Brooks Lee Bio
Brooks Thomas Lee (born February 14, 2001) is an American professional baseball shortstop for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the first round of the 2022 MLB draft, and he made his MLB debut in 2024. Known for his exceptional batting skills, Lee has shown promise as one of the exciting young players in the league.
Early Life and Background
Brooks Lee was born in the United States and grew up in a family that valued sports, particularly baseball. His father, Larry Lee, is the head baseball coach at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, which influenced Brooks’s early interest in the sport. He attended San Luis Obispo High School in San Luis Obispo, California, where he quickly made a name for himself as a talented player. During his freshman year, he batted an impressive .438, and as a junior, he improved his performance further with a .462 batting average. In his senior year, he maintained a strong showing, batting .405 with 13 doubles and 25 runs batted in (RBIs) over 23 games. Despite being considered a top prospect for the 2019 Major League Baseball draft, Brooks Lee decided to withdraw his name to honor his commitment to play college baseball for the Cal Poly Mustangs. He was still selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 35th round as a courtesy pick. After graduating high school, he played in the West Coast League for the Corvallis Knights, where he was named the league’s top prospect after hitting .333 with three home runs and 35 RBIs over 43 games.
Path to Baseball
Brooks Lee’s collegiate career began with some challenges. During the first semester of his freshman year at California Polytechnic State University, he hyperextended his knee and underwent surgery, which caused him to miss the beginning of the 2020 season. He only appeared in two games before the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he returned to form in 2021, playing in 55 games and achieving a remarkable slash line of .342/.411/.626, with ten home runs and 57 RBIs. His performance earned him multiple accolades, including being named the Big West Conference Co-Field Player of the Year and a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award. He also played in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he continued to impress with a .405 batting average over 21 games. By the time the 2022 season rolled around, Brooks Lee was recognized as a top prospect for the MLB draft. He finished the season with a .357 batting average, 15 home runs, and 55 RBIs, securing the Big West Field Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year. His outstanding performance solidified his status as a premier talent heading into the draft.
Brooks Lee Career
Early Career (2022-2023)
The Minnesota Twins selected Brooks Lee in the first round with the eighth overall pick of the 2022 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the team for $5.6 million, marking the beginning of his professional career. Lee made his professional debut with the Rookie-level Florida Complex League Twins before being promoted to the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the High-A Midwest League after just four games. He continued to excel, slashing .303/.388/.451 with five home runs and 15 RBIs over 31 games between the three teams he played for in 2022. In 2023, Lee returned to the Wichita Wind Surge of the Double-A Texas League and later moved up to the St. Paul Saints of the Triple-A International League. Over 125 games, he maintained a solid performance with a .275 batting average, 16 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 39 doubles. His consistent play earned him a spot on the Twins’ roster for the 2024 season.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
On July 3, 2024, Brooks Lee’s hard work paid off when the Minnesota Twins selected his contract and promoted him to the major leagues. He made his MLB debut that night as the team’s starting shortstop against the Detroit Tigers, where he recorded his first career hit, a single in the fourth inning. Lee finished the game with a 2-for-4 performance and an RBI. Just a few days later, he hit his first MLB home run on July 6, a two-run shot against the Houston Astros. Throughout the remainder of the 2024 season, Lee played in over fifty games, finishing with a batting average of .221, three home runs, and 27 RBIs. However, he faced some setbacks, including a stint on the injured list due to right biceps tendinitis. As he entered the 2025 season, he was again placed on the injured list with back tightness and a lumbar strain, but he has since worked hard to return to form. On August 17, 2025, he hit his first career grand slam, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Twins.
Notable Works and Milestones
Brooks Lee’s signature work thus far includes his impressive debut season with the Minnesota Twins, where he quickly established himself as a promising young talent. His accolades during his amateur career, including multiple awards and recognitions, highlight his journey to becoming a professional athlete.
Brooks Lee Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Brooks Lee has received several nominations, particularly during his collegiate years, where he was recognized as a top player in the Big West Conference and a finalist for prestigious awards like the Brooks Wallace Award.
Brooks Lee Awards Won
Brooks Lee has achieved notable recognition during his career, including being named the Big West Conference Co-Field Player of the Year and winning the Brooks Wallace Award, which highlights his exceptional performance in college baseball.
Brooks Lee Family
Brooks Lee comes from a family with a strong baseball background. His father, Larry Lee, serves as the head baseball coach at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, which has undoubtedly influenced Brooks’s passion for the sport.
Personal Life
While Brooks Lee’s professional life is well-documented, details about his personal life remain private. He is known to be dedicated to his craft and focused on his career as a professional baseball player.
