Rocco Baldelli to Royce Lewis: “Come Ready to Work” at Second Base for Twins

[Cody Christie]

Royce Lewis has played on the left side of the infield for the majority of his professional career. Now, the Twins are working behind the scenes for a potential position switch. What does that mean for their talented infielder?

Image courtesy of Kareem Elgazzar - USA Today Sports

The Minnesota Twins have been making notable shifts in their infield strategy, and one of the most intriguing developments is their decision to work Royce Lewis out at second base. Traditionally known for his shortstop skills, Lewis is now being asked to bring his athleticism and versatility to a new position, after switching to third base last season. This strategic move is part of the Twins’ broader approach to maximize their roster’s potential and address current team needs.

Filling a Need at Second Base
With injuries and fluctuating performances affecting their infield lineup, the Twins are looking for stability and consistency at second base. Minnesota has used five players at second base this season, including three guys with more than 240 innings (Edouard Julien, Willi Castro, and Kyle Farmer). By working Lewis at second base, the Twins aim to add depth and reliability to this crucial position.

Rocco Baldelli, the Twins' manager, highlighted the importance of this transition when he spoke directly to Lewis. In Sunday’s “Inside Twins” episode, Baldelli talked about his conversation with Lewis.

“You need to come ready to work,” Baldelli told him, emphasizing that Lewis’s readiness and commitment would be crucial to his success in this potential new role. A position switch isn’t imminent, but the Twins want Lewis prepared for a move that can help the team in October--even if it be temporary, or part-time. 

Maximizing Lewis’s Talent and Versatility
Lewis, a highly-touted prospect and former No. 1 overall draft pick, brings unique skills to the Twins. His athleticism, range, and quick reflexes make him a natural fit for middle infield positions. While he has primarily been groomed as a shortstop, his adaptability allows the Twins to experiment with him at second base without losing defensive quality.

Lewis’s experience and success in the minor leagues, combined with his impressive play at the major-league level, suggest that he can handle the challenges of second base. He played part of one game in the minor leagues at second base (5 innings) and started four games at the position in the Arizona Fall League. His versatility also gives Baldelli more options, enabling the team to adjust lineups based on matchups, injuries, or tactical needs.

Strategic Flexibility and Depth
Another reason behind this positional shift is the Twins’ desire for strategic flexibility. By training Lewis at second base, they can create a more dynamic infield configuration. This flexibility is crucial, especially as the team looks to maintain its position in a competitive AL Central division. 

Having Lewis at second base also opens up opportunities for other players. For instance, it could allow for better utilization of players like Willi Castro, who can play multiple infield positions. Brooks Lee is returning from injury and can take over at third base, or José Miranda can start at the hot corner. Minnesota’s best lineup might include Lewis as the defensive second baseman. 

Preparing for the Future
The Twins are not just focused on this season, but are also building for the future. By working Lewis into different roles, they are preparing him for a long-term impact. Lewis’s ability to play multiple positions could be a significant asset as the team evolves and adapts in the coming years.

Baldelli’s challenge to Lewis to “come ready to work” reflects the club’s belief in his potential and the importance of his role moving forward. It’s a message that underscores the Twins' high expectations for Lewis, not just in the present, but as a cornerstone of their future plans.

The decision to start working Lewis at second base is a strategic move by the Minnesota Twins aimed at addressing immediate needs while also building for the future. With his talent, versatility, and readiness to adapt, Lewis has the potential to become a key player in the Twins’ lineup. As the team navigates the rest of the season, Lewis’s development at second base will be a storyline to watch, reflecting the organization's immediate aspirations and long-term vision.

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Should Lewis move to second base? What is the team’s best defensive lineup? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[CRF]

With his injury history, I really don't want to see him at 2nd. To me, that's just asking for trouble. 

[Blyleven2011]

I wish Rocco would come ready to work ...

I will never cut him any slack ...

Seriously though ...

Lewis to second , it's okay but I have 1 question  ,,,

Why do they wait until a player gets to the show and then move them around to different positions , when they didn't do it in the developmental stages of his professional career  ...

I'm sure Lewis will be fine anywhere  he plays ...

[dxpavelka]

Not sure I want a guy who has trouble staying healthy staring into the teeth of double play break up attempts.  Even if that's not a big thing anymore.  Until it is.

[dxpavelka]

26 minutes ago, CRF said:

With his injury history, I really don't want to see him at 2nd. To me, that's just asking for trouble. 

agree

[HerbieFan]

I guess I figured Castro would settle in there once Correa comes back.

[Riverbrian]

If you want to get Lewis, Correa, Buxton, Miranda, Santana, Wallner, Kepler, Larnach and Jeffers into the lineup against right handers in the playoffs.

