Twins’ Struggling Top Pick Remains Clutch

Things have not gone well for the Minnesota Twins this season. Then they have not gone well some more. That’s why they have a 62-74 record and underwent an insane selloff at the trade deadline.

What does need to happen is more development and growth for 2026. Rocco Baldelli needs to see his holdover pieces not only produce, but look like they can be part of the solution in the years ahead.

That hasn’t been the case for Royce Lewis most of this season. He has been more of a problem than an answer. Of late though, the tide is turning.

Royce Lewis coming up big for Minnesota Twins

As has been the case for most of his career, Royce Lewis has dealt with injuries this season. He missed time early for a hamstring, and has returned to produce just an 82 OPS+. His characteristic hot hitting has eluded him at times, but it showed up in August while leading the team in RBI. It happened without him even knowing it.

“Really? That’s pretty cool. I don’t feel like I’ve been hitting like I should lately. Of course I think about trying to get the run in anytime I get a chance. I want those every day. I have high confidence and standards for myself. If I’m not living up to them, you know, it bothers me. I don’t care what the stats say — of late, I’m not playing up to my standards.”

Royce Lewis – Star Tribune

Lewis holds himself to a high bar, and as he told the Star Tribune’s Phil Miller, the results aren’t satisfactory. Across 81 games Lewis owns just a .229/.289/.380 slash line. Dating back to last year, a span of 163 games, Lewis has hit .231/.292/.417. It’s a far cry from his 149 OPS+ as a rookie.

Five career grand slams? MAKE IT SIX ‼️ pic.twitter.com/p6vddvKtiv

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 23, 2025

Minnesota once looked at Lewis as a building block for the future. It’s still possible he could be that, but it’s become less obvious at 26 years old than it was at 24 years old. The league has adjusted to Lewis, and while he has as well, the starts and stops have been detrimental.

Even amidst the lack of consistent production, Lewis has remained clutch. He’s still Mr. Grand Slam and has come through with timely production. Feeling like himself again would take it all back over the top.

If there is anything that Lewis needs, it’s a clean bill of health. His career has been interrupted by maladies over the place. It’s possible that they have taken their toll on his body as well.

Related: Former MN Twins Gold Glove Winner Lands New Team

With 26 games to play, Lewis needs 19 more to reach 100. It would be the first time in his career that he has done so, and he could do it in a season that veteran leader Byron Buxton has as well. Minnesota would love that as a building block for the future. They just need to see the production return as well.