Royce Lewis – Minnesota Twins Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Royce Lewis has quickly become one of baseball’s most exciting young talents, even though he’s faced some tough injuries early on. The Minnesota Twins shortstop and third baseman, born June 5, 1999, went first overall in the 2017 MLB Draft and has flashed real brilliance when he’s healthy.

As of 2023, Royce Lewis’s net worth sits around $2.5 million, with his current salary at $727,100 per year with the Minnesota Twins.

Lewis’s career really shows resilience and raw potential. He kicked off the 2024 season with strong numbers, reminding everyone why the Twins bet so much on him. Although he hasn’t signed a long-term extension yet, people are already speculating about what kind of deal he could land if he keeps putting up eye-popping numbers when he’s on the field.

Lewis has bounced back from multiple ACL injuries with impressive determination. The contract situation is something fans and the front office both keep an eye on as 2026 approaches, since the Twins need to decide how to handle a long-term offer for such a talented—if injury-prone—player.

When Lewis is available, his power, speed, and defensive flexibility make him a true cornerstone.

Early Life and Background

Royce Oliver Lewis was born in Aliso Viejo, California, on June 5, 1999. His path to becoming the Twins’ first overall draft pick in 2017 started with early experiences, a supportive family, and a clear dedication to baseball.

Family and Upbringing

Lewis grew up in a household that really nurtured his athletic side. His parents noticed his natural talent and encouraged him, especially when it came to baseball.

His dad played a huge part in his development, spending time practicing with him and teaching him the basics.

Growing up in Southern California meant Lewis got to play baseball year-round in one of the country’s most competitive youth baseball scenes. That kind of environment really shaped his work ethic and competitive drive.

As a kid, Lewis already had a reputation for his upbeat attitude and leadership. Those traits stuck with him and became defining features once he joined the Minnesota Twins organization.

Amateur Baseball Achievements

Lewis made his mark as an elite prospect during high school at Junipero Serra High School in San Juan Capistrano, California. Scouts from all over took notice of his skills as a shortstop and outfielder.

In his senior year, Lewis hit .377, knocked out 4 home runs, and stole 25 bases. It’s a pretty rare mix of power and speed for a high schooler. That performance landed him the Gatorade Player of the Year award for California.

He played in big-time tournaments and showcases like the Area Code Games and Perfect Game All-American Classic. Those events really cemented his status as a top prospect.

By graduation, Lewis was the clear #1 overall prospect in the 2017 MLB Draft class. His five-tool potential made him an obvious choice for the Twins.

Education and Early Interests

Lewis kept up a solid academic record at Junipero Serra High School. He managed to balance a tough athletic schedule with schoolwork, showing off discipline and time management that would help him later.

He had originally committed to play college baseball at UC Irvine, but when the Twins picked him first overall, he decided to go pro.

Off the field, Lewis liked video games, music, and hanging out with friends and family. People knew him for his outgoing personality and his knack for connecting with folks from all sorts of backgrounds.

He also got involved in community service during high school, showing early on that he understood athletes have a platform to do some real good.

Professional Baseball Career

Royce Lewis has already built a reputation as a promising MLB talent, even though he’s had to deal with some tough injury challenges early on. His path from top draft pick to big-league standout says a lot about his talent and grit.

Draft and Minor League Journey

The Minnesota Twins picked Royce Lewis first overall in the 2017 MLB Draft. He signed for a $6.725 million bonus, instantly becoming one of their top prospects.

Lewis started his pro career with the Gulf Coast League Twins and then moved up to the Cedar Rapids Kernels in his first season. His mix of power, speed, and defensive skills helped him climb the Twins’ farm system quickly.

In 2019, Lewis played for both High-A Fort Myers and Double-A Pensacola. He hit .236, with 12 home runs and 22 stolen bases in total. That fall, he won MVP honors in the Arizona Fall League, batting .353 with three homers.