Who is the best Choice to play 2B?

I'd say Lewis. Actually... I'd say Lewis is the only option to play 2B from this group.

Castro needs to be the 10th guy for three reasons. 

1. The other two roster options... Margot and Farmer should not be in the lineup against right handers... Period. However, you know that they will grab a bat if the opposing team drops a left hander on the mound. The team will need a Castro who can play multiple positions so someone can replace Margot or Farmer when the other team goes back to a right hander. 

2. They will need a Castro to pinch run for a slower player or be a defensive replacement anywhere on the diamond.

3. Castro will be needed to start against right handers if anybody in the above 9 doesn't make the playoff roster due to injury. 

Lee won't be on the playoff roster unless there is an injury. I'd guess, Kirilloff, Julien and Martin would be the top 3 choices for the playoff roster if an injury occurs. 

It's good to get prepped for this possibility. That way we can put our actual best lineup against right handers in the playoffs. I generally think it's a good idea to do that.

I agree with Blyleven11... Things like this could have been prepped for earlier. 

 

[Doctor Gast]

I'd prefer he stays at 3B. Unless it's OF. I guess I'm fine with him playing 2B

[Mike Sixel]

Twins move players around in the minors....."why didn't they have them play one position so they're good"

Twins move guys around in the majors...."why didn't they prep for this in the minors?"

I'll bet my life savings this isn't Rocco deciding this on his own....

[Riverbrian]

15 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Twins move players around in the minors....."why didn't they have them play one position so they're good"

Twins move guys around in the majors...."why didn't they prep for this in the minors?"

I'll bet my life savings this isn't Rocco deciding this on his own....

The Dichotomy that you illustrate is why I've basically decided to not worry about it. 

Take Brooks Lee for example. Correa is our SS and Lewis is our 3B. They are pretty locked at those spots if healthy. 2B is the most obvious spot to open up for Lee. Where does he play in the minors. SS almost exclusively with a handful of 3B and 2B. 

You never know where the opening will occur for a prospect like Lee. Prep him for as many possible openings as you can since you don't know where the opening will occur. 

What happens. Royce Lewis gets hurt... Lee comes up to play 3B. Correa then gets hurt and Lee Slides to 2B as Castro moves to SS and then Rocco flips Lee and Castro around. 

In a nutshell... The Twins don't seem to worry much about Prep so I'm not going to worry about it. Players will just be moved when necessity dictates it. 

[tony&rodney]

Can't hurt for Lewis to play in the field. Right now he is mostly a DH.

[mikelink45]

I would have thought. Lee would be the second baseman. But perhaps they think that Lewis is not as good in the field. Third base as the other options would be. Unfortunately. Julien has not lived up to this expectations. 

And they do need to get Miranda into the lineup.

[USAFChief]

Did I miss the Twins saying they're working him at 2nd base?

[JD-TWINS]

3 hours ago, Blyleven2011 said:

I wish Rocco would come ready to work ...

I will never cut him any slack ...

Seriously though ...

Lewis to second , it's okay but I have 1 question  ,,,

Why do they wait until a player gets to the show and then move them around to different positions , when they didn't do it in the developmental stages of his professional career  ...

I'm sure Lewis will be fine anywhere  he plays ...

Gotta flex to fill needs - Lee & Miranda can both play 3B, particularly Miranda in ‘24. No need to get Lewis reps at 2B if Julien or Farmer could play at a high level - neither are even average - time to be flexible.

Miranda’s bat in the line-up along with Lewis is a big deal.

Lee is clearly a better defensive 3B than Lewis.

The torque on the body and legs (potential for) at 2B is a concern but as you say - Lewis should be fine anywhere he plays.

[JD-TWINS]

2 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

The Dichotomy that you illustrate is why I've basically decided to not worry about it. 

Take Brooks Lee for example. Correa is our SS and Lewis is our 3B. They are pretty locked at those spots if healthy. 2B is the most obvious spot to open up for Lee. Where does he play in the minors. SS almost exclusively with a handful of 3B and 2B. 

You never know where the opening will occur for a prospect like Lee. Prep him for as many possible openings as you can since you don't know where the opening will occur. 

What happens. Royce Lewis gets hurt... Lee comes up to play 3B. Correa then gets hurt and Lee Slides to 2B as Castro moves to SS and then Rocco flips Lee and Castro around. 

In a nutshell... The Twins don't seem to worry much about Prep so I'm not going to worry about it. Players will just be moved when necessity dictates it. 

I like it, play where needs as necessity dictates - it seemed Lee was clearly more comfortable and just better than Lewis at 3B after just seeing a few games in the Show. Maybe time for Royce to move, due to necessity being Julien & Farmer underperforming!

