Twins demote Royce Lewis to Triple-A amid 2026 performance slump
Manager Derek Shelton confirms the move is performance-driven, not injury-related, as the Twins navigate a volatile season.
The Minnesota Twins have demoted infielder Royce Lewis to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, a decision driven by a significant decline in offensive output during the 2026 season. Lewis, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, is currently batting .163 with a career-high 31.3 per cent strikeout rate. This assignment marks the first time the 27-year-old has played in the minor leagues on a non-injury rehabilitation basis since May 2022.
The demotion follows a similar administrative move earlier in the week for outfielder Matt Wallner, signalling a broader adjustment to the team’s struggling offensive core. Lewis began the season with an .822 OPS in 12 games before a knee injury sidelined him. Since returning from the injured list, his production has dropped sharply, posting a .380 OPS and a 33.8 per cent strikeout rate across 19 games.
Twins manager Derek Shelton emphasised that the decision is rooted in performance metrics rather than work ethic concerns. Shelton noted that Lewis is actively working to correct his issues and is not displaying apathy. The move is designed to provide Lewis with an opportunity to recalibrate his approach away from the major league spotlight.
Lewis’s current struggles represent a steady decline from his breakout 2023 campaign, where he hit .309 with 15 home runs in 58 games. His OPS has fallen consecutively from .921 in 2023 to .747 in 2024, .671 in 2025, and .539 in 2026. Over the last two seasons, he has been among the least productive hitters in baseball, compounded by recurring injury issues.
Financially, the Twins are not utilising this demotion for service time manipulation. Lewis remains on track for free agency following the 2028 season, as the remaining schedule does not allow for further delay. He is set to earn $2.85 million in 2026, with arbitration eligibility next year potentially increasing his salary to the $5 million range. If the organisation deems him unsalvageable by then, he could become a non-tender candidate.
The Twins currently hold a 22-26 record with a minus-3 run differential, reflecting a season characterised by volatility. After an 11-7 start, the team endured a five-win, 16-loss slump before winning six of their last nine games. The organisation appears focused on stabilising its roster performance amidst these fluctuations.
