Royce Lewis is on a mission, and it’s one that could redefine not just his career, but the entire trajectory of the Minnesota Twins. Here’s the bold truth: this 26-year-old third baseman is betting big on himself, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. After a 2025 season that left much to be desired, Lewis has embarked on a transformative offseason journey, one that’s as much about physical change as it is about mental growth. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a few months of intense training and a shift in mindset truly turn a struggling player into a star? Let’s dive in.
When new manager Derek Shelton first visited Lewis in Texas, he was struck by two things: the player’s unexpected expertise in ordering barbecue and, more importantly, his newfound maturity. Shelton, who had known Lewis during his earlier days in the organization, saw a player who had evolved significantly. And this is the part most people miss: Lewis isn’t just tweaking his game; he’s overhauling it entirely. From hiring a private hitting coach to adopting a rigorous workout regimen, he’s leaving no stone unturned.
One of the most significant changes came from his decision to follow the training plan recommended by his agent, Scott Boras. After battling hamstring strains and playing a career-high 106 games last season, Lewis realized he needed a different approach. Boras’s program, which Lewis describes as ‘more powerful, more explosive, more volume,’ included exercises like back squats—something he hadn’t done since 2018 or 2019. Initially, the soreness was brutal, but Lewis quickly saw the benefits. Here’s the kicker: he’s willingly putting his body through stress now to avoid the muscle strains that have haunted him. Is this the right move? Only time will tell.
Another bold step was hiring private hitting coach Jeremy Isenhower, who also works with stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and former Twin Jorge Polanco. Lewis, who had primarily relied on his father for hitting advice, made the trip from Dallas to Houston multiple times to work with Isenhower. The focus? Not overhauling his swing, but refining his preset and loading mechanism. Controversial take: Isenhower pointed out that Lewis was using five different batting stances in one game—a detail Lewis himself hadn’t noticed. This revelation led to a month and a half of awkward adjustments, but Lewis is convinced it’s worth it.
Amidst all this hard work, Lewis found time for some fun—and food—with former teammate Carlos Correa. Between wrestling matches, Mario Kart races, and Correa’s legendary cooking (pancakes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and burgers that Lewis insists are ‘the best of all time’), the offseason wasn’t all grind. But make no mistake: Lewis is laser-focused on results. Coming off a season where he hit .237 with 13 home runs and a career-low .671 OPS, he knows he has something to prove.
Shelton, for his part, is impressed. ‘This kid wants to be a star,’ he said. But what does it take to be a star? According to Shelton, it’s about more than talent. It’s about taking care of your body, seeking external advice, and having the maturity to admit when you’ve made mistakes. Lewis has checked all those boxes, and Shelton believes that’s a sign of true growth.
But here’s the question we’re all left with: Can Royce Lewis turn this offseason transformation into on-field dominance? Will his willingness to change, his dedication to improvement, and his newfound maturity be enough to elevate him—and the Twins—to the next level? Only the upcoming season will tell. And that’s why all eyes are on Royce Lewis. What do you think? Is this the year he breaks out, or is he setting himself up for another season of struggle? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
