3 Twins Hitters Expected to Outperform Their 2024 Numbers in 2025

The 2024 season was filled with sky-high expectations for Edouard Julien, Brooks Lee, and Royce Lewis, but each fell short of delivering the production the Minnesota Twins needed. While their individual struggles were disappointing, there are plenty of reasons to believe that all three are primed for a bounce-back season in 2025. Let’s break down what went wrong and why the future looks brighter for this trio.

Edouard Julien: Rebounding After the Sophomore Slump

2024 Recap: Julien entered the season following a stellar rookie campaign in 2023 that saw him post a 130 OPS+ while improving significantly with his second base defense. However, 2024 was a tale of regression with a 74 OPS+ that led to a trip back to Triple-A. His strikeout rate jumped from 31.4% to 33.9%, and pitchers adjusted by attacking him with a steady diet of high fastballs and breaking pitches down and away. His OPS dropped by over 200 points, leaving many to wonder if his rookie season was a fluke.

Why 2025 Looks Promising: Julien’s struggles were primarily driven by adjustments he will undoubtedly work to counteract. Julien has shown elite plate discipline throughout his career, posting walk rates over 19% at every minor league level. His ability to identify pitches and lay off borderline offerings remains a strength, and he is likely spending the offseason fine-tuning his approach to combat high heat and breaking pitches. Additionally, his underlying metrics suggest some bad luck in 2024. His .351 xSLG was 28 points higher than his actual SLG. Expect regression to the mean and a more balanced offensive approach to pay dividends for Julien in 2025.

Brooks Lee: Adjusting to the Big Leagues

2024 Recap: Lee was one of the Twins’ top prospects entering 2024, but he experienced a rocky rookie season. Lee, who had looked polished in the minors, struggled to adjust to major-league pitching. His .221/.265/.320 (.585) slash line was well below expectations. He often looked overmatched against breaking pitches, with eight strikeouts and two extra-base hits in 39 PA. Defensively, he also struggled with a -2 OAA at shortstop and a -1 OAA at third base. His college experience and minor league performance were supposed to help him adjust to the MLB level, but that didn’t happen. 

Why 2025 Looks Promising: Transitioning to the majors is rarely seamless, even for top prospects. Lee’s track record as a hitter suggests that 2024 was more of a learning curve than an indicator of long-term issues. He excelled at making contact in the minors by slashing .290/.362/.480 (.841), and his compact swing remains a significant asset. In addition, Lee is known for his high baseball IQ and relentless work ethic, qualities that should help him make the necessary adjustments at the plate. With a full offseason to study big-league pitchers and work with the Twins’ coaching staff, Lee is well positioned to tap into his potential and emerge as a cornerstone infielder in 2025.

Royce Lewis: Health and Consistency Are Key

2024 Recap: Royce Lewis’s 2024 season was a rollercoaster. Lewis was limited to 23 games in the first half due to multiple injuries, but he posted a 1.039 OPS and 10 home runs in 99 PA. He struggled mightily when he returned for the second half, posting a .620 OPS in his final 58 games. Lewis’s strikeout rate ballooned, and he looked uncharacteristically tentative at the plate. His late-season slump overshadowed what had been an electric beginning to the year.

Why 2025 Looks Promising: Lewis’s talent is undeniable, and health has always been the key to unlocking his potential. Entering 2025, fully healthy, Lewis will have the opportunity to regain his confidence and rhythm. Despite his second-half struggles, Lewis still showcased elite performance early in 2024. His ability to rise to big moments suggests that his ceiling remains high. Furthermore, the Twins hired Matt Borgschulte as hitting coach, and he’s worked with Lewis during his previous stint in the organization. With a more stable role and a clean bill of health, expect Lewis to return to the dynamic player fans saw flashes of in 2024.

The 2024 season didn’t go as planned for Julien, Lee, or Lewis. However, it’s far too early to write off their potential. Each player faced unique challenges last season, and each has the tools and mindset to overcome them. Julien’s plate discipline, Lee’s prospect pedigree, and Lewis’ athleticism and resilience provide plenty of reasons for optimism. If they can make the necessary adjustments and stay healthy, these three players could form the core of a Twins team poised to contend in 2025 and beyond.

Which player is poised for the best season in 2025? Leave a comment and start the discussion.