Minnesota Twins: Ranking the top 5 position player prospects
By Tyler Kruse
#2 Royce Lewis SS
Yes, I know Royce Lewis is a top-10 prospect in all of baseball and is number one in the Twins organization on almost every list out there. I think Royce Lewis will be an outstanding player for the Minnesota Twins at some point down the road, that is tough to argue. Ranked as the number 7 overall prospect according to MLB.com Royce has a bright future ahead. Though behind at the plate slightly to Kirilloff, he may offer more in terms of all-around tools.
The thing that could put him over the edge for some is his ability on the bases. Like Buxton, his speed could be a nice fallback if things develop slower at the plate. While Buxton has had his fair share of struggles in the batter’s box, Buxton used his speed in the outfield and on the basepaths to make it hard to leave him on the bench. Should Lewis struggle, he has the speed to burn with a total of 17 stolen bases in 98 games in the minors.
He’s only 20 years old and just got promoted to AA Pensacola meaning he’s on a fast-track to the majors if he keeps performing. Though off to a slower start this year at the plate, Lewis has turned it on as of late. In July, Lewis had just under a .270 batting average and has started to figure out pitching as he keeps climbing the ladder.
It’s safe to say that regardless of what happens, Lewis will contribute to a big-league roster sooner rather than later. With a bright future ahead, I’m hoping his chance comes with the Minnesota Twins at the highest level.