FORT MYERS, Fla. — Brooks Lee has often contemplated abandoning switch hitting, an idea that surfaced repeatedly through his high school, college, and professional career. Recently, however, the shortstop has found himself feeling unexpectedly more confident with his right-handed swing, marking a shift from his previous focus on hitting left-handed.
“I never thought I would be halfway decent at it, but I (felt) really comfortable from that side at any point throughout the year,”
Lee said.
“It’s been a nice cherry on top, but my left-handed (swing) is my pride and joy.”
Focused Offseason on Left-Handed Bat and Defensive Agility
This winter, Lee prioritized refining his left-handed swing and enhancing his lateral quickness to prepare for an entire season playing shortstop. Although familiar with the position, Lee only secured consistent playing time there at the major league level after Carlos Correa was traded last July.
To improve defensively, Lee adapted his training regimen, emphasizing technique and sprint drills aimed at increasing his range and quickness on the field.
“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 that I feel like I should, and the numbers say I should,”
Lee explained.
“I think just getting better with changing direction quickly is — that was a really big focus.”
Addressing Defensive Shortcomings and Opportunity at Shortstop
Last season, Lee’s defense was rated below average while he rotated through third base, second base, and shortstop, stepping in when Correa moved on to Houston. With Correa no longer on the team and fellow first-round pick Kaelen Culpepper not yet ready for the majors, the shortstop position is now open for Lee to claim.
To boost his defensive capabilities, Lee practiced various jumping techniques and different running starts designed to increase his explosiveness and speed, focusing on becoming quicker over the offseason. Manager Derek Shelton noted,
“It takes discipline to maybe adjust your training program in terms of what you’ve done previously. From the conversation I’ve had with him and our performance group, he has done that.”
Positive Early Impressions During Spring Training
Although Shelton did not work with Lee last season, he has heard encouraging reports in the early phase of spring training. He shared that at least 15 people have conveyed that “Brooks looks great” as he shows improvements.
Lee himself expressed confidence in his progress both defensively and offensively. New hitting coach Keith Beauregard traveled to California to meet Lee and his father, Larry, who coaches at Cal Poly, to discuss ways to enhance his hitting approach during the offseason.
“I felt like this offseason, I made the least amount of adjustments. Didn’t look at video that much,”
Lee said.
“I felt good just trying to hit the ball the other way more. I didn’t really do that last year left-handed. … That was kind of the big focus, (to) see the ball deeper so I could hit it that way, and I think that’ll help with chasing.”
Offensive Consistency Remains a Priority for Lee
Selected with the eighth overall pick in 2022, Lee is still striving for consistent offensive production. He finished last season hitting .236 with a .654 OPS, complemented by 16 home runs, and recorded a -0.8 bWAR (Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference).
This season’s performance could have a significant effect on the Minnesota Twins’ overall success, as Lee aims to elevate his game to a new level.
“I’m always trying to improve my game at every level, every offseason, too,”
Lee said.
“I feel like I did that and I think … the biggest jump I’ve made in my career is what I’ve just done.”
Potential Impact of Lee’s Development on the Twins’ Future
Brooks Lee’s dedication to enhancing both his defensive agility and offensive skills positions him as a key figure for the Twins this season. With shortstop now firmly within his grasp, how Lee performs could shape the team’s competitiveness moving forward. His continued growth, under the guidance of coaches like Keith Beauregard and manager Derek Shelton, will be closely watched as the season unfolds.
