Can Royce Lewis Stick at Third Base, or Do Twins Need to Move Him Elsewhere?

[Cody Schoenmann]

The Twins' star third baseman has struggled defensively at the hot corner this year. Should the Twins move him off the position over the winter?

Image courtesy of © Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

According to Outs Above Average (OAA) at Baseball Savant, Royce Lewis currently grades out as average at third base. Owning a 0 OAA ranks him second on the team, to Kyle Farmer (1 OAA). Due to missing too many games, the Twins' star third baseman doesn't qualify for league-wide leaderboards. If he did, however, he would reside in the 19-21 range, alongside Enrique Hernández, Trey Lipscomb, and José Ramirez. Lewis is still an extraordinary athlete who shows it at times, but on a day-to-day basis, he doesn't make as many plays as an average fielder.

Lewis is a fringe-average third baseman, according to most defensive metrics. However, the eye test tells a different story. Whether it be bobbling what should be routine groundballs, struggling to get a glove on balls in the "5.5-hole," or bouncing or sailing throws to first base while releasing from an awkward overhead arm angle, the former first-round pick looks uncomfortable at the hot corner. His inability to find his footing in the position could stem from often missing extended time due to various significant injuries. Still, his recent blunders have negatively affected to team's ability to get out of innings and protect leads.

Rightfully, the team will give the star 25-year-old endless opportunities at third base for the rest of this season. Lewis, his agent Scott Boras, and Twins decision-makers agree that he is best suited at third base for the time being. Playing him in center field is no longer an option, and a transition to his natural position (shortstop) is out of the question, both because .Carlos Correa exists and because injuries have sapped Lewis's athleticism.

Lewis will always factor into the designated hitter mix. Yet, there are positions other than third base he could be better suited to play next season and beyond, and with José Miranda and Brooks Lee becoming intriguing options at the position, the Twins could be incentivized to make the tough decision of moving Lewis. So, what positions could Lewis be more equipped to play? Let's take a look.

Second Base
The first position the Twins could justifiably move Lewis to is second base. The keystone is considered lower on the new defensive spectrum, as positioning and rules changes have made the position easier and less dangerous. However, if Lewis were to transition to the position, he would need to cover more ground and learn the nuances of turning double plays and tagging runners on throws down from the catcher.

The organization's long-term outlook for the position is uncertain. Willi Castro will enter free agency after next season, and Edouard Julien has been unable to produce at the plate at the major-league level, despite vast defensive improvements. Austin Martin is best utilized as a versatile bench guy, rather than being stuck at one position, and infield prospect Luke Keaschall will spend significant time recovering from Tommy John surgery to begin next season. Lee makes sense as a long-term option, yet he would provide the most value as an above-average defensive third baseman.

While moving Lewis to second base makes sense on the surface, the transition likely won't happen. The risk of injury is still higher at second base than third, due to a greater chance of colliding with runners and the need to make faster, twitchier movements more often. Keeping Lewis healthy and his bat in the lineup are the top priorities for the Twins, meaning it wouldn't make sense for the organization to place him at a position where he is more likely to sustain an injury.

Left Field
Lewis has played two innings in left field since being selected first overall by the Twins in the 2017 MLB Draft. His sole appearance at the position occurred in 2022, when the organization was testing him at various positions at Triple-A with the intention of deploying him in a utility role with the parent club. Unfortunately, he tore his right ACL while playing center field soon after. That said, it is fair to assume he would have appeared in left field at some point that year, if he hadn't sustained the season-ending injury.

Max Kepler is expected to sign elsewhere this upcoming offseason, leaving an opening in the corner outfield spots. Upon Kepler's departure, Matt Wallner will likely become the full-time right fielder, leaving an opening in left field. Trevor Larnach will get the bulk of the opportunities at the position. Yet, he is better suited in a part-time role. The Twins could convert Lewis into a left fielder and have him patrol the position part-time alongside Larnach, Martin, and Castro. Lewis could switch between left field and DH duties, allowing the team to maximize flexibility while playing him at a position with little injury threat and low on the defensive spectrum. Nevertheless, Lewis and his representation appear squeamish about the idea of him playing in the outfield, likely making this idea implausible. With second base and left field seemingly functioning as nonstarters, what position could the Twins and Lewis realistically agree on?

