On May 19, 2026, the Minnesota Twins optioned former No. 1 overall pick Royce Lewis to Triple‑A St. Paul, removing him from the big‑league roster for the first time this season. The club hopes a stint in the minors will let the 26‑year‑old regain health and confidence while freeing a spot for a more reliable everyday infielder.
Lewis entered the majors with lofty expectations, yet recurring injuries have limited his playing time. When healthy, he posted a career OPS+ of 99, just shy of league average, and accumulated a 2.3 WAR over 78 games. By sending him down, the Minnesota Twins can give him regular at‑bats against Triple‑A competition and assess his progress week by week.
Why the Twins took this step
The front office cited Lewis’ injury history and modest production as primary reasons for the demotion, noting the need for a dependable middle‑of‑the‑order bat as the season entered its critical stretch. Sporting News reported that the move is not a release but a chance for Lewis to “rediscover himself” at the Triple‑A level.
Impact on Minnesota Twins’ roster
Clearing Lewis opened a roster spot for utility infielder Trevor Larnach, who was promoted from St. Paul the same day. Manager Rocco Baldelli said the club will monitor Lewis’ progress and consider a recall in July if his performance warrants it. The decision also marks the first time since 2022 that a top‑10 draft pick from the Twins organization has been sent to Triple‑A before turning 27.
Royce Lewis: career snapshot
Royce Lewis was the first overall selection in the 2020 draft, a rarity for a player now heading to the minors before age 27. In his brief stints with Minnesota, he logged 78 major‑league games, starting 42, and posted a career OPS+ of 99. His 2.3 WAR suggests upside if he can stay healthy, but the Twins’ front office brass decided the immediate need for a steady bat outweighed his long‑term potential.
What’s next for the Minnesota Twins?
With Lewis in Triple‑A, the Twins must lean on existing depth and emerging talent to sustain their push for a wild‑card berth. Analysts predict the front office may explore a mid‑season trade for a veteran middle infielder should Lewis’ recovery stall. Meanwhile, the pitching staff remains the team’s anchor, giving the Minnesota Twins a chance to stay competitive despite the short‑term loss of a potential middle‑of‑the‑order bat.
How many major‑league games did Royce Lewis play before his demotion?
Lewis appeared in 78 MLB games during the 2024‑2025 seasons combined, starting 42 of them before being optioned in May 2026.
What is Royce Lewis’ career OPS+?
Lewis holds a career OPS+ of 99, placing him just below league average when healthy.
Has any No. 1 overall pick been sent to Triple‑A before age 27?
Yes, Bryce Harper briefly played in Triple‑A during a rehab stint, but Lewis is the first top pick demoted for performance rather than injury rehab.