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Minnesota Twins: 5 Possible Scenarios for Royce Lewis in 2022

By Billy Porter |
Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins looks on during a spring training game. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins looks on during a spring training game. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
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There’s a lot to wonder about Royce Lewis as a prospect.. Let’s start with the good. Ever since he was drafted first overall by the Minnesota Twins in the 2017 Draft, he’s been the Twins’ top prospect. His scouting report was validated by many MLB clubs and he’s always had an excellent set of tools.

He also plays a key position: shortstop, a position where the Twins have a rather glaring hole. Everything adds up to Lewis taking over the shortstop position to solidify the middle of the infield and duo with Jorge Polanco for years to come. So what’s there to wonder about?

Well, injuries and COVID have gotten in the way, as a lost 2020 season was followed by a knee injury that held him out in 2021 too. To make matters worse, he wasn’t all that impressive when he played in 2019 either. Lastly, questions remain about his fielding at short and ability to hit at higher levels remain.

What does 2022 look like for the Minnesota Twins’ top prospect?

This leads to the question: What will happen to Royce Lewis in 2022? Will he realize his potential? Will he take over as the starting shortstop? Will he develop a little further in Triple-AAA? Or will there be a worse situation? Will he get hurt again? Will he stay healthy, but disappoint? Let’s get into some scenarios.

Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run. (Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports)
Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run. (Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports) /

Positive Scenarios for Royce Lewis and the Minnesota Twins

2022 Royce Lewis Scenario Best Case Scenario: Lewis becomes the man at short

In an ideal world, Royce Lewis comes into spring training and takes the ultimate step forward and cements himself as the starting shortstop. His tools all come together and he looks like a Rookie of the Year by year’s end.

The initial purpose of the Minnesota Twins signing Andrelton Simmons last year was to give another developmental year for Royce to sharpen up. It takes a little while longer due to injury, but in this best case scenario, he succeeds.

This would be a giant leap, but this is the best case. In what looks to be a retooling year of sorts, especially with the rotation up in the air, this would be a great thing to have the team solidify before 2023.

2022 Royce Lewis Scenario Probable Scenario: A late season call-up offers hope

In our most likely situation, Royce Lewis probably begins the year in Triple-AAA St. Paul after Spring Training. The team gives him a good look at what he can do at shortstop, sprinkling in some outfield work for versatility.

If he develops as hoped, the Minnesota Twins call him up in September. He has an overall good year and the solid season sets him up for the an MLB roster spot in 2023 in some capacity, likely as a starter.

Minnesota Twins shortstop Royce Lewis looks on from the dugout during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
Minnesota Twins shortstop Royce Lewis looks on from the dugout during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) /

Neutral Scenarios for Royce Lewis and the Minnesota Twins

2022 Royce Lewis Scenario In-Between Scenario: The glove leads to a positional move

In this scenario, Lewis has a solid year at the plate, but the Minnesota Twins decide to move him to another position (especially with Austin Martin around). He likely heads to the outfield, where his speed would be utilized and his athleticism makes this a fairly easy transition.

A super utility role, similar to Chris Taylor and Ben Zobrist could also be in future given his defensive versatility. In any case, the Twins hit the pause button on him and let him develop for a full season in the minors to adjust and shake off rust from his injury. At 22, he still has the time for a development year.

2022 Royce Lewis Surprise Scenario: Lewis gets shipped elsewhere

We can’t break down Lewis scenarios without asking the question: Could he be traded? If Lewis’s development stalls or if the Minnesota Twins add a long-term shortstop, he could perhaps be offered in a midseason trade. With Austin Martin in the fold as a similar player, this could afford the Twins the possibility of looking to upgrade another position.

This seems the unlikely, especially with the fact that Lewis’ current value would be at an all-time low, but you have to give something to get something. If a blockbuster deal were to happen, Lewis seems like the something to give.

Negative Scenarios for Royce Lewis and the Minnesota Twins

2022 Royce Lewis Worst Case Scenario: Lewis starts down the bust path.

There’s always the danger that Lewis doesn’t live up to his lofty potential. He could quickly prove that he’s not able to adjust his swing to the upper levels of professional baseball and his defense doesn’t stabilize.

His fielding percentage and batting average numbers continue to slip like they did in 2019 and the his road to the MLB is a bit longer and cloudy, leaving an everyday position (and job) a mystery. This scenario leaves a number of questions about the young man going forward.

What do you think about the possible situations for Royce Lewis this year? Which one do you think is the most likely?

Next. Minnesota Twins: Gabriel Maciel taken in the MiLB Rule 5 Draft. dark

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