2026 could be a big season for Royce Lewis.
The Minnesota Twins may have a difficult season in 2026, but Royce Lewis could be on the verge of a big campaign from an individual standpoint. Of course, Lewis will need to stay healthy. If he is able to stay on the field, Lewis could take a step forward in one specific category.
Following an impressive performance in the Twins' 9-8 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Monday -- Lewis went 1-3 with a home run in the game -- the infielder now has an .878 OPS this spring. His .214 batting average and .235 OBP are far from ideal, but Lewis is still displaying signs of promise at the plate.
Lewis has also stolen two bases. While that may not seem especially significant, it is a point worth discussing.
MLB has made an effort to bring the stolen base back in recent years. They have limited pickoff attempts and step-offs for pitchers. The bases are bigger. Stolen bases are exciting, and the league wanted more of them. Their strategy is paying off.
Lewis was not much of a threat on the bases early in his career. While he was limited due to injury, Lewis still only stole six total bases from 2022-2024. In 2025, Lewis swiped 12 bags across 106 games played, however.
It would not be surprising to see him reach 20 stolen bases in a full season. Of course, he offers power from the right side of the plate. Despite never playing in more than 106 games in an MLB season, Lewis has hit at least 13 home runs in each of the past three years.
Will Royce Lewis Become a 20-20 Player in 2026?
Royce Lewis could realistically become a 20-20 player if healthy. The fact that he has missed so many games throughout his career cannot be ignored, though. Lewis must find a way to stay on the field in order to accomplish the 20-20 feat.
His two stolen bases and two home runs so far in spring training provide a glimpse into the season Lewis could end up having with the Twins. He is a player who has always featured a high ceiling. At still just 26 years old, perhaps the 2026 campaign will be Lewis' year.
For now, he will continue to focus on spring training games. Minnesota's next contest is scheduled for 1:05 PM EST on Tuesday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays.