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Trade speculation is part of the fabric of a long baseball season, and it's still months away from the MLB Trade Deadline. Still, one prominent MLB insider is looking at potential solutions for a struggling American League contender.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden recently examined early-season trends around the league, including a Boston Red Sox lineup that has yet to find its footing. With the absence of Alex Bregman leaving a noticeable void, Bowden pointed directly to the infield as an area of concern.
“I’m not sure they’re going to get enough offense — specifically from their infield — to get back to the postseason,” said Bowden. “I believe there is pressure on the front office to find another impact bat to help lengthen the lineup, preferably a third baseman.”
From there, Bowden began to explore possible solutions, and that is where Royce Lewis’ name entered the discussion.
“I like Caleb Durbin, don’t get me wrong, but I like him more as a utility player than an everyday player. Perhaps a trade with the Astros for Isaac Paredes or the Twins for Royce Lewis (once he’s healthy again) would work? Or a deal for a younger option, like the Nationals’ Brady House?”
It is important to note that this is outside speculation rather than any indication that Minnesota is actively shopping Lewis. Still, it highlights how the rest of the league views his upside when healthy.
At the moment, Lewis is working his way back from a Grade 1 left knee sprain suffered on April 9 when he felt a pop during a game. The initial concern has since subsided following encouraging MRI results, and he is expected to return around April 21. For a player who has dealt with multiple injuries early in his career, even a relatively minor setback is enough to draw attention.
Before landing on the injured list, Lewis was showing signs of growth at the plate. He posted a .222/.378/.444 slash line with two home runs, eight RBIs, and eight walks across 45 plate appearances. The most notable development has been his patience, with a 17.8% walk rate that nearly triples last season’s mark and sits well above his career average. That approach hints at a more complete offensive profile, one that could further elevate his value.
In the meantime, the Twins have turned to a veteran platoon of Tristan Gray and Ryan Kreidler at third base. It has been a functional solution, but not one that replicates Lewis’ upside. His eventual return should stabilize the position and deepen a lineup that has leaned on its versatility.
If Minnesota were to entertain a move involving Lewis, it would not be without internal alternatives. Brooks Lee has struggled defensively at shortstop, and a shift to third base could better suit his range limitations. That would open the door for top prospect Kaelen Culpepper to step into a larger role at shortstop, giving the organization a different kind of infield alignment.
Even with those possibilities, dealing Lewis would represent a significant philosophical shift. He has shown the potential to be a cornerstone talent when healthy, and his flashes of impact have reinforced that belief. External interest is not surprising, but it does not necessarily align with the Twins’ current competitive window.
For now, Bowden’s comments serve more as a reminder than a prediction. When a player with Lewis’ ability shows even incremental improvement, the rest of the league takes notice. Whether that ever turns into something more concrete is a question that will linger, but Minnesota’s focus remains on getting him back on the field and contributing.
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