The pandemic wiped out the 2020 minor league season, but Lewis kept working at the Twins’ alternate training site.

Major League Debut

Lewis finally made his MLB debut on May 6, 2022, after Carlos Correa landed on the injured list. That call-up came almost five years after he was drafted and after a long rehab from his first ACL tear.

He made the most of his debut, picking up his first big-league hit against the Oakland Athletics. In his first 12 games, he hit .300 with two home runs—pretty impressive stuff.

When Correa returned, the Twins sent Lewis back to Triple-A Saint Paul. Still, his early MLB performance made it clear he was part of the team’s future.

Notable Performances and Awards

Lewis has already delivered some unforgettable moments in the majors. On June 13, 2023, he became the first player in MLB history to hit grand slams in his first two games at the same position.

He hit for the cycle against the Cleveland Guardians in 2023, finishing it off with a dramatic seventh-inning homer. That night really showed off his unique power-speed combo.

In the 2023 postseason, he joined a rare club by homering in each of his first three playoff at-bats. Teammates and writers at The Athletic praised his knack for coming through in big moments.

While he hasn’t picked up a Gold Glove yet, Lewis has already shown he can handle shortstop, third base, and even the outfield.

Injuries and Comebacks

Injuries have definitely shaped Lewis’s journey. In February 2021, he tore his right ACL during spring training and missed the whole season.

Just 12 games into his 2022 MLB debut, he tore the same ACL again while making a catch at the center field wall. That meant another surgery and a tough rehab.

He returned in 2023, only to strain his left hamstring in July. Even with all these setbacks, Lewis has shown real mental toughness.

“The injuries are just obstacles,” Lewis told reporters. “They’ve made me stronger mentally and taught me never to take a single game for granted.”

Lewis heads into the 2025 season on a one-year contract worth $1,625,000 with the Twins, hoping for a healthy year that lets him finally show everything he can do.

Royce Lewis’s Contract Details

Royce Lewis is on a one-year deal with the Twins worth $727,100, signed in 2023. His contract is a hot topic, considering how much potential he’s shown despite the injuries.

Current Contract Structure

Lewis is playing under a one-year contract worth $727,100 with the Twins. This is his pre-arbitration salary, which is standard for young players still under team control.

His contract doesn’t include a signing bonus, so his base salary is the whole package. For a player in his spot, that’s pretty typical before arbitration eligibility kicks in.

Given his upside, this deal is a bargain for the Twins. Even with the injuries, Lewis has already flashed star-level talent, making his current salary structure a steal for the team.

Contract Extension History

Lewis hasn’t signed a long-term extension with the Twins yet, though you have to imagine those talks have happened behind closed doors. The front office faces a situation not unlike what they had with Byron Buxton, who eventually signed a seven-year, $100 million extension.

For Lewis, any extension will have to weigh his huge upside against his injury history. The Twins have to consider risk, while Lewis and his agent, Scott Boras, will want the security that comes with guaranteed money.

Some analysts think a possible extension could nearly quadruple his projected salary, maybe offering around $37 million guaranteed. That would give Lewis some financial security and give the Twins cost certainty.

Negotiation Timeline

The Twins and Lewis’s camp have some important decisions coming up. As Lewis keeps proving himself on the field in 2025, his leverage in contract talks only grows.

Scott Boras, Lewis’s agent, is known for pushing to get the most for his clients. That probably means negotiations could go right up to free agency to maximize Lewis’s earning power.

Key factors include:

• Arbitration eligibility: Coming up soon for Lewis
• Service time: Dictates when he can hit free agency
• Performance incentives: Likely to show up in any new deal

The Twins will need to move quickly if they want to lock up Lewis before his value really takes off. With his skill set, Lewis could end up with a contract averaging $15-25 million per year if he signs long-term.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Royce Lewis has already built up some solid wealth thanks to his MLB career with the Twins. His finances come from his baseball salary, some endorsements, and whatever investments he’s making as he settles into the big leagues.

