Baldelli: "Royce Is Taking More Reps At Third Base"

[Matthew Lenz]

Towards the end of last season, when the Minnesota Twins were in the midst of a historic collapse, Rocco Baldelli had Royce Lewis try his hand at second base. The move was partially due to Lewis' performance at the hot corner (11 errors; 10 throwing), but it was more about the lack of production coming from those at the Keystone, which was a game of mix and match all season.

At the time, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reported that Lewis was "apprehensive" with the move across the diamond. In fact, around that same time, he said the following about moving off third: "If you take a baby out of its crib where it’s safe, it’s going to feel a little bit scared. That’s kind of where I’m at right now".

Despite those concerns, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reiterated ($$) in November that the Twins and Royce Lewis had a "second shot" at second base this offseason. What was interesting in that update was that Hayes led off by stating that Lewis' agent, Scott Boras, thought he'd be open to the move.

Alas, here we are two months later and the latest update from Darren Wilson via the Minnesota Sports with Mackey & Judd podcast is that he's been taking more reps at third than second this offseason. Emphasis on "more", meaning he is still taking reps at second but that seems to be part of the plan to continue mixing and matching at the position, as needed, in 2025.

If the roster generally stays the same between now and opening day, what does your starting infield look like?

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[dxpavelka]

I don't know why we'd put a fish out of water at 2B when we have a real 2B prospect probably a half season away.  Lewis or Lee at 3B and the other at 1B.  Piece together 2B (Castro, Julien, Martin?) until Keaschall arrives.

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, dxpavelka said:

I don't know why we'd put a fish out of water at 2B when we have a real 2B prospect probably a half season away.  Lewis or Lee at 3B and the other at 1B.  Piece together 2B (Castro, Julien, Martin?) until Keaschall arrives.

Don't you forget about Eeles.

[dxpavelka]

55 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Don't you forget about Eeles.

Good point.  One more reason for Lewis to not get anywhere near 2B.  Hell, even his opening day injury last year came when rounding 2B.  I'd put Lee over there for half a season before Lewis.

 

[stringer bell]

15 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

I don't know why we'd put a fish out of water at 2B when we have a real 2B prospect probably a half season away.  Lewis or Lee at 3B and the other at 1B.  Piece together 2B (Castro, Julien, Martin?) until Keaschall arrives.

How clear is your crystal ball? If Keaschall is a lock to be the Twins' second baseman into the 2030s, yeah I wouldn't mess with moving Lewis. However, I thought this would be the third year of Alex Kirilloff's ten-year stretch of being the Twins' middle of the order first baseman. Going into 2024, the story on Brooks Lee was that he was sure to be an MLB regular and perhaps a frequent All-Star, now we're wondering if he might be a utility infielder. Keaschall has passed Lee by in most estimations at TD. I guess I'll wait until he's dominant at Wichita/St. Paul and demonstrates he can handle second base.

This off-season we're projecting on a lot of guys--Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, and to some degree Miranda. I think the surest bet is that Royce Lewis will be in the Twins' lineup every day as long as he's healthy. I'm not sure what the second surest thing is. I know that I like Lee better at third than Lewis, but I might like the combo of Lewis/Lee better with Royce at third. I think that there's a much better than zero chance that Lewis ends up at first base for a majority of his career, but not yet.

[Riverbrian]

51 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

How clear is your crystal ball?

This... Exactly This. 

Set and forget it is following the lemmings off the cliff. Teams need to be prepared to adjust to whatever the season is about to bring them. 

Injuries are going to change the equation. Crappy play is going to change the equation. The front office can't predict injuries and they can't predict crappy play.

If they could... we'd have nothing to complain about. 

 

[IndianaTwin]

9 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

This... Exactly This. 

Set and forget it is following the lemmings off the cliff. Teams need to be prepared to adjust to whatever the season is about to bring them. 

Injuries are going to change the equation. Crappy play is going to change the equation. The front office can't predict injuries and they can't predict crappy play.

If they could... we'd have nothing to complain about. 

 

We'd find something.

