Why Brooks Lee Could Be Minnesota Twins’ Franchise Shortstop

Minnesota Twins shortstop Brooks Lee is one of several young players that the organization needs to become above-average as it tries to ascend. Luckily, the California native is doing just that to start 2026.

Lee leads the Twins with a .253 batting average and is tied for first in homers (five). The 6-foot, 205-pounder is also third with 15 RBIs and tied for second with 22 hits.

Although it's still early, Lee's offensive production has improved since last season. The 2022 first-round draft pick hit .236 with a .654 OPS over 139 games in 2025, but has a .764 OPS across 26 contests this year.

Lee's hot start is showing why Minnesota invested in him. The switch-hitter slashed .289/.360/.476 over 195 career minor-league games and was the organization's No. 2 overall prospect (No. 18 on MLB Pipeline) in 2024, but had underwhelming big-league numbers before this year. He slashed .221/.265/.320 with three homers and 27 RBIs over 50 games in 2024 before tallying 16 homers and 64 RBIs in 2025.

If Lee maintains his current level of production over the course of the season, then he'll be one of the team's most important pieces.

Brooks Lee Represents Twins' Mission

Minnesota Twins shortstop Brooks Lee (22). © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Minnesota wasn't expected to contend for a title this year, and there's no reason to think otherwise after 28 games. The club is 12-16 and is tied for 21st in baseball with a .697 OPS. It's also 26th with a .227 batting average and 17th with a 4.32 ERA.