3 most exciting non-roster players Twins invited to Spring Training

Minnesota Twins baseball is back, and with it comes the exciting next chapter of the team's ongoing youth movement.

Last season guys like Royce Lewis and Edouard Julien burst onto the scene -- or in Lewis' case reintroduced himself -- to help Minnesota end a 19-year postseason losing streak. They were joined by the likes of Bailey Ober, Matt Wallner, and Ryan Jeffers as young players who had impactful roles while showing the ability to be everyday players.

Ober is the exception in that he's a pitcher (won't play everyday, duh) and he wasn't a rookie but he established himself as a home-grown success.

That's something the Twins are hoping to continue this year and the list of non-roster invites to Spring Training offers an exciting glimpse into what the future might hold.

3 most exciting non-roster players Twins invited to Spring Training

Brooks Lee, 2B

It's not hyperbolic to say that Brooks Lee might be the most exciting player the Twins are bringing to Fort Myers for Spring Training.

Before Walker Jenkins arrived, Lee was the No. 1 prospect in the Twins farm system and he's on track to get called up at some point this season. If he turns in a great spring performance there's a chance he could make the Opening Day roster, although front office logistics might create some challenges there.

Either way, it would be stunning if Lee didn't make his MLB debut this year which is a testament to how much he's exceeded expecations at every turn.

He was a first round pick back in 2022 who rose all the way to Triple-A last September, and has now gone from someone who might get called up this year to a player who is already being used as a reason to move an All-Star.

Minnesota traded Jorge Polanco due to a logjam of talent at second base, and Lee is leading the charge there. He's already being penciled in as a major part of the future which is going to make him appointment viewing in Spring Training this year.

DaShawn Keirsey, OF

Back in November the Twins opted not to protect DaShawn Keirsey from the Rule 5 Draft which raised some concern among fans that a potential impact prospect might be stolen by another team. That didn't happen, and now we're going to see if the hype was worth it during Spring Training.

He wasn't protected, which means the Twins weren't ready to add him to the 40-man roster but he can prove his worth by building on a strong 2023 season.

Keirsey started the year in Double-A but jumped up a level after 91 games at Wichita. After arriving at St. Paul he hit .264/.375/.364 with a double, three triples, and two home runs in 39 games which came on the heels of him slashing .305/.363/.488 earlier in the season.

It's not just some potential offense that he brings, as Keirsey is a speed demon who could end up being the fastest player in the organization if it were put to a test. He projects as a utility outfielder who can play all three positions, which is a huge selling point considering how the Twins still need to figure out some corner outfield depth heading into the season.

Trading Nick Gordon to Miami subtracted a do-it-all player that Minnesota loves to plug into the lineup but Keirsey could prove to be a worthy replacement.