Report: Brooks Lee’s ascension could lead to trade for pitching
Brooks Lee being on the cusp of his Major League Baseball debut is one of the most interesting storylines to watch during Minnesota Twins spring training, because if he really is ready for the big leagues, then the Twins are going to have to make some difficult roster decisions.
Right now, the projected starting infield features Royce Lewis at third base, Carlos Correa at shortstop, Eddy Julien at second base and Carlos Santana at first base.
Lee, who is considered a top-50 prospect by every reputable outlet, plays the infield, and with Correa and Lewis occupying the left side of the diamond, the only logical places to put Lee on the current roster is second base. Obviously, the Twins have a conundrum because that’s where Julien is slotted.
“Where does Brooks Lee go? Derek Falvey told me last week at Grapefruit League media day, Brooks Lee is very close to being major league ready. He has been for the most part a shortstop during his minor league career,” said insider Jon Morosi on MLB Network Wednesday morning.
“Basically what Derek Falvey indicated to me is that Lee will get some reps at second base. If you have Brooks Lee at second potentially, then you can move Julien from second to first, Correa at short, Royce Lewis at third. That’s a really athletic infield if everybody’s healthy and productive.”
In that scenario, does Lee play every day at second while Julien and Santana, who is 39 years old, rotate at first base and DH? Where would that leave Alex Kirilloff, who if healthy and with Lee in the minors, would undoubtedly be splitting time with Santana at first base.