Twins' Brooks Lee Prepares for Full Season at Shortstop

With Carlos Correa traded, the young shortstop is no longer blocked from taking over the position.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 4:34pm

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Brooks Lee, the 25-year-old shortstop for the Minnesota Twins, is preparing for his first full season as the team's starting shortstop after the departure of Carlos Correa. Lee spent the offseason working on improving his lateral quickness and defensive range at the position, as well as refining his left-handed swing at the plate. The Twins are hoping Lee can take a big step forward offensively and defensively this season after a mixed rookie campaign in 2025.

Why it matters

With Correa no longer in the picture, the Twins are counting on Lee to solidify the shortstop position long-term. Lee's development will be crucial to the team's success, as he was a highly touted first-round pick in 2022. If he can improve his defense and consistency at the plate, it could go a long way in determining the Twins' fortunes this season.

The details

Lee spent the offseason working on different types of starts and jumps to improve his lateral quickness and range at shortstop. He also focused on finding a consistent left-handed swing after considering giving up switch-hitting in the past. New hitting coach Keith Beauregard worked with Lee and his father to help him see the ball deeper and hit it the other way more effectively. Lee struggled offensively as a rookie, hitting .236 with a .654 OPS, and the Twins are hoping the offseason work will help him take a big step forward.

  • Lee was drafted 8th overall by the Twins in 2022.
  • In 2025, Lee played a mix of third base, second base, and shortstop before Carlos Correa was traded away at the deadline.
  • This offseason, Lee focused on improving his lateral quickness and refining his left-handed swing.

The players

Brooks Lee

A 25-year-old shortstop for the Minnesota Twins who is preparing for his first full season as the team's starting shortstop after the departure of Carlos Correa.

Carlos Correa

The former Twins shortstop who was traded away at the 2025 trade deadline, opening up the position for Brooks Lee.

Rocco Baldelli

The former Twins manager who spoke with Lee at the end of the 2025 season about improving his defensive range at shortstop.

Derek Shelton

The current Twins manager who has heard positive reviews about Lee's offseason work and improvements.

Keith Beauregard

The Twins' new hitting coach who worked with Lee and his father this offseason to help refine his left-handed swing.

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What they’re saying

“I never thought I would be halfway decent at it, but I (felt) really comfortable from that side at any point throughout the year. … It's been a nice cherry on top, but my left-handed (swing) is my pride and joy.”

— Brooks Lee, Twins Shortstop

“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. I think just getting better with changing direction quickly is — that was a really big focus.”

— Brooks Lee, Twins Shortstop

“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.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager

What’s next

Lee will look to carry his offseason improvements into spring training and the start of the 2026 season, where he will have the opportunity to solidify himself as the Twins' long-term starting shortstop.

The takeaway

With Carlos Correa's departure, Brooks Lee has a chance to establish himself as the Twins' shortstop of the future. His offseason work on his defense and left-handed swing could pay dividends if he can translate that to more consistent production at the plate and in the field.