What's Happening?
Royce Lewis, a player for the Minnesota Twins, has been working with personal hitting coach Jeremy Isenhower to refine his pre-pitch mechanics. This collaboration was initiated to improve Lewis's pitch recognition, swing decisions, and quality of contact. The recommendation to work with Isenhower came from Bobby Witt and former teammate Jorge Polanco. Lewis made six trips to Houston during the offseason to train with Isenhower. Despite a strong start in his first two major-league seasons, where he achieved a .307/.364/.549 slash line over 70 games, Lewis's performance has declined, hitting .235/.288/.416 in 188 games since 2024. The Twins are hopeful that these adjustments will help Lewis regain his form as he continues as the team's everyday
third baseman in 2026.
Why It's Important?
The collaboration between Royce Lewis and Jeremy Isenhower is significant for the Minnesota Twins as they aim to bolster their lineup with improved individual performances. Lewis's ability to enhance his hitting mechanics could lead to better offensive output, which is crucial for the Twins' competitiveness in the league. Given his previous success, a return to form for Lewis could provide the Twins with a reliable and consistent presence at third base. This development also highlights the growing trend of professional athletes seeking specialized coaching to address specific aspects of their game, reflecting a broader shift towards personalized training in sports.
What's Next?
As the 2026 season approaches, the Minnesota Twins and Royce Lewis will be closely monitoring the impact of his offseason training on his in-game performance. If successful, Lewis's improvements could lead to increased playing time and a more prominent role within the team. The Twins' management and coaching staff will likely continue to support and evaluate Lewis's progress, potentially making further adjustments as needed. Additionally, other players may be inspired to seek similar personalized coaching to enhance their skills, potentially influencing training practices across the league.