[mnfireman]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/01/twins-notes-correa-buxton-ryan-lewis.html

[dxpavelka]

13 hours ago, stringer bell said:

How clear is your crystal ball? If Keaschall is a lock to be the Twins' second baseman into the 2030s, yeah I wouldn't mess with moving Lewis. However, I thought this would be the third year of Alex Kirilloff's ten-year stretch of being the Twins' middle of the order first baseman. Going into 2024, the story on Brooks Lee was that he was sure to be an MLB regular and perhaps a frequent All-Star, now we're wondering if he might be a utility infielder. Keaschall has passed Lee by in most estimations at TD. I guess I'll wait until he's dominant at Wichita/St. Paul and demonstrates he can handle second base.

This off-season we're projecting on a lot of guys--Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, and to some degree Miranda. I think the surest bet is that Royce Lewis will be in the Twins' lineup every day as long as he's healthy. I'm not sure what the second surest thing is. I know that I like Lee better at third than Lewis, but I might like the combo of Lewis/Lee better with Royce at third. I think that there's a much better than zero chance that Lewis ends up at first base for a majority of his career, but not yet.

At the end of the day I just don't see or want to see Lewis at 2B.  Even if for no other reason that I don't want to see a guy made of glass be a target of guys trying to break up double plays.  I know, guys aren't supposed to be doing that any more.  And that's all fine and dandy. Until they do.

 

[Riverbrian]

6 hours ago, IndianaTwin said:

We'd find something.

Find something like... I don't know... moving Royce Lewis to 2B in September? Out of the blue? 😉

[CBtwinsfan]

Myself, I don't like the idea of moving Lewis to second.  As said earlier, Lee will be the second baseman of present with Keaschall being the second baseman as early as second half of this season, then Lee plays third and Lewis plays first.  That a solid defensive and hitting infield.

[awmonahan]

Last season's 2B debacle wasn't anyone's finest hour. 

I love the idea of having versatile players, but we have several prospects who have stalled out in the Majors. Is the focus on versatility hampering their ability to succeed in the Majors? 

[sampleSizeOfOne]

7 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Find something like... I don't know... moving Royce Lewis to 2B in September? Out of the blue? 😉

Yeah. Put Royce Lewis back in the blue!

He was good then.

[dxpavelka]

3 hours ago, CBtwinsfan said:

Myself, I don't like the idea of moving Lewis to second.  As said earlier, Lee will be the second baseman of present with Keaschall being the second baseman as early as second half of this season, then Lee plays third and Lewis plays first.  That a solid defensive and hitting infield.

totally agree

 

[DocBauer]

As of today, Lewis and Lee appear to be the best fits at 3B, with Lewis probably having a slightly/somewhat stronger arm. (Yes. Castro can play it well also, but he's probably gone next year).

Meanwhile, 2B might also be manned by Julien, or Eeles, or Keaschall in addition to Lee. (Martin can also play decently there it appears). For this reason alone, I'd have Lewis at 3B and roll through the more numerous options at 2B. 

[RpR]

3 hours ago, DocBauer said:

As of today, Lewis and Lee appear to be the best fits at 3B, with Lewis probably having a slightly/somewhat stronger arm. (Yes. Castro can play it well also, but he's probably gone next year).

Meanwhile, 2B might also be manned by Julien, or Eeles, or Keaschall in addition to Lee. (Martin can also play decently there it appears). For this reason alone, I'd have Lewis at 3B and roll through the more numerous options at 2B. 

As of now the Twins have 2 players who are not Julien style holes in the defense - Marin to Eeles, no one else.

[DocBauer]

53 minutes ago, RpR said:

As of now the Twins have 2 players who are not Julien style holes in the defense - Marin to Eeles, no one else.

I'm sorry, but what? 

The defense is fine except for Martin and Eeles?  Is that what you are saying?

Martin had a couple good plays at 2B last season, some questionable ones, but mostly played OF where he again made a couple good plays, but was average to very poor in others.

Eeles hasn't even had a ML shot yet, and we have no clue as to how good or average to poor he might be. But there have been reports he has worked very hard to be the best he can be from his MILB coaches. I've offered him up as a possible 2B option among many.

So what exactly are you saying? 

