran infielders would be called on to take over second for the short term.

The biggest challenge is figuring out how Keaschall fits once other pieces return. If the Twins view him as a long-term everyday player, they may eventually need to commit to him at one position instead of moving him around the diamond. Right now, though, second base makes the most sense.

Long-Term Solution: TBD
The most complicated question on the roster remains how the Twins will fill second base long term. Keaschall’s struggles could be natural growing pains for a young player. He could turn it around in the second half, and this conversation becomes an afterthought.

In a perfect world, Lewis rediscovers his offensive impact and forces his way back into the Twins’ plans as an everyday player. But with third base potentially occupied by Lee long-term, second base may become the clearest defensive path.

That scenario still comes with major questions. Lewis has barely played second base in recent years, and the transition would require both health and commitment. There is also the larger issue of offensive production. The Twins can justify defensive experimentation only if Lewis returns to being a difference-maker at the plate.

The Twins would also have to shift Keaschall to another position. However, his bat would need to produce if he moves to a corner outfield spot or first base. By 2028, it may be Lee at second, Houston at shortstop, and Culpepper at third.

The Twins’ recent infield reshuffling may look temporary on the surface, but it feels much larger than that. Lee’s move to third base has clarified the shortstop pipeline, opened opportunities for Culpepper, complicated Lewis’ future, and created a more defined defensive structure across the diamond.

There are still unanswered questions, especially regarding Lewis and how aggressively the Twins promote Culpepper. Now comes the difficult part: figuring out which players truly belong in the next competitive core and which ones eventually become the odd men out.

How should the Twins view the organization’s long- and short-term infield options? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[mikelink45]

Fun speculation, but injuries will readjust it.  I think Lewis is really having fun in St Paul.  I do not know if he fits in on the Twins Roster.  I see him more as a trade candidate.  

Watching Keaschall at second last night was painful.  His glove does not work.  If he got his hitting going he could be DH.  And if Lewis does return he too can be DH.  Bell getting cut or benched would not hurt the team. 

[DJL44]

First base is also in the infield

[hitterscount]

If, and it’s always a question when transitioning from the minors to the majors, Cullpepper’s play translates there is no need for Houston at SS, unless you are manipulating team control for several years.  The odds are both won’t be successful, if they are it’s a good problem to have, whether in trade value or plugging another infield hole.

[Patzky]

21 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

First base is also in the infield

Cmon the Twins can put anyone there. And frequently do.

[Wedman13]

19 minutes ago, hitterscount said:

If, and it’s always a question when transitioning from the minors to the majors, Cullpepper’s play translates there is no need for Houston at SS, unless you are manipulating team control for several years.  The odds are both won’t be successful, if they are it’s a good problem to have, whether in trade value or plugging another infield hole.

#1 this article is great.  Kinda frustrating that we have to speculate who is gonna play where.  It's one thing if these were low minors guys but by the time they hit the levels they're at, ud think the path would be clear.  #2, so much hinges on KC.  Defense translates and I believe Houston is the future at SS, even if he doesn't hit much.  Brooks? Im torn.  LK, I have to do a 180 and give props to @ashbury, as I'm starting to believe (albeit one week after my defense of Luke) he just may not have a place.

i looked at yesterdays box, and while I know offense is down... I was shocked at how poor the twins averages are.  Bad hitting with little power + bad D isn't a great equation.

appreciate the article 

 

[Nshore]

Long term - 3B Winokur, SS Houston, 2B Culpepper, 1B Lee.  Lewis and Keaschall trade bait.

[thelanges5]

They seem to prefer Gray over Kriedler at SS (based on starts so far)

[shimrod]

33 minutes ago, Nshore said:

Long term - 3B Winokur, SS Houston, 2B Culpepper, 1B Lee.  Lewis and Keaschall trade bait.

I would swap Winokur and Lee. I know the Twins are playing Winokur everywhere except first but that's typical Twins ineptitude. Put the long, athletic player at first in AA and develop an honest-to-god plus defender at first base. First base defense is important and the Twins continue to use the position as a dumping ground for players who can't play anywhere else. 

