Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis has a plan for the upcoming season.
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Spring training represents a fresh start for many players, but few have more at stake this year than third baseman Royce Lewis.
Spring training represents a fresh start for many players, but few have more at stake this year than third baseman Royce Lewis.
As he enters his fifth MLB season with the Minnesota Twins, Lewis is focused on something that has eluded him for most of his career, consistency and durability.
As he enters his fifth MLB season with the Minnesota Twins, Lewis is focused on something that has eluded him for most of his career, consistency and durability.
The former number one overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft has flashed elite talent when healthy, but injuries have clearly disrupted his path thus far.
The former number one overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft has flashed elite talent when healthy, but injuries have clearly disrupted his path thus far.
He’s had two ACL tears, multiple hamstring strains, a quad injury, and other lower body issues that have just prevented him from finding any sort of consistency at the major league level.
He’s had two ACL tears, multiple hamstring strains, a quad injury, and other lower body issues that have just prevented him from finding any sort of consistency at the major league level.
He’s only played in 100 games once in four years, and that one time came last year in 2025.
He’s only played in 100 games once in four years, and that one time came last year in 2025.
And unfortunately for Lewis that season, what was important for his availability just showed clear regression at the plate.
And unfortunately for Lewis that season, what was important for his availability just showed clear regression at the plate.
He hit 237, which is solid with, which is solid, but his on-base was under 300, and his OPS was under 700, and he was, as he was missing his trademark power.
He hit 237, which is solid with, which is solid, but his on-base was under 300, and his OPS was under 700, and he was, as he was missing his trademark power.
He only launched 13 home runs in over 100 games.
He only launched 13 home runs in over 100 games.
The power that once made him one of baseball’s most exciting young hitters was not consistent or present.
The power that once made him one of baseball’s most exciting young hitters was not consistent or present.
That context makes his mindset entering 2026 especially important.
That context makes his mindset entering 2026 especially important.
Lewis appeared on MLB Network Radio, and he made it clear that his goal this year and the plan is to reach 700 plate appearances, along with making great defensive plays, being reliable for his pitching staff, and also he wa- added that he wanted to run the bases more.
Lewis appeared on MLB Network Radio, and he made it clear that his goal this year and the plan is to reach 700 plate appearances, along with making great defensive plays, being reliable for his pitching staff, and also he wa- added that he wanted to run the bases more.
It’s a simple plan, but an ambitious one given his history.
It’s a simple plan, but an ambitious one given his history.
Reaching 700 plate appearances is far-fetched and will require Lewis to stay healthy for essentially the entire year, which is just something he’s, hasn’t accomplished.
Reaching 700 plate appearances is far-fetched and will require Lewis to stay healthy for essentially the entire year, which is just something he’s, hasn’t accomplished.
But still, the emphasis on improving all aspects of his game, along with just being on the field, is big for Lewis, and hopefully it turns around for him this year.
But still, the emphasis on improving all aspects of his game, along with just being on the field, is big for Lewis, and hopefully it turns around for him this year.
This spring is a big one for him as well, improving his worth under new manager Derek Shelton and the updated coaching staff, and he needs to define his role on the team.
This spring is a big one for him as well, improving his worth under new manager Derek Shelton and the updated coaching staff, and he needs to define his role on the team.
He still has high potential, and the Twins clearly recognize that, because when he’s at his best, he brings that impact on the offensive side that’s irreplaceable with any talent on, any talent internally or possibly externally.
He still has high potential, and the Twins clearly recognize that, because when he’s at his best, he brings that impact on the offensive side that’s irreplaceable with any talent on, any talent internally or possibly externally.