Spring training represents a fresh start for many players, but few have more at stake this year than Royce Lewis. As he enters his fifth MLB season with the Minnesota Twins, Lewis is focused on something that has eluded him throughout much of his young career: consistency and durability.
The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft has flashed elite talent when healthy, but injuries have defined his path so far. Lewis has battled through two ACL tears, multiple hamstring strains, a quadriceps injury and other lower‑body issues that have prevented him from finding long‑term rhythm at the major league level. He has played more than 100 games just once in his career, which came in 2025.
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Even that season, while important for availability, showed some regression at the plate. Lewis posted a .237 batting average, .283 on‑base percentage and .671 OPS with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs. The power that once made him one of baseball’s most exciting young hitters was not as consistent, raising questions about his long‑term trajectory. That context makes his mindset entering 2026 especially significant.
When asked about his goals for the upcoming season on an MLB Network appearance, Lewis responded, “I want to see myself have 700 plate appearances, make great defensive plays, and be reliable over there for our pitching staff, and run the bases a little bit more and have some fun doing that. So I can’t put a number on it, but I want to steal and have some fun out there like I did when I was young.”
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It is a simple plan, but an ambitious one given his history. Reaching 700 plate appearances would require Lewis to stay healthy for essentially the entire season, something he has yet to accomplish. Still, the emphasis on defense, baserunning and reliability suggests a more complete approach rather than focusing solely on power numbers.
This spring is also important because of changes within the organization. Under new manager Derek Shelton and an updated coaching staff, Lewis has an opportunity to redefine his role and prove he can be a cornerstone player moving forward.
For the Twins, that potential matters. When Lewis is at his best, he brings athleticism, versatility and impact to both sides of the ball. But until he can stay on the field consistently, those flashes will remain just that, flashes.
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If his plan comes together, however, 2026 could finally be the season where Lewis delivers on the promise that made him the top pick in his draft class and a key piece of Minnesota’s future.