First Base
The most intriguing (yet least discussed) possibility is turning Lewis into the team's primary first baseman next season. Admittedly, this idea feels far-fetched, but there is some merit behind the logic. Now, first base isn't a position where a manager can place anyone there and get by. First base is much more challenging than many perceive it to be, and those who excel at the position (hello, Carlos Santana) deserve more recognition than they often receive. With a little work, though, Lewis could be great at the spot.

As noted, Lewis and his agency seemingly want him to stay in the dirt, while avoiding a position that puts him at greater risk of injury. Despite the rare collision, first base is one of the least injury-risky positions in the sport. The cold corner would provide the franchise cornerstone talent the opportunity to stay in the infield, while not needing to make exceptionally challenging plays at the hot corner or those long throws that seem to vex him. Although he would need to learn the nuances of the position and work on his ability to pick errant throws, there is no reason to believe he couldn't adequately develop those skills.

Lewis's greatest strength at third base is his glovework. He has good hand-eye coordination, and it translates to picking the ball cleanly much of the time. Footwork, range, and throws are his weak points. Transitioning to first base would allow him to lean into that strength while not needing to stress about the rest.

Turning into the primary first baseman would allow Lewis to lean into his bat, where most of his value resides. Lewis has the skillset and explosive in-game power necessary to produce like the top offensive AL first basemen, such as Josh Naylor, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Ryan O'Hearn. Santana's free agency this upcoming offseason leaves a sizable hole at first base. Miranda and Julien could ostensibly fill it. Alternatively, though, the organization could make a bold move and move Lewis to the offense-first position.

Nevertheless, feeling confident about Lewis at any one position is nearly impossible. Each position will inevitably present a downside. He doesn't have the skillset necessary to stay at third base long-term; second base presents an increased injury risk; and plopping him at left field or first base would diminish his value. Still, what is most important is keeping him healthy and ensuring his bat stays in the lineup. While it's not appealing, the Twins could be highly incentivized to convert Lewis into a left fielder or first baseman while providing him more opportunities as a designated hitter.

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[jmlease1]

Way too early to be looking to move Lewis down the defensive spectrum, and I hate seeing any speculation about the OF related to him because that was SUCH a THING on this site.

He's struggled defensively this season, but was quality there last year. Seems much more likely that his problems at 3B this season have more to do with injuries, lack of playing time, and small sample size than any kind of definitive statement that "Royce Can't Play 3B".

Royce only has 200 innings at 3B this season. Even if he stays healthy the rest of the year he's probably only going to get another 250 innings there this year. Too soon to panic, too soon to make the call based on such a small sample. He's got the talent to play there and the drive to succeed. Patience is required.

And please, no more conversations about moving him to the OF!

[Karbo]

Moving him into the OF seems like a no go. 2nd base would be a bit of a challenge due to the footwork that is needed there, and Lewis seems to have a problem with his lower body, probably due to all the injuries. 1st base seems like the most logical, but I'm not so sure Santana will be gone. That leads back to 3rd. Maybe he just needs some off season work to improve there. The Kids an athlete, so with some extra work, he could probably improve quite a bit.

[mikelink45]

Interesting speculation, but I am not ready to ask for a move.  He needs to be injury free for an extended period and then we can just his abilities.  For now he needs no more changes.

[TL]

Agree it’s too early, but for next 12 months they should be evaluating best roles for Lee, Miranda, Lewis. Those three can cover 1st and 3rd long term (with DH, SS, 2B mixed in), but as yet it is unclear who deserves most time at the hot corner.
 

