Derek Shelton’s Early Leadership Has Royce Lewis Feeling Reconnected to the Twins’ Vision

Change has come quickly in Minnesota, and for Royce Lewis, that change already feels meaningful.

Since being named the new manager of the Minnesota Twins, Derek Shelton has made it clear that Lewis will be a central figure in shaping the franchise’s next era. That message wasn’t delivered through press conferences or secondhand quotes — it was delivered face-to-face.

Shortly after replacing Rocco Baldelli, Shelton flew to Dallas to meet Lewis in person. For a player who has endured years of uncertainty, injuries, and shifting organizational direction, the gesture mattered deeply.

“It was so special for him to come out and see me,” Lewis said on the latest episode of Inside Twins. “It meant so much.”

A Shift in Communication and Trust

Lewis didn’t shy away from acknowledging that Baldelli’s departure was difficult. Their relationship had grown steadily, and losing that continuity stung. But Shelton’s approach has helped ease the transition — not by erasing the past, but by redefining the future.

When asked what it felt like to be prioritized by the new manager, Lewis struggled to hide his appreciation.

“I can’t fathom how cool that is,” he said.

More importantly, Lewis revealed something that had been missing in recent seasons: clarity.

“It didn’t feel like that the past couple of seasons,” Lewis admitted. “It seemed like, since the playoffs, the team was trending in a different direction, and no one really knew what that direction was.”

Now, that fog appears to be lifting.

“So it’s been nice to be talked to and be in the loop a little more,” Lewis continued. “The same way a Byron Buxton would be, or some of those other leaders.”

For a former No. 1 overall pick still trying to fully establish himself at the major-league level, that inclusion signals trust — and responsibility.

Health Remains the Defining Question

Talent has never been the concern with Royce Lewis. Availability has.

The 26-year-old is coming off another injury-impacted season, though 2025 marked a personal milestone. Lewis appeared in 106 games, the most he’s played in a single year. Still, the production lagged behind expectations.

Lewis finished the season with 13 home runs, slashing .237/.283/.388 for a .671 OPS — a noticeable dip from the explosive numbers he posted earlier in his career. The power faded, the consistency wavered, and the lingering question remained: could his body handle a full season?

Lewis believes the answer will be yes.

“I feel amazing,” he said when asked about his health entering 2026.

This offseason, his focus shifted toward durability rather than quick fixes.

“I started putting more volume on this offseason,” Lewis explained. “Just lifting really heavy stuff. Trying to build that base-level so when I start running and playing in games, it doesn’t affect me.”

The goal is simple, but critical: stay on the field.

Why Lewis Is the Twins’ Ultimate X-Factor

If Shelton is serious about building around Lewis — and all signs point to that — then 2026 could become a defining season for both player and franchise.

Lewis is still just 26 years old, yet he’s already shown flashes of being one of the most dynamic hitters in the league when healthy. His blend of power, athleticism, and defensive versatility raises the Twins’ ceiling in a way few players on the roster can match.

If he can rediscover the power stroke that disappeared late in 2024 and throughout much of 2025 — while maintaining health — Minnesota’s lineup changes dramatically.

That’s why Lewis feels like the Twins’ biggest variable entering the season.

Not just because of what he’s capable of, but because of what his success would symbolize: stability, direction, and a new era taking shape.

A New Era, A New Role

Shelton’s early emphasis on communication has already resonated. For Lewis, being “in the loop” isn’t about ego — it’s about belonging.

For the Twins, it’s about identifying leaders and committing to them.

If Royce Lewis stays healthy and Shelton’s vision holds, 2026 could be the season when potential finally turns into permanence — for both the player and the franchise.