What Royce Lewis is Doing Isn’t Normal

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins drafted Royce Lewis with the first overall pick during the 2017 MLB draft. Taking a player in that spot would be reflective of elite talent, but what Lewis is doing in his major league career thus far is anything from normal.

 

Image courtesy of Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Royce Lewis was the first draft pick taken by the new Minnesota Twins front office. Contemplating between players like Hunter Greene and Kyle Wright, it was the talented California infielder that was coming to Minnesota.

It was evident from the start that Lewis had plenty of tools and talent, but his minor league track record was anything but straightforward. There were massive swing changes he worked on, and then there were the interruptions. Covid canceled a season before a slip on ice in Texas took out another. Then there was the fluke play in centerfield with the Twins that wiped away even more games.

By the time Lewis returned to the Twins this season, still with his rookie status in place, he had played just 60 total professional games since 2019. To put that into context, Diamondbacks star rookie Corbin Carroll played 100 games in the minors in 2021 and 2022 before making a 32 game cameo in the majors last year. Orioles rookie Gunnar Henderson got in 217 minor league games the past two seasons before making it to the big leagues. Even 20-year-old Jasson Dominguez played in 295 games on the farm over the past two years before lighting up pitching for the Yankees.

Lewis has age on all of them. Recently having turned 24-years-old, maybe that’s why he has been able to stay so focused and dedicated to his craft. Maybe it’s been the influence of big league mentors like Torii Hunter. Maybe it’s been a support system that include incredible parents, Cindy and William. No matter what it is, the hurdles that were placed in the way of Lewis have done nothing to slow him down.

Through 47 games with Rocco Baldelli’s Twins this season, Lewis has looked every bit a contender for Rookie of the Year. He won’t win the award lacking time to accumulate equal stats, but the numbers compared to games played are jaw-dropping. He owns a .915 OPS while batting .320. He’s launched 11 home runs and has seven doubles to his credit. He’s producing offensively while sliding to the hot corner as an attempt to accommodate Carlos Correa and Edouard Julien on the dirt.

Although the Twins have not been an offensive juggernaut all season, the production has largely funneled through Royce. Having played in half as many games, his 1.9 fWAR ranks third among hitters behind only Ryan Jeffers and Julien. Lewis was playing well before going down with an oblique injury, but he has been otherworldly since his return. In 21 games he’s slashing .313/.387/.627 with five doubles and seven home runs.

If Lewis’ career to this point could be defined by anything, it’s the word “adjustments.” He’s had to adjust his expectations while dealing with stops and disappointments hurled his way. He’s had to work his way back and make tweaks to better his game. The amount of adversity he’s fought through would deter many. He’s been vocal about his faith, and that’s definitely something he has leaned on. It’s also a tireless work ethic that has propped up his ability to succeed.

When the dust settles on the season, it’s more than possible that Lewis tallies an fWAR total in the top 10 for rookies across baseball. That would be nothing short of a miracle given the playing time he’s recorded. Again though, it’s all just a reminder of how abnormal what Lewis is doing is.

As his career goes on, Lewis will need to make adjustments. Opposing pitchers will work to figure him out, and they certainly will hope to avoid giving up grand slams on back-to-back nights. If there’s someone that should be expected to make those adjustments though, it’s Royce. Not everyone saw this type of production coming, but you can bet Lewis knew he had it in him all along.

Minnesota has a potential superstar in the making. The organization has been searching for a consistent star since the likes of Joe Mauer. Lewis gives hope that the next one is developing right before our eyes.

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[old nurse]

Whoever said Royce Lewis was going to be normal?

[CRF]

Royce isn't normal?

[Teflon]

We knew when he was drafted Royce had tools, but the amount of heart he's shown coming back from the ACL injuries is even more impressive. If the Twins don't do everything to make him a fixture in the lineup and the face of this ballclub, they're crazy. He should be piece #1 when putting together next year's team.

[jkcarew]

For him to be really good offensively, either the BABiP will need to hold up OR the HR rate will need to hold up. If they both hold up (along with his health), he’s elite. The BABiP WILL come down…but how much? He’s at 34 HR per 600 PA.

We’ll see. The adjustments regarding how pitchers approach him, have barely begun. But yes, he’s far ahead of where I’d figured he’d be at this point.

[mnfireman]

What Royce Lewis is Doing Isn’t Normal 

But isn't it fun to watch!!

[mikelink45]

This is just a pleasant experience - watching a prospect play to his potential. 

[The Mad King]

I just hope he can stay healthy

[jrod23]

Puckett.  Hunter.  Mauer.  Lewis.  Bold?  Yes.  But this kid is special.  I still get the vibe he annoys Rocco with his infectiously positive personality, but his output has surpassed Rocco's distain.