This assumes Julien’s bat comes around and he takes back 2B

[chpettit19]

I agree with everyone else that it's too soon to pull the plug on him at 3B. I'm not sure he's the best option there (I think Lee is better there defensively), but until somebody pushes him out of the spot I wouldn't move him yet. I do think, no matter where he plays, he should spend the offseason reworking his throwing motion, though.

I've never seen such an athletic person look so uncomfortable throwing. I don't remember if he's always thrown that way or if he's trying to emulate Correa or what, but it looks like he's thinking about how to throw the ball on routine plays and it looks so uncomfortable. On quick hitting plays where he isn't thinking and is just reacting and playing he looks much more athletic, to me. But on routine plays where he takes a couple hop steps to first and throws from that super uncomfortable looking angle he looks like he's thinking about everything and he looks so unathletic. Whether he moves to 2B, or even 1B (I hope he's not all the way down to 1B anytime soon), I think they should rework his throwing motion.

[Linus]

I just want the Twins to give actual consideration to defense in determining where people play. Scouts have projected Brooks Lee to be an elite third baseman. If that is true then put him there and have elite defensive production. Of course he has to hit and we don’t really know that yet. Main point: put players in positions where they can be plus defenders. Royce is an athlete so the variety of plays at second base would fit in with his overall athleticism. I’m not worried about him getting hurt there as the takeout slide isn’t a thing anymore. Of all his injuries only one occurred in the field anyway. Left field is certainly a need for the club and he would have the ability to be a plus defender- think Alex Gordon. By doing this you start putting together a team that can play elite defense and experience far fewer “what the hell happened there” plays. 

[Rod Carews Birthday]

I’m not necessarily anti moving Lewis to 1B, but I think it is premature at best.  He has the glove, that’s the key.  He definitely needs work on throwing, but that is a skill that can be learned and practiced.  A “Julien” style defensive emphasis over the winter could do wonders.  

In the long term, I think the infield will be Correa at short, Lewis/Lee at third, Lee/Julien at second, Julien/Lewis at first.  They have the people in place to make this work but it will require some patience and persistence.  Doing so will allow things to shake out into the best solution.  There are others in the system who could force their way into the picture and/or one of these guys could get traded, but I think this is the most likely outcome for the next year or two.  This also frees up Martin and Castro to truly be utility players, which makes everyone else that much better. 

[TwinsDr2021]

I agree it is too early, but I don't get why RF or LF is out of the question in the future.

He seems like he has mad skills at third, but in reality has played so little baseball in the last 8 years (only 102 games at 3rd) that it shouldn't be a surprise he struggles a times, it sure seems like he has slowed the game down at the plate, but in the field the game still looks fast for him.

[wabene]

It was apparent very quickly that Lee is a better fielder at 3rd, short and 2nd. Much more fundamentally sound and instinctive. Putting Lee where he helps the team the most should be the priority. Lewis as the lesser fielder should be given secondary consideration.

I don't know why moving Lewis to the outfield is feared. It makes no sense to me. If you are worried about injury potential at 2nd, why not left field? He has the bat. We have not adequately filled the position since Rosario's departure. We have unsuccessfully attempted to get a right handed corner bat. Lewis solves both of those problems.

[Trov]

I doubt they move him off 3rd next year, unless he becomes a complete liability there.  If they do I could see more of a move to 1st, to help keep him healthy than LF.  

[Doctor Gast]

When a player is graded as average that means he is able to make the plays that an average player can make. I agree that talking about transitioning Lewis off 3B shouldn't be an issue right now. Lee is a potential All-Star 3B but Lewis is the heart & soul of the team talk about disturbing him now is silly. Lewis is still a better 3Bman than Miranda. 

Grant it that 1B isn't as easy as many may think yet many defensive deficit players can get by there. IMO too much credit & playing time has been given to Santana instead of Miranda. 1B under Santana has been close to the least productive team position of the Twins, according to WAR. The priority at 1B is slugging not defense.

[gregens]

4 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

When a player is graded as average that means he is able to make the plays that an average player can make. I agree that talking about transitioning Lewis off 3B shouldn't be an issue right now. Lee is a potential All-Star 3B but Lewis is the heart & soul of the team talk about disturbing him now is silly. Lewis is still a better 3Bman than Miranda. 

