Hao-Yu Lee, a trade-deadline move for the Tigers from 2023, is emerging as one of the organization’s most promising young infielders.
Earlier this year, Lee was ranked No. 3 among MLB Pipeline’s top third-base prospects for 2026, positioning him among the most notable names at a position evaluators say lacks elite, top-end talent this cycle. Acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for veteran starter Michael Lorenzen, Lee has steadily climbed the Tigers’ system, showcasing a blend of speed, defensive versatility and developing power.
After spending the entire 2025 season at Triple-A Toledo, Lee posted a .243 batting average with a .748 OPS, hitting 14 home runs and driving in 61 runs. He also added 22 stolen bases, highlighting a well-rounded offensive profile. His performance marked career highs in both home runs and steals, reinforcing his trajectory as a dynamic, multi-tool player.
He flirted with 30-feet-per-second sprint speeds at Triple-A and turned that into a career-high 22 steals in 27 attempts.
The scouting report on Hao-Yu Lee
Lee’s versatility has become a defining trait. While naturally a third baseman, he split time nearly evenly between third base (60 games) and second base (54 games) last season with the Mud Hens. That flexibility mirrors the Tigers’ broader roster philosophy and could provide Lee multiple pathways to early playing time in Detroit.
Scouts view Lee as one of the better athletes in his prospect class, with top-tier running ability and strong defensive tools. Among MLB Pipeline’s top-10 third-base prospects, he stands out as the only player with an average or better defensive grade, even as evaluators note that offensive upside across the group generally outpaces glove work.
Despite questions about how many third-base prospects in this class will stick at the position long-term, Lee’s ability to contribute at multiple spots — combined with his experience at both Double-A and Triple-A at a young age — has positioned him as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate and one of the Tigers’ most intriguing options.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Who is Hao-Yu Lee? Tigers prospect has speed, defensive versatility
Reporting by Daren Tomhave, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