Salary Progression

Lewis’s pro journey started with a bang when he signed with the Twins as the first overall pick in 2017. That contract included a $6.725 million signing bonus, which set him up nicely.

His salary has grown steadily, even with the injuries. By 2025, Lewis is earning about $1,625,000 a year with the Twins, up from $727,100 the year before.

Estimates for his net worth range between $2.5-7.9 million, but the most reliable numbers put it closer to $2.5 million as of early 2024. If he stays healthy and keeps producing, his earning potential is still sky-high.

Endorsements and Partnerships

Lewis hasn’t landed the massive national endorsement deals that some MLB stars get, but he’s started to attract some regional partnerships. His marketability grows with every highlight-reel play.

Local Minnesota businesses have shown interest in teaming up with Lewis as he becomes one of the faces of the Twins franchise. His clean image and comeback story make him a great fit for brands.

He’s maintained some partnerships with baseball equipment companies, but the details haven’t really come out. If he keeps trending upward and grabs some All-Star nods or hardware, bigger endorsement deals are sure to follow.

Investment and Assets

Lewis keeps his investments and assets pretty private—which makes sense for a younger player just getting established. Most young athletes work with advisors to keep things conservative in the early years.

He’s believed to live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area during the season, but details about his property or other investments haven’t surfaced. Unlike some athletes, Lewis doesn’t really talk publicly about his investing strategies.

With his earnings growing, Lewis probably follows the usual athlete path: spreading investments across stocks, bonds, real estate, and maybe business ventures. His financial team is likely focused on building long-term security, especially given his injury history and the unpredictable nature of pro sports.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Royce Lewis isn’t just impressive on the field—he’s become a real force for good in his community too. You can see it in the way he throws himself into charity work, media appearances, and just showing up for people.

Charitable Initiatives

Lewis cares about giving back, and honestly, it’s refreshing to see at his age. After the Minnesota Twins picked him first overall in the 2017 MLB Draft, he jumped into several charitable programs. He likes to support the Twins Community Fund, which helps kids across Minnesota play baseball and softball.

Back in 2022, Lewis started his own charity project. He wanted to help underprivileged youth in both Minnesota and California, where he grew up. The program gives kids baseball gear, coaching, and even some educational support—especially for those who might not get a shot at organized sports otherwise.

“I was fortunate to have people who believed in me early on,” Lewis told Sportskeeda in a 2023 interview. “I want to create those same opportunities for kids who need them most.”

Media Presence

Lewis keeps a pretty low-key but growing presence on social media. If you scroll through his Instagram, you’ll find baseball highlights, training clips, and the occasional peek at his life off the field.

Unlike some athletes who seem to chase drama, Lewis just sticks to being positive and professional online. He’s popped up on a few baseball podcasts and local Minnesota TV shows, and he always comes off as thoughtful and well-spoken.

The Minnesota Twins website often features him in their content. Lewis seems to have a knack for reaching younger fans, especially during interviews. He likes to share stories about his path to the majors, and he doesn’t shy away from talking about the tough parts—like injuries and setbacks—just as much as the wins.

Community Engagement

Around the Twin Cities, people know Lewis for jumping into community activities that go way beyond just official charity work.

He often stops by local children’s hospitals, especially in the off-season when his schedule finally opens up a bit.

Lewis doesn’t just stick to the big city, either. He joins the Twins’ annual Winter Caravan, heading out to smaller towns all over Minnesota to meet fans who might never get to see a player up close.

At these events, he helps run baseball clinics for kids, signs autographs, and answers questions in open forums.

After a 2024 winter tour, Lewis said, “The spirit of these communities is amazing. Meeting the fans who support us through thick and thin reminds me why I love this game.”

He’s also teamed up with Minneapolis-St. Paul businesses to back youth programs that mix sports with schoolwork, hoping to give kids a shot at both.