Who is Hao-Yu Lee? Tigers prospect has speed, defensive versatility
Hao-Yu Lee has been ranked among MLB Pipeline's top third-base prospects and shows potential as a multi-tool player.
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.