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The Minnesota Twins didn’t have a good season in 2021 and they were rewarded with the 8th overall pick in the 2022 Major League Baseball draft. After a few seasons of later picks, they were in a position to draft a prospect of impact. When Cal Poly’s Brooks Lee fell into their lap, there’s no denying the organization’s excitement level reached unparalleled proportions. Brooks Lee was considered to be a contender for the first overall pick at different points during the draft cycle. An elite hitter with incredible bat-to-ball skills, Lee could’ve helped any number of teams making a selection at the top of this draft. He was an incredible talent for Cal Poly, and he replicated the success in Cape Cod action. Playing for his dad, Larry, at Cal Poly always seemed to be part of the plan, but there was never any doubt that he’d be a top-tier big league prospect. He has now agreed to an over-slot deal with the Twins, checking in at roughly $5.6 million. He still needs to sign the paperwork, but his big league career is set to begin. Before it does, I had the opportunity to check in with him. Twins Daily: As someone that came into the draft looking like a top pick, how was the leadup and anticipation to draft day for you? What was the experience like? Brooks Lee: It was a pretty different experience, unlike the one I had in high school, because in high school I was still deciding whether I wanted to go play for my dad or not. This draft I was already past that and super excited to see where I would land. TD: You got to play for your dad in college and have been around a high level of baseball for quite some time. How has that shaped you as a player? BL: I think it was super beneficial that I got to be around the game at such a young age. I feel like I see the game from a different perspective at times, in a good way. For much of my life I have been involved with college baseball so I believe it’s really helped in the areas of dealing with failure and learning how to create a winning culture. TD: Every publication has written about your elite bat-to-ball skills. What about your preparation and process make you so good at the plate? BL: I have a unique way of hitting and have always been this way. I think the bat-to-ball skills is something that was developed from a really young age. I was forced to swing at every pitch no matter where it was in batting practice which later on helped hitting different pitches in certain areas, especially with two strikes. I love to hit and talk about that part of the game, so it’s super enjoyable to prepare in this area and learn ways to be more advanced. TD: When looking at the next level, what are things about your game that you think will help ease the transition, and what areas are you most looking to develop? BL: I think my understanding of the game is what will help in the biggest way. I will never say I know everything about the game but being around coach and dad who knew so much will definitely help. The areas I want to get better at are speed and arm strength. TD: What do you know about the Minnesota Twins? Have you ever been to Target Field? BL: I know that the Twins are in 1st place in the AL Central and I’m excited to help them keep trending in the right direction whenever that time may be. I played summer ball in Minnesota a couple of years ago and loved it, so I can’t wait to be back doing what I love there. TD: As a person or player, what do you want Twins Territory to know about you? BL: I am a hard-working, selfless kid from California who just wants to win. View full article