Former No. 1 pick Royce Lewis optioned by Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins are sending down third baseman Royce Lewis, per The Athletic’s Dan Hayes. Lewis has been struggling at the plate, and Minnesota is hoping he can reset in Triple-A.

This is the second move the Twins have made in the last week to try to help a struggling player get right in the minors. Minnesota opted to send down outfielder Matt Wallner as well.

A corresponding call-up has not yet been announced by the team.

Lewis’ career began when he was selected first overall by Minnesota in the 2017 MLB Draft. After being in the minors for five years, he finally debuted in the bigs in 2022, playing in 12 games.

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The third baseman showed early signs of power, but unfortunately, his career has been mired by injuries. Lewis played in only 58 games in 2023, 82 games in 2024 and a career-high 102 games in 2025.

Last year, Lewis hit .237 with 13 home runs and 52 RBI. His struggles at the plate continued into 2026.

The 26-year-old has played in 31 games this year, but is slashing just .163/.261/.279. Lewis had 17 hits in 104 at-bats, and only six of them have been for extra bases, with three doubles and three home runs.

Minnesota was projected to be rebuilding this year, but finds itself with a 22-26 record as of May 19 and in third place in the AL Central.

The Twins will likely give utility infielder Tristan Gray more looks at the hot corner, as Gray filled in for Lewis in the May 18 win over the Houston Astros. He went 1-3 with a single in the victory.

This story will be updated.