Would the Twins Be Better Off Trading Royce Lewis?

[South Dakota Tom]

I think his best value to us is in the future; if he turns into a masher at 1B, great.  If he remains as a cost-controlled 1B, 3B in a pinch, platoon whatever, that is still something.  Right now, he's not good (see Trevor Larnach last year and the howls to give him away; see, also, Matt Wallner this year and same howls).  A change of scenery might do him some good, but what does it do for us?

There are 3 types of players you look to trade; 1) those on expiring contracts who won't sign with us again; 2) players who are blocking the future (i.e., positions of strength); 3) players who will bring back a haul and fill in gaps that are more valuable than the existing player.

Royce is none of those things.  We are not going to be blown away by any offers for him and shouldn't give him up just for a middling RP.  Our infield isn't that deep right now.

 

[tony&rodney]

Couple of points that could be clarified.

Jax and Bradley were both seen as strong arms who had hit their own personal ruts in the road. Bradley was a AAA pitcher for the Rays when he was acquired by the Twins. That trade was generally well-received by both teams and can be put down as a successful change of scenery transaction. Those types of moves are good for everyone.

Matt Wallner was a pitcher, outfielder, and DH before he became a professional. Because of the strong arm he was shifted to right field. He has earned his reputation as the worst outfielder in baseball. It is an exercise in futility to suggest he hasn't worked hard, needs more of this or that, or otherwise to improve in the field. He has done his best but talent has limits; Wallner cannot field. Those who suggest first base miss the fact that a baseball moves very quickly when hit by major league batters. Wallner needs two seconds before he moves. How does that work at first base? That thought should be retired once and for all and the actual baseball professionals discounted that idea long ago after brief practices/looks. I would be shocked if Wallner appears in the outfield again for the Twins. It could happen but I would be floored. I do think if certain moves are made that we could see Wallner as a DH. The best bet is that Matt Wallner is wearing another uniform for a different organization within the next 10 days.

Royce Lewis is still having a bit of a struggle playing baseball in the major leagues. He may be a strong change of scenery type guy, which I believe is a difficult call. If there is a team willing to offer a decent player for Lewis, the Twins do it. Perhaps Lewis is added to another guy or two in a wider trade. There is nothing wrong with watching a person who has a tough go of finding success in their job go to a different employer and emerging with a positive career. I don't see why someone wants to lay blame on why Royce has had problems. He got beat out for the shortstop job back in high school (Chase Strumpf) and has faced numerous challenges along the way as a pro. Injuries sapped some of his mobility. Lewis is still working hard. Baseball is a very difficult sport and Royce is doing his best to contribute to the Twins club. If Royce Lewis remains a Twins I hope he becomes very successful. 

[weitz41]

Why? It's not like we have someone knocking on the door to play 1b. he's got what? 1 1/2 months playing that spot. Way way too early to judge if that is the right spot for him. Most teams are looking for RH bats with power. AH, a recent post has us looking at RH OF's. On top of that his trade value is down and we'd then need more RH bats and 1B if they did trade him. Hold...better days are coming for Royce and the Twins for that matter.

[Linus]

Royce is in the weird spot once promising players sometimes fall to. His current value is low enough that the chance he figure it out is more valuable than the marginal player we would receive in trade. I would hang on to him and hope. If the Twins have a chance to add a real masher for first base in the off- season you could send him to St Paul. 

[Greglw3]

4 hours ago, NYCTK said:

I really sucks that Falvey and Zoll took all those plate appearances for him and turned him into a sub 700 OPS guy. If only Royce Lewis had some culpability in the situation. 

He's a poor man's Ryan McMahon with a similar bat and significantly worse defense. And Ryan McMahon, on a pretty fair, short and manageable contract (2yrs/32), was traded for basically nothing just last trade deadline. Why are you under the impression that Royce would be worth more than nothing if he were still at 3B or SS? 

 

Definitely never as bad as move as trading Rod Carew for nothing of lasting value or trading Johann Santana for virtually nothing or literally getting nothing for a clearly talented slugger who only slumped to 20 HR because of a knee issue. Carew was the dumbest, then Ortiz, then Santana. Would Lewis ever be in that conversation? Who knows? For sure never with the Carew giveaway. Doubtful with the Ortiz giveaway. Maybe with the Santana disaster.