Honestly though, if you've followed him all the way from draft day, he's a kid you root for.  Incredible person.

[dxpavelka]

⚾

[stringer bell]

He will have some cold spells, and I would be surprised to see his BA stay above .300, but he has a great approach going right now. I hope he can continue at close to this clip and especially be so good in high leverage situations. 

[Squirrel]

3 hours ago, jrod23 said:

I still get the vibe he annoys Rocco with his infectiously positive personality, but his output has surpassed Rocco's distain.

Why do you say this? I get the exact opposite vibe. Everything Rocco has said about Royce is nothing praise

[Mortimerkenny21]

8 hours ago, Squirrel said:

Why do you say this? I get the exact opposite vibe. Everything Rocco has said about Royce is nothing praise

I agree, my best guess would be that Rocco loves the kid, not only because he is putting up great numbers and directly having a hand in won games. But spreading his positivity and energy to the whole team. I think a manager would accepting of that.

[twinssporto]

This kid is for real. Great talent but also has this self-confidence thing going on that is fun to watch. He plays with no fear. Love it!

[wabene]

Now that Sonny and Rocco's feud is over, Rocco has to point his evil passive aggressive nature somewhere. 

 

Edit: Ok I kid, I kid. The thought is my comment is so ridiculous, it might illustrate how silly some of this stuff is. 

[Jeff K]

17 hours ago, Teflon said:

We knew when he was drafted Royce had tools, but the amount of heart he's shown coming back from the ACL injuries is even more impressive. If the Twins don't do everything to make him a fixture in the lineup and the face of this ballclub, they're crazy. He should be piece #1 when putting together next year's team.

I don't think there is too much to be worried about on that score!  I like the other young pieces too with Kirilloff and Julien.  But Royce is the centerpiece.

[jrod23]

On 9/10/2023 at 12:25 AM, Squirrel said:

Why do you say this? I get the exact opposite vibe. Everything Rocco has said about Royce is nothing praise

When Royce was finally back after the second ACL, Rocco was giving an interview.  He recalled Royce calling him and telling him how close he was and how excited he was to get back on the field and claimed Royce was telling him things that weren't true.  He said "...you could only believe about a quarter of what came out of his (Royce's) mouth" and his tone wasn't one of elation.  There was more to the interview, but it was all in kind of a condescending tone.

Just the vibe I got then.  I'm sure it's all good behind closed doors.  How can it not?  The kid's incredible.  I just don't ever get a truly genuine vibe being given off by Rocco ever.  Everything he says is straight out of Crash Davis' book on cliches.  

[Squirrel]

21 minutes ago, jrod23 said:

When Royce was finally back after the second ACL, Rocco was giving an interview.  He recalled Royce calling him and telling him how close he was and how excited he was to get back on the field and claimed Royce was telling him things that weren't true.  He said "...you could only believe about a quarter of what came out of his (Royce's) mouth" and his tone wasn't one of elation.  There was more to the interview, but it was all in kind of a condescending tone.

Just the vibe I got then.  I'm sure it's all good behind closed doors.  How can it not?  The kid's incredible.  I just don't ever get a truly genuine vibe being given off by Rocco ever.  Everything he says is straight out of Crash Davis' book on cliches.  

Do you remember when this interview was? I’d like to find it and listen to it and see if I get the same vibe.

[jrod23]

10 hours ago, Squirrel said:

Do you remember when this interview was? I’d like to find it and listen to it and see if I get the same vibe.

Couldn't tell you exactly.  It was May before he was back.  I tried finding it, but that's a needle in a haystack.  I didn't book mark it.  I logged what he said and how, and it just annoyed me.  He really came off like he discredited Royce.  That being said, I did read some articles where he was quoted praising Royce as well.  It's hard not to.  Maybe it was just a long day and he was tired of having to listen to a hungry young kid tell him he was ready to play.  Who knows.  

[Linus]

Royce is really fun to watch. Scouts talk about makeup and Royce is the best example of why that is important. I would like to caution everyone in that Royce is going to have his ups and downs as all young players do. I really like the fact that he could be a plus fielder at 3rd 2nd and center field. 

[John Belinski]

He is the only Twins player that I want batting with the bases loaded. The Twins record with bases loaded was really bad before Lewis joined the team.

[RpR]

31 minutes ago, John Belinski said:

He is the only Twins player that I want batting with the bases loaded. The Twins record with bases loaded was really bad before Lewis joined the team.

He is the antithesis of Correa.