Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Royce Lewis, the 2017 first overall pick, has been demoted to Triple-A St. Paul after a disastrous return from a left knee sprain. Since returning from the injured list on April 21, Lewis has posted a .122 batting average with 25 strikeouts in 68 plate appearances, one home run, and five RBIs. For the season, he's batting .163-.169 with a .539-.581 OPS and a 30.3% strikeout rate (career-worst). Before the injury, he showed promise with an .822 OPS in 12 games. The Twins have benched him multiple times and ultimately sent him down due to poor production and defensive struggles (-2 DRS, -4 OAA). Lewis acknowledged the pressure and uncertainty about his future with the team.
Strengths
- + Former No. 1 overall draft pick with high ceiling
- + Showed promise before injury with .822 OPS in 12 games
- + Only 26 years old with time to recover
- + 81st percentile in barrel percentage indicates some quality contact potential
- + Remained healthy aside from initial knee sprain
- + Demonstrated mental toughness and willingness to work through adversity
Injury Status: day-to-day
About
Royce Lewis is a third baseman for the Minnesota Twins.
Player Overview
3B
Minnesota Twins
Recent News
Twins Option Royce Lewis, Select Orlando Arcia, Designate Justin Topa
May 19, 2026
Twins Option Royce Lewis, Select Orlando Arcia
May 19, 2026
Twins demote former No. 1 pick Royce Lewis to minors after rough start to 2026 season
May 19, 2026
Former first-overall pick Royce Lewis optioned by Twins
May 19, 2026
Ryan Jeffers Diagnosed With Hamate Fracture
May 19, 2026