Minnesota Twins Could Replace Royce Lewis With All-Star Free Agent

Alec Bohm could give the Minnesota Twins an upgrade at first base over Royce Lewis, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Feinsand wrote an article earlier this week detailing a list of landing spots for Bohm, who is entering free agency after seven years with the Philadelphia Phillies.

He said, "Royce Lewis, who took half of the at-bats at the position last season, could be a potential non-tender candidate, which would open first base for 2027. Bohm’s right-handed bat -- he posted an .816 OPS against lefties this season -- and positional versatility could make sense for the Twins."

The Twins finished third in the American League Central at 77-85. They will have a ton of important roster decisions ahead of 2027. Lewis is arguably the most important one. He is a candidate to be non-tendered.

Lewis is projected to earn approximately $5.1 million through arbitration in 2027, according to MLB Trade Rumors. Minnesota could decide to cut ties and instead invest the money into Bohm. Bohm is entering free agency after earning $10.2 million in 2026.

Bohm could consider a one-year prove-it contract after his inconsistent season in Philadelphia. That possibility gives Minnesota an opportunity to add him without being financially committed long-term.

Lewis finished 2026 with a .227 batting average, .287 on-base percentage and .667 OPS across 463 at-bats. He hit 15 home runs and drove in 57 runs, but his overall production fell short of what Minnesota needed, especially from a first baseman.

Bohm also had an inconsistent season, finishing with a .249 average, .315 on-base percentage, .698 OPS, 15 home runs and 88 RBIs across 155 games for Philadelphia.

However, he improved significantly after a bad first month of the season. Bohm also recorded an .816 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2026, offering a useful complement to the Twins' existing hitters and a potential solution against southpaws.

Availability is another factor worth considering. Lewis has dealt with too many injuries during his career, including two torn ACLs. Although he appeared in 125 games in 2026, his history raises questions about how reliably Minnesota can build its infield plans around him.

Bohm played 155 games and can handle both first and third base, giving the Twins flexibility when setting their lineup and managing defensive assignments throughout the season.

Replacing Lewis carries risk, particularly if he rebounds. But Bohm offers a more consistent option with the same ceiling, more games played and positional flexibility. For a Twins team seeking a stronger foundation in 2027, committing a little more money to Bohm over Lewis makes sense.