[D.C Twins]

56 minutes ago, Nshore said:

Long term - 3B Winokur, SS Houston, 2B Culpepper, 1B Lee.  Lewis and Keaschall trade bait.

you had me until Lee at 1B... If he is the best bat to plug in at 1B in the future, that future team is likely not a true contender... 

[D.C Twins]

I actually like how Keaschall is battling through at the plate this year. Everyone has to go through this phase when the MLB pitchers have a more accurate scouting report. 

I think his batting will recover to be a plus in the long run.... his defense... well, I don't have the same optimism there.... 

[Heiny]

1 hour ago, Wedman13 said:

i looked at yesterdays box, and while I know offense is down... I was shocked at how poor the twins averages are.  Bad hitting with little power + bad D isn't a great equation.

especially when your bullpen sucks

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Wedman13 said:

 

i looked at yesterdays box, and while I know offense is down... I was shocked at how poor the twins averages are.  Bad hitting with little power + bad D isn't a great equation.

appreciate the article 

Twins are batting .234 in a league batting .240. Buxton, Lee, Larnach, Martin and Jeffers all have above average batting averages.

Power is not the Twins problem, their SLG and HR totals are near league average.

[rv78]

Long-Term Solution: Brooks Lee
The simplest answer may also be the correct one. If Lee proves capable of handling third base defensively while becoming the hitter the Twins believe he can be, there is little reason to move him again. The constant shifting around the diamond has likely done little to help his overall development, and stability could unlock another level offensively. 

 

Funny this is even mentioned. It is exactly what the Twins try to do with almost every young player they bring up. Wanting to make every player a utility player has been detrimental for a long time now. Yet 2 years from now, you think they should move Lee to 2nd base and put Culpepper at 3B and Houston at SS. Sounds like ANOTHER move to me. Let's see, they tried Lewis at SS, CF and 3B. Martin has played every OF position and some 2B, mainly in the minors. Keaschall they want him to play some OF. The fill-ins, Kreidler, Arcia and Gray play pretty much everywhere. Clemens has played 1B, 2B, and OF. Is this organization that bad at evaluating defensive ability in the minors to get them playing at their best position and leave them there or are they just too ignorant to realize that it isn't that beneficial for most players to be utility players? I'm guessing it's a combination of the two.

[DJL44]

26 minutes ago, Heiny said:

especially when your bullpen sucks

If you measure using the 3 weeks after the Twins acquired Yoendrys Gomez, they have a top 5 bullpen.

[bean5302]

Lee can't hit and he can't field. I don't understand the support he gets here. It's seriously mind boggling.  He's a AAAA guy or utility bench piece. 

[Patzky]

42 minutes ago, Heiny said:

especially when your bullpen sucks

Bullpen gave five innings of one run relief. Starting pitching and hitting.. was wanting.

[Hunter4848]

39 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Lee can't hit and he can't field. I don't understand the support he gets here. It's seriously mind boggling.  He's a AAAA guy or utility bench piece. 

Which means he fits right in on this team 

[Wedman13]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

Twins are batting .234 in a league batting .240. Buxton, Lee, Larnach, Martin and Jeffers all have above average batting averages.

Power is not the Twins problem, their SLG and HR totals are near league average.

And per the articles point... only one of the names you mentioned play infield, and 3 of 5 don't have enough AB's to qualify.

.240?  I think I miss the live ball era and steroids 

[LA Vikes Fan]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

If you measure using the 3 weeks after the Twins acquired Yoendrys Gomez, they have a top 5 bullpen.

That’s true. The overall bullpen is substantially improved over the last month. The lack of a closer is a real problem though. They should commit to someone. I saw them try to commit to Morris without a lot of success. Let’s give Gomez a shot. Who’s closing in St Paul? Let’s give someone that experience in AAA as a possible closer in the second half. 

[DJL44]

36 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

That’s true. The overall bullpen is substantially improved over the last month. The lack of a closer is a real problem though. They should commit to someone. I saw them try to commit to Morris without a lot of success. Let’s give Gomez a shot. Who’s closing in St Paul? Let’s give someone that experience in AAA as a possible closer in the second half. 

If Detroit sells on Kenley Jansen…