[big dog]

On 1/24/2025 at 8:35 PM, tony&rodney said:

Don't you forget about Eeles.

When someone leads with "a fish out of water" it immediately makes me think of eels.

[RpR]

2 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I'm sorry, but what? 

The defense is fine except for Martin and Eeles?  Is that what you are saying?

Martin had a couple good plays at 2B last season, some questionable ones, but mostly played OF where he again made a couple good plays, but was average to very poor in others.

Eeles hasn't even had a ML shot yet, and we have no clue as to how good or average to poor he might be. But there have been reports he has worked very hard to be the best he can be from his MILB coaches. I've offered him up as a possible 2B option among many.

So what exactly are you saying? 

The only two Twins, at this point, worth TRYING at 2nd base are the two I mentioned.

[stringer bell]

It now appears that the plan is for Lewis to be the Twins primary third baseman to start the season. If there is a scenario where he moves to second, he probably should continue to get work there, as well. The only way I see Lewis moving to second is if there is a first baseman added moving Miranda off to third and then also moving Lewis to second. It would seem that would require a trade or free agent signing.

[DocBauer]

8 hours ago, stringer bell said:

It now appears that the plan is for Lewis to be the Twins primary third baseman to start the season. If there is a scenario where he moves to second, he probably should continue to get work there, as well. The only way I see Lewis moving to second is if there is a first baseman added moving Miranda off to third and then also moving Lewis to second. It would seem that would require a trade or free agent signing.

I don't disagree. But I think it's as simple as Lewis has the ability to be a very good 3B, who just needs to overcome the weird throwing action he developed last season. He seems to have a little better arm than Lee.

Considering he played so much 3B in HS, and then transitioned to SS his senior year, and primarily played SS as a MILB, I'm still a little confused how he developed that "trouble" in his arm angle/throws. I think he'll be just fine. But I see no reason why he shouldn't keep working some at 2B for no other reason than late game moves that MIGHT require/allow him to play there.

Miranda has improved enough at 3B to be ML average there, IMO. So you simply increase your flexibility in the INF.

I think it also makes sense simply because there are more options to play 2B with Lee, Julien, Martin, Eeles, and Keaschall. 

IMO, 2B is reserved for Lee if he can put his rookie season behind him and just be the hitter we/everyone believes he can be. (Opinions vary, but even his floor is expected to be solid). I stubbornly refuse to believe that Eeles isn't a potential ML ballplayer, but he's still in a "prove it again" cycle that I understand. Keaschall could replace Castro as a SUPER UTILITY player, OR take over 2B if Lee falters...I don't think that will happen...OR potentially take over 1B.

I won't dismiss Julien after one bad season. MAYBE he was a flash in the pan hopeful prospect. He hit in college, he hit in MILB, and he hit as a rookie in 2023. He also made great improvements as a defender in 2023. He suddenly lost the ability to hit or play defense in 2024, but I'm betting the long game with him. I'm betting he becomes a 1B/2B/DH rotational/regular lineup player. But he has to turn it around in 2025 or he might be pushed aside. 

I'm just not sure I see Martin as an answer at 2B, but it's probably his best position on the dirt. I see him as an OF who CAN play 2B. I think he's best as a utility player who primary covers the OF, but I'm just not sure the instincts are there. Just too many bad reads when I watched him last season. Unless he makes major improvements with his bat, and defense, I'd rather see him at St Paul to begin 2025. The kid has talent, and I know he was only a rookie in 2024, but he just looked lost to me at times. But I'm also not ready to dismiss him yet either.

[stringer bell]

45 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

I don't disagree. But I think it's as simple as Lewis has the ability to be a very good 3B, who just needs to overcome the weird throwing action he developed last season. He seems to have a little better arm than Lee.

Considering he played so much 3B in HS, and then transitioned to SS his senior year, and primarily played SS as a MILB, I'm still a little confused how he developed that "trouble" in his arm angle/throws. I think he'll be just fine. But I see no reason why he shouldn't keep working some at 2B for no other reason than late game moves that MIGHT require/allow him to play there.

Miranda has improved enough at 3B to be ML average there, IMO. So you simply increase your flexibility in the INF.