Grant it that 1B isn't as easy as many may think yet many defensive deficit players can get by there. IMO too much credit & playing time has been given to Santana instead of Miranda. 1B under Santana has been close to the least productive team position of the Twins, according to WAR. The priority at 1B is slugging not defense.

I haven't looking at the defensive metrics, but to my eyes, Miranda is a better 3rd baseman then Lewis so far this year.  Miranda's arm seems more accurate and he looks better at charging the ball, and better at off balance throws.

[Doctor Gast]

9 minutes ago, gregens said:

I haven't looking at the defensive metrics, but to my eyes, Miranda is a better 3rd baseman then Lewis so far this year.  Miranda's arm seems more accurate and he looks better at charging the ball, and better at off balance throws.

You might be right Gregen, & I respect your opinion about Miranda this season, where I'm looking at both their entire career at 3B. More than likely Lewis isn't 100% this season which affects his defense, Hopefully, Lewis will improve & become above average at 3B. Yet I also like Miranda at 3B.

[Fatbat]

Lewis is going to have a few defensive homes in his career. Has anyone else noticed that he has added weight and muscle mass to his core?  He isnt lanky anymore. Eventually he will probably move to 1B and when he is still hitting HR’s every other AB, he will become a DH at 41 years old. 

[gregens]

5 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

You might be right Gregen, & I respect your opinion about Miranda this season, where I'm looking at both their entire career at 3B. More than likely Lewis isn't 100% this season which affects his defense, Hopefully, Lewis will improve & become above average at 3B. Yet I also like Miranda at 3B.

Yes, long-term it would be great if the infield had, Correa, Lewis, Lee, and Miranda.  Like you inferred, player health might determine where they actually play.

[USAFChief]

Put him at 1st and be done with it.

As an added benefit, maybe it'll help keep him on the field. 

[Fatbat]

5 minutes ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

What about Miranda?  IMO he needs to be a rotational player at 3B, 1B, and DH.  Also, I see Lee as Correa's backup at short.

and someone better account for K. Culpepper in ‘26! He could be the real deal. 

[gregens]

2 minutes ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

What about Miranda?  IMO he needs to be a rotational player at 3B, 1B, and DH.  Also, I see Lee as Correa's backup at short.

I agree Lee should be the backup at short if and when he starts hitting better.

I have lost a lot of confidence in Julian this year, but hopefully its just a sophmore slump.  Though I haven't watched him play for the Saints this year, the box scores sure contain way to many strike outs for his current lack of power.

[tony&rodney]

A decision on where Lewis plays is dependent on how a couple of others develop. There are four positions (DH, 1B, 2B, 3B) to fill, not counting the outfield and it is totally fair to include LF and RF.

Lewis is behind Lee and Miranda at 3B if looking at production with a glove. I don't believe Lewis or Miranda can play 2B. The best position for Lewis might be 1B or DH. He is prone to injuries and fairly musclebound. 

I'm not concerned about 3B going forward because any of Lee, Miranda, or Lewis should be adequate. The real concern is 2B and filling 1B with someone who can make the plays, which are far more under appreciated at times. Santana has played a good 1B and the hope is that next year the change doesn't hurt.

[Riverbrian]

Context will determine where Lewis needs to play. Future context is yet to be determined. 

I think locking him into a position is a mistake because he can play multiple positions. If we have the opportunity to trade for Nolan Arenado are we going to say no because Lewis locked into third base.   

Of course he can move to another position if needed.

Royce Lewis is an athlete and a superstar. Utilize him wherever the context of the team needs him to be. 

[NYCTK]

1 hour ago, Karbo said:

Moving him into the OF seems like a no go. 2nd base would be a bit of a challenge due to the footwork that is needed there, and Lewis seems to have a problem with his lower body, probably due to all the injuries. 1st base seems like the most logical, but I'm not so sure Santana will be gone. That leads back to 3rd. Maybe he just needs some off season work to improve there. The Kids an athlete, so with some extra work, he could probably improve quite a bit.