[Fatbat]

26 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

I like it, play where needs as necessity dictates - it seemed Lee was clearly more comfortable and just better than Lewis at 3B after just seeing a few games in the Show. Maybe time for Royce to move, due to necessity being Julien & Farmer underperforming!

It would be difficult for Julien and Farmer to suck worse.  Both may be elsewhere in ‘25

[bean5302]

I've never been a fan of the musical chairs defense strategy. In my opinion, all you wind up with is a whole bunch of players who are poor at all the positions.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I am trying to envision the New York Yankees moving Derek Jeter around the infield. 

[dxpavelka]

16 minutes ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

I am trying to envision the New York Yankees moving Derek Jeter around the infield. 

That's cuz Jeter took the SS job by the balls and never let it go.  Lewis has not done such a thing.

 

[Mike Sixel]

27 minutes ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

I am trying to envision the New York Yankees moving Derek Jeter around the infield. 

They probably should have.....

But, come on, Lewis can't even play 80 games a year....

[wabene]

Good idea, Lee is better at 3rd. Lewis has gotten hurt walking on an icy sidewalk, playing center field, swinging a bat and running the bases. Slides into second to break up the double play don't happen anymore. He either will be healthy or not, where he plays doesn't matter from a health perspective. Play him where he helps the team the most. Letting Lee make the throws from 3rd helps the team.

[William K Johnson]

I still think his ultimate position is left field.    He has the arm strength and athleticism to handle the position.   Lee can play third, Castro at second, and Miranda at first or DH.  Of course, all this is assuming that we get our shortstop back soon.   While on the subject on outfield, it sure looks like both Wallner and Larnac are set to man the corners for several years.   Now if we can only keep Buxton healthy.   Castro and Martin can be backup centerfielders with Lewis moving to second when Castro is in center and Larnac in left. 

[Riverbrian]

8 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

I like it, play where needs as necessity dictates - it seemed Lee was clearly more comfortable and just better than Lewis at 3B after just seeing a few games in the Show. Maybe time for Royce to move, due to necessity being Julien & Farmer underperforming!

Last year in the playoffs. We had Farmer, Castro and Solano on the roster. We had an injured Lewis who could only DH. 

It was Polanco who started at 3B. Chosen over 3 other options. Necessity dictated that because Julien had become one of our best hitters at 2B so Julien was deemed necessary against Right handed hitters in the playoffs. 

Last year... Necessity required cover for Lewis. Fast forward to a year later. Miranda is the new Julien rising up the depth chart with good play during the season creating the necessity of Lewis covering for Julien at 2B. 

Necessity is the mother of invention. 

 

[Riverbrian]

8 hours ago, bean5302 said:

I've never been a fan of the musical chairs defense strategy. In my opinion, all you wind up with is a whole bunch of players who are poor at all the positions.

A player changing positions is not musical chairs.

Being rigid positionally results in better players on the bench and lesser players starting. 

[wabene]

44 minutes ago, William K Johnson said:

I still think his ultimate position is left field. 

This is another good option for him, especially considering all the left-handed outfield bats the Twins have up and down the system.

[mickster]

8 hours ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

I am trying to envision the New York Yankees moving Derek Jeter around the infield. 

I give you Mookie Betts.  SS, 2B, RF - still an All-Star

[terrydactyls]

That was an interesting article.  It contained eleven paragraphs and they all reiterated that Lee is better at third, there is a need for a solid second baseman, and that Lewis might be asked to fill that need.  I believe that this is article #312 this year telling us that Lewis "might" be used at second base 

[Old Twins Hat]

I clicked on this article when I read the title:  Come Ready to Work

The body language, facial expressions and easy-going smile of Royce -- when on the field and interacting with opponents -- has really been bothering me.

The ultimate goal of a professional baseball player is to win.  And when the team is not winning, or even when they are, it's more than a little off-putting to appear as if you are in a greeting line at a wedding.

C'mon Royce, get the game face on and play to win.  It's not a popularity contest.

[LambchoP]

Sounds to me like they don't see Correa getting back on the field anytime soon. With Lee healthy again, they can play Lewis at 2nd, Lee at SS and Miranda at 3rd. Probably the best way to get all their bats in the lineup. I still think for 2025 they'll have Lewis at 1st to try and keep him healthy, and not worry about his poor throws. That is only if we don't sign a legit power hitter to play first, which would be a real long shot. If anything maybe they'll offer Santana another year...

[Craig Arko]

The reason I don’t think Lewis moves to first is the number and variety of stretches and splits a first baseman has to make. This would stress precisely the areas of his body where his most recent injuries have occurred. Perhaps unwise.