I think it also makes sense simply because there are more options to play 2B with Lee, Julien, Martin, Eeles, and Keaschall. 

IMO, 2B is reserved for Lee if he can put his rookie season behind him and just be the hitter we/everyone believes he can be. (Opinions vary, but even his floor is expected to be solid). I stubbornly refuse to believe that Eeles isn't a potential ML ballplayer, but he's still in a "prove it again" cycle that I understand. Keaschall could replace Castro as a SUPER UTILITY player, OR take over 2B if Lee falters...I don't think that will happen...OR potentially take over 1B.

I won't dismiss Julien after one bad season. MAYBE he was a flash in the pan hopeful prospect. He hit in college, he hit in MILB, and he hit as a rookie in 2023. He also made great improvements as a defender in 2023. He suddenly lost the ability to hit or play defense in 2024, but I'm betting the long game with him. I'm betting he becomes a 1B/2B/DH rotational/regular lineup player. But he has to turn it around in 2025 or he might be pushed aside. 

I'm just not sure I see Martin as an answer at 2B, but it's probably his best position on the dirt. I see him as an OF who CAN play 2B. I think he's best as a utility player who primary covers the OF, but I'm just not sure the instincts are there. Just too many bad reads when I watched him last season. Unless he makes major improvements with his bat, and defense, I'd rather see him at St Paul to begin 2025. The kid has talent, and I know he was only a rookie in 2024, but he just looked lost to me at times. But I'm also not ready to dismiss him yet either.

I agree with almost all you posted with the exception of Miranda. I don't think he'll ever be ML average at third base. Wherever he plays, he needs to be far above average as a hitter to hold an everyday position. It isn't from lack of hard work, it is his skill set.

[DocBauer]

55 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I agree with almost all you posted with the exception of Miranda. I don't think he'll ever be ML average at third base. Wherever he plays, he needs to be far above average as a hitter to hold an everyday position. It isn't from lack of hard work, it is his skill set.

What i saw in 2024 was an average 3B. Personal opinion and the number of games I watched. Regardless, if the work he put in to be an average 3B...or less in your opinion...could be put in to 1B, I'd like to think he could be a solid 1B.

There's a lot of subtleties like knowing what to cover and when, but scooping the damn ball is #1. If he can do that and hit like he's shown he can, I'm OK with the rest of his game being a work in progress.

Baseball gods help me, I'm still waiting for the next Morneau at 1B. Maybe the athletic and talented Keaschall? Maybe Keaschall moves Lee or someone else to 1B? Or does Miranda stay healthy, develop his glove and build on the offense we've already seen?

[USAFChief]

Put Lewis at 3rd and leave him there. He should be multiple years into learning the position by now. Let's not dick around with his position any longer. 

 

I loath the Twins "Anybody can play anywhere" philosophy.  All it does is mean we have NOBODY who can play anywhere  

 

 

[SF Twins Fan]

If Lewis wants to be a third basemen and doesn't want to put in the work to play 2nd base, then he needs to stop making so many errors.  He was NOT good at 3rd last season.  Based on the smallish sample size Lee is the far superior fielder and thrower from 3rd base.

It doesn't really matter to me who ends up where but if a player develops the yips from 3rd base and is unwilling to move to a different position to help the team then I don't want them on the Twins.

[Squirrel]

5 hours ago, SF Twins Fan said:

If Lewis wants to be a third basemen and doesn't want to put in the work to play 2nd base, then he needs to stop making so many errors.  He was NOT good at 3rd last season.  Based on the smallish sample size Lee is the far superior fielder and thrower from 3rd base.

It doesn't really matter to me who ends up where but if a player develops the yips from 3rd base and is unwilling to move to a different position to help the team then I don't want them on the Twins.

I haven’t heard him say he doesn’t want to play 2nd or refusing to put in the work. I’ve heard the Twins say that he is taking reps and working on 2nd but that he is our 3rd baseman and that will be his primary position. Developing yips? I don’t think that’s the case, nor is him refusing to play elsewhere. He has stated a preference for third, but he hasn’t refused to play elsewhere or to put in the work to play elsewhere.