If we're already talking about 1B we should honestly trade him. 

[David Maro]

If Lewis is going to stay at third he should have stayed at AAA.You don't learn to play a position in the majors.He has the glove,but his throws are air mailed.With someone other than Santana playing 1st you would see many more errors.He would be better suited playing LF or 1st.The team does need his bat in the lineup,so he should be doing what is best for the team.

[Otaknam]

Lewis is a great athlete and is fast despite his numerous leg injuries. He will get better with constant playing time. We already saw the result of playing him waaay out of position in the outfield. So keep him at third as long as Correa is on the team.

[Otaknam]

10 minutes ago, NYCTK said:

If we're already talking about 1B we should honestly trade him. 

No one is talking about first base, except as click bait. Moving such a great athlete to first would be management malfeasance. 

[Blyleven2011]

3rd base is Lewis  , with some work he can transition  himself to a gold glove 3rd basemen  and I'm sure he desires to be a gold glover , give him time and give him health and he will succeed ..

Koskie  and gaetti  were way worse than Lewis to begin their twins career  and with work turned out to be exceptional third basemen ....

[chpettit19]

2 minutes ago, Otaknam said:

No one is talking about first base, except as click bait. Moving such a great athlete to first would be management malfeasance. 

If they're not willing to move him to the OF and they have 4+ everyday quality bats on the IF and he's the worst fielder of the infielders they should absolutely move him to 1B. It's not a problem right now so it's not a real discussion point for the rest of 2024. But it could very much be a real discussion point in 2025 and beyond. If Lee is an everyday bat in 2025 he gives them 4 everyday IFers. That's not even counting Julien maybe bouncing back next year. If Lewis isn't the best option at any other IF position they should move him to 1B. Playing a worse defender at 3B because he's a better athlete would be "management malfeasance." There's a very real chance Lewis is the worst IF defender amongst the 5 guys likely fighting for everyday ABs next year. At this point it's probably a fight between him and Julien.

[Road trip]

1 hour ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

I agree it is too early, but I don't get why RF or LF is out of the question in the future.

He seems like he has mad skills at third, but in reality has played so little baseball in the last 8 years (only 102 games at 3rd) that it shouldn't be a surprise he struggles a times, it sure seems like he has slowed the game down at the plate, but in the field the game still looks fast for him.

The key problem is bolded.  Royce has barely played 3b and is still learning and becoming comfortable in the position.  In unfortunately typical Twins fashion they almost never played him at 3b in the minors (a mere 15 games).  It is little wonder that even Miranda looks better right now at 3b, as he has played it much more.  However Royce appears to be the superior athlete, and likely will become a better fielder at 3b as he gains experience.  His arm is strong enough and his range is adequate, so there is no reason he can't become an above average defender there with a little more work and experience.  Think back to Koskie, who was brutal when young but eventually became an above average fielder at 3b.  Royce should be more than capable of the same evolution so long as he stays healthy.

[jmlease1]

1 hour ago, gregens said:

I haven't looking at the defensive metrics, but to my eyes, Miranda is a better 3rd baseman then Lewis so far this year.  Miranda's arm seems more accurate and he looks better at charging the ball, and better at off balance throws.

Miranda has been good at 3B this season and the metrics reflect it. he's very much improved his play there from his first year in the majors. but he's also played 63 games there this season 2/3 of his total, which has to have helped. Consistent time at a position matters especially for guys who are relatively inexperienced there. remember: Miranda spent most of his time at 2B in the minors and it was his preferred position and he didn't move off it until 2022.

[USAFChief]

22 minutes ago, Otaknam said:

No one is talking about first base, except as click bait. Moving such a great athlete to first would be management malfeasance. 

I might be no one, but I'm talking about moving Lewis to first base.

In 2025, of course. 

We need to get past the fallacy that a base hit counts for less or more depending on where you stand on defense.