Minnesota Twins supporters have been waiting for the front office to make roster improvements, but not much has transpired to cheer them up this winter. The team’s chances of adding significant personnel through free agency are beginning to dim, and time is running out to make a deal.
Indeed, it appears that the major pitching acquisition that has been hinted at throughout the winter may not materialize as well. The Twins don’t appear to be as keen to acquire a frontline starter as they were earlier in the summer, perhaps because they are happy with their current starting five.
It appears that the front management is getting closer to using inside talent to cover roster deficiencies, much to what we seen around the trade deadline last year. Although it’s a bothersome development, it’s not wholly incorrect. Leading the way is former first-round selection Brooks Lee, one of the Twins’ many talented prospects who are eager to contribute this season.
Given that Lee has only been in Minnesota since 2022, his buzz as one of the upcoming major members of the core is noteworthy. Despite being selected eighth overall, he has lived up to the hype in the limited time he has been available.
Lee finished the season ranked as the 18th best prospect in all of baseball, and it may not take much longer for him to join the Twins’ second youth movement.
The Twins general manager suggests that Brooks Lee might be called up in 2024.
Twins General Manager Thad Levine discussed a wide range of subjects, including the team’s plans for Brooks Lee and when fans might anticipate the top prospect being called up.
It appears like Lee may join the Twins at the same time as Royce Lewis and Edouard Julien joined the team. Following Joey Gallo’s injury in April, Julien was called up, and Lewis made his comeback in May.
Since Lee isn’t listed among the team’s 40 players, a trade would need to be made to create space for him to make his debut.
He’ll be accompanied to the Majors by a lot of buzz when he does. After being chosen, Lee played 87 games in Double-A Wichita, where he hit.292/.365/.476 with 11 home runs and 61 RBI. The next season, he advanced to Triple-A St. Paul.
With the Saints, Lee’s output decreased somewhat; in 38 games, he hit.237/.304/.428 with five home runs and 23 RBI. The good news is that despite the fall in stats, he finished September with some impressive flourishes, which is a tribute to how successful he has been in the minors.
Calling Lee up for Minnesota not only gives fans something to look forward to, but it also makes sense from a lineup standpoint. The Twins can shift Julien to first base and insert Lee at second base in the event that Jorge Polanco is dealt. When Alex Kirilloff is fully recovered, he may either shift out to right field to replace Max Kepler or play first with Julien as his designated DH.
The idea is that Lee’s arrival helps the Twins overcome some of their challenges in selecting the appropriate lineup. Though getting Lee to the majors could prove to be more beneficial for the club than any acquisition or trade, it would still be good to see the team take action.
