Royce Lewis is on a mission, and it’s one that could redefine not just his career, but the entire trajectory of the Minnesota Twins. Here’s the bold truth: this 26-year-old third baseman is betting big on himself, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. After a 2025 season that left much to be desired—with a career-low .671 OPS and lingering injury concerns—Lewis has embarked on a transformative offseason that’s equal parts grit and strategy. But here’s where it gets controversial: is his all-in approach enough to turn him into the star the Twins desperately need? Let’s dive in.
When new manager Derek Shelton first visited Lewis in Texas, he was struck by two things: the player’s uncanny ability to order barbecue like a local and, more importantly, his unexpected maturity. Shelton had known Lewis from his early days in the organization, but the player he met this time was a far cry from the highly-touted prospect of 2018-19. And this is the part most people miss: Lewis isn’t just tweaking his game—he’s overhauling it entirely. From hiring a private hitting coach to adopting a rigorous new training regimen, he’s leaving no stone unturned.
One of the most significant changes? Lewis finally embraced the workout plan recommended by his agent, Scott Boras. After battling hamstring strains and playing a career-high 106 games last season, he realized it was time to prioritize durability. “It’s more powerful, more explosive, more volume,” Lewis explained. Even incorporating back squats—something he hadn’t done since 2018 or 2019—despite the initial soreness. Why? To build the resilience needed to avoid the muscle strains that have sidelined him in recent years.
But the real game-changer might be his partnership with private hitting coach Jeremy Isenhower, who also works with stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and former Twin Jorge Polanco. Lewis made multiple trips from Dallas to Houston to work with Isenhower, focusing not on altering his swing, but on refining his preset and loading mechanism. Here’s the kicker: Isenhower pointed out that Lewis was using five different batting stances in a single game—a detail the third baseman hadn’t even noticed. “It felt weird for a month and a half,” Lewis admitted, but he trusted the process.
Amidst all this, Lewis found time for a reunion with former teammate Carlos Correa, who kept him well-fed with pancakes, scrambled eggs, and burgers. “He makes the best food of all time,” Lewis declared. But don’t let the camaraderie distract you—Lewis is dead serious about his goals. Shelton put it best: “This kid wants to be a star. And to be a star, you have to take care of your body, seek external advice, and admit when you’ve made mistakes.”
Now, the question remains: will it all pay off? With a .237 batting average, 13 home runs, and 52 RBIs last season, Lewis has room to grow. But after an offseason he’s called his “favorite,” he’s poised to prove that sometimes, the biggest risk is the one you take on yourself.
Controversial question for you: Is Royce Lewis’s offseason transformation enough to catapult him into stardom, or is he setting himself up for unrealistic expectations? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
