The Royce Lewis injury adds a level of intrigue to what the Minnesota Twins will do at the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline. The previous thought was that the Twins would be in the market for rotation help, given the injuries to Pablo Lopez and Zebby Matthews. Now, it would seem that adding a third baseman is at the top of their list of needs ahead of the deadline.
Of course, there was a third baseman traded just this week. The MLB news cycle is finally returning to normal after the shocking trade that saw Rafael Devers shipped to the San Francisco Giants by the Boston Red Sox. The Twins weren't among the teams who checked in on Devers, but in getting rid of their star designated hitter, the Red Sox may have bowed out of the American League Wild Card race. Giving the Twins a much-needed lifeline in the middle of their own struggles.
Assuming the Twins are in the market for a third baseman, there are a few options who might be of interest.
3 external Royce Lewis replacements
1. Ramón Urías, Baltimore Orioles
It seems clear that the Baltimore Orioles will be a seller at the deadline. If that is the case, Orioles' third baseman Ramón Urías could be an intriguing target for the Twins. Through 49 games this season, Urías is slashing .273/.326/.388 with 4 home runs and a 103 wRC+. At 31, and one final year of team control after this season, it would seem likely that the disappointing Orioles would be willing to move the six-year veteran. Arbitration-eligible, Urías also wouldn't be an expensive addition for the Twins in terms of financial cost.
2. Paul DeJong, Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are another clear seller ahead of the deadline, and it would seem that Paul DeJong would be of interest to teams looking for infield help. DeJong has spent the majority of the 2025 season so far injured after being hit by a pitch in April, but began a minor-league rehab assignment this week. Signed to a $1MM deal in the offseason, DeJong would be among the most affordable options for the Twins.
3. Eugenio Suarez, Arizona Diamondbacks
The Giants landing Devers likely pushed the Arizona Diamondbacks closer to being sellers at the deadline, especially when you consider Corbin Burnes is out for the remainder of the season. With that in mind, Eugenio Suarez is near the top of the list in terms of available third base rentals at the deadline. Suarez's power would be a welcome addition for the Twins' lineup, but it seems that contending teams such as the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers may target him with more urgency.