Minnesota Twins Could Trade Former No.1 Pick
The Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale reported that GM Jeremy Zoll was asked at Minnesota's end-of-season press conference whether Lewis remains part of the team's core going forward.
It's a question that wouldn't have made sense to ask a year ago.
A Season That Changed The Conversation
Lewis finished 2026 hitting .227 with 15 home runs, 57 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and a .667 OPS across 125 games, a steep drop for a player once viewed as a potential franchise cornerstone.
The Twins demoted him to Triple-A St. Paul in May after he opened the year hitting just .163, and he spent part of the season shifted to first base, a position change that only added to the uncertainty around his long-term role.
Royce Lewis’ 2026 season
— SleeperTwins (@SleeperMLBTwins) September 29, 2026
125 G
509 PA
.227/.287/.388 (.667 OPS)
15 HR
57 RBI
16 SB
It was the most plate appearances he had in his major league career, we did see some good stretches (.841 OPS in June) Obviously not the season everyone was hoping for but I think it’s very… pic.twitter.com/PvuVu5yajZ
Zoll didn't close the door during the demotion itself, telling reporters at the time that "there is a really good player in there that's had a ton of great moments for this organization."
Manager Derek Shelton described Lewis as "respectful, but disappointed" when the move was delivered.
The Timing Works Against Him
Lewis still has two years of team control remaining, which is exactly what makes this an actual decision rather than a hypothetical one.
Minnesota's young core is arriving fast, with Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Kaelen Culpepper all pushing for roster spots, and the Twins still need production at first base after what Lewis gave them there this year.
Zoll was more protective of that incoming young group than he was willing to be about Lewis specifically.
Asked whether any of Minnesota's top prospects could be part of trade talks this winter, he drew a clear line. "We're going to be open-minded," Zoll said, "but all these young players that we're so excited about, it's hard to imagine them being part of trade conversations because they're going to help us in '27 and they're going to help us for '28 and beyond."
Notably, Lewis wasn't included in that list of names Zoll singled out as untouchable.
Royce Lewis says he sees himself as a #MNTwins player "for a lot longer" than the two years he has left under contract, per @AzoulayHaron.
— Talkin' Twins (@TalkinTwins) September 28, 2026
He also says this was one of his worst seasons - while pointing to 15 HR, 15 SB and his defense at multiple positions as reasons for… pic.twitter.com/u65vJ6r9ik
Lewis hasn't wavered on his own expectations. He's said he expects to be back with Minnesota next season and sees himself remaining with the organization well beyond his two remaining years of control.
