Minnesota Twins Ramp Up Efforts to Improve Royce Lewis’ Defense

Royce Lewis is going to play third base for the Minnesota Twins. Last season he was asked to take reps at second base, and it he wasn’t a fan of the change. Manager Rocco Baldelli has clarified his Lewis’ role this season. As long has the 2017 No. 1 overall pick is healthy, he’ll be at the hot corner.

Last year, Royce Lewis started at third base on Opening Day. Two at bats later, he left game 1 of 162 with an injury and didn’t return to the field for 59 games. When he returned, and as the last 100 games drug on, Lewis’ defense became an even bigger problem than his .233/.295/.452 bat.

Royce Lewis trying to improve defensively

Just because Lewis is at third base doesn’t mean everything is set for the future. He came up as a shortstop and rarely played third base in the minor leagues. The adjustment has been a struggle. So, if Lewis wants to remain at third base, after the Twins “contemplated moving him to second base during the winter”, according to Bobby Nightengale (Star Tribune).

In 2024, Royce Lewis was worth -2 DRS (defensive runs saved) in his 411.2 innings at third base. According to FanGraphs, that ranked 41st among qualified third basemen (200+ innings at 3B). Lewis’ 2 OAA (outs above average) at third was probably his best defensive statistic from last summer. That ranked 22nd among qualified third basemen.

In 2023, across roughly the same amount of playing time (416.2 innings) our favorite 25-year-old Californian posted roughly the same +2 OAA (No. 24 in MLB). His a +2 DRS makes his entire defensive portfolio from 2023 look better than 2024. In 100 games (over 825 innings) at third the last two seasons, Lewis has totalled 11 errors, most of which came when throwing over to first base.

Twins have multiple coaches working with Lewis to improve his defense

According to what Royce Lewis told Nightengale, the Twins have deployed multiple coaches — including new infield coach Ramon Borrego, Toby Gardenhire and Michael Cuddyer — to work with him, specifically on his angles and footwork.

Michael Cuddyer primarily played outfield during his big league career, but did spend 174 games at 3B. As his career progressed, Cuddy became something of a utility man, working 300 games at first base and also sprinkling in time at second as well.

“Michael Cuddyer being here has been great. He’s been catching me, but at the same time, he’s also teaching. He played it, too. It’s not like he’s never done that. He knows some tricks in the bag that I’d love to put to use. With all these guys helping me, I feel a lot better, for sure. We’re trying to focus on playing back and helping you get that range that you need to get to extra balls. We’ve got cones out there [in drills]. We’ve spray painted lines, and we’re working angles. For me, especially, it’s cool to see that. I’m a visual learner.”

Royce Lewis – Star Tribune

Since his playing days ended, Cuddyer has coached at a high level as well. He was named the manager of Team USA’s 18U team, and has extensive history helping to develop young talent. Lewis has taken it upon himself to watch video of stars like Nolan Arenado and Matt Chapman as well.

Royce Lewis' first defensive chance of the season at Target Field is a diving stop to start a double play from his knees, because of course.

Rockies catcher Elias Díaz was hobbled on his way down the line and came off the field with a trainer. pic.twitter.com/J7iMX8AuBC

— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) June 10, 2024

Related: Twins Turn to Interesting Choice at Leadoff

Talking with Nightengale, Lewis noted a desire to work a greater amount of momentum behind his movements. That allows for him to generate throw power with direction rather than utilizing maximum arm strength. A continued level of comfort will likely help him take another step forward defensively.

Health plays a part for MN Twins Royce Lewis’ defense too

There has never been a question about Royce Lewis’ abilities. Injuries have been a big part of his story though, and last season’s career-high in games played was just 82. It’s one thing to come back and immediately start blasting the ball. It’s another to feel comfortable in the field when you haven’t been able to move regularly for months.

“Having that stop and go, it’s harder on me defensively than it is offensively, because I don’t get to take those reps when you’re injured with a quad, groin, whatever it is. All my injuries have been lower body, so I can’t go out there and take ground balls. But they let me stand in: I can watch pitches. I can go take swings off a tee in a controlled environment. The hitting always catches up fast.”

Royce Lewis – Star Tribune

The more that Lewis can string together consistent stretches of health, the greater likelihood he is able to integrate the defensive changes he is working on.

Related: Minnesota Twins Top Prospects Sidelined at Spring Training

22 third basemen had a 3 DRS or better last year. 21 had a 3 OAA or higher as well. There is plenty of room for Lewis to develop as a defender. He doesn’t need to replicate the Gold Glove that his teammate Carlos Santana won last season, but he can be an upper-half defender with some slight improvements.