The Minnesota Twins roster is going to look different in 2025. Ownership claims they won’t further decrease player payroll . But then again, those same owners are in the process of selling the team . So… who knows what the offseason will look like.
Rocco Baldelli had to shuffle players around the diamond, down the stretch last season . Unless some major changes are made on roster over the next few months, there will be more than a couple of Twins players who could very well be playing a different position than what they played in 2024.
For example, Royce Lewis was drafted by the Twins No. 1 overall in 2017 as a shortstop, because of his elite athleticism . That’s also where he stayed throughout his time on the farm. At the big league level, Lewis was moved to the 3rd base, since Carlos Correa was at shortstop.
Watch for Minnesota Twins to move Royce Lewis
Lewis has played primarily 3rd base ever since. It was the first time since high school that he was asked to take so many reps at the hot corner, and he has certainly taken some lumps. The 25-year-old posted a -2 DRS (defensive runs saved) in 2024, despite a 2 OAA (outs above average). He struggled to throw on target to 1B, at times, especially when on the move. These struggles have raised questions about his future on the left side of the infield.
Brooks Lee is a better defensive shortstop than Lewis. He also has a better arm and looks more comfortable at 3rd base too. After a resurgent season, Jose Miranda has settled in as a third baseman, as well .
That leaves little room for Royce Lewis. That’s why we could see Lewis move positions yet again. This time, to 2nd base, a position that has been in flux, since the departure of Jorge Polanco. It’s a shift the Twins tried briefly last season, and one that makes permanent sense in 2025.
It was a tough end to the season for Lewis. He was vocally frustrated, and asked to do a lot while Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton were both rehabbing injuries for much of the 2nd half. Making the move now would give him ample time to prepare for a new position that he made clear he isn’t comfortable playing on short-term notice.
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Scott Boras and Royce Lewis won’t like the position change idea, being left side infielders make a lot more money, normally, than right side infielders. It could be beneficial to his body, though. And once he got used to the position, he’ll be a better 2nd baseman than 3rd.
Twins task Edouard Julien to move over for Lewis
When the Twins drafted Edouard Julien in the 18th round of the 2019 MLB Draft they paid for it. He had to be lured away from Auburn. He even initially deciding to return to Auburn, but wound up turning pro.
Julien has shown solid plate discipline and contact ability during his pro career thus far. But he took a substantial slide offensively last season. If the Twins, and new hitting coach Matt Borgschulte, can get his confidence back he needs a spot on the infield.
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He’s not the horrid second baseman he was as a rookie , but he’s better suited at a different position. With Royce Lewis probably on his way to 2nd base Julien could be on the move too. 1st base makes sense. No, he won’t be a Gold Glove finalist like Carlos Santana , but he should make a much better defensive first baseman than 2nd baseman.
Last season, with the St. Paul Saints, Julien drew six starts at first base. In other words, the Minnesota Twins have already opened the door to this change. Miranda, Alex Kirilloff, or a free agent could all be options at first base, too, if the Canadian can’t recover from his poor 2024.
Griffin Jax to the starting rotation…?
Griffin Jax is one of baseball’s best relievers . Full stop. The problem is that he has multiple pitches, is a former starter, and knows where the money is. A desire to try the rotation one last time is looming, and it’s something the reliever recently told the Star Tribune he remains curious about.
“I’m starter-curious, that’s a good way to put it. I’m still looking at it as maybe an option down the road. It’s a conversation we’re going to have to have at some point. I have no idea where the team’s head is at. I know in their minds, it probably would be kind of hard to replace what I’m doing. I understand that.”
Griffin Jax on joining the rotation (Star Tribune)
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As Jax said, it would be incredibly difficult to replace his production in the bullpen. Minnesota has not typically spent on bullpen arms under Derek Falvey, and they won’t have the funds to make that a priority. The President of Baseball Operations isn’t ruling it out though.
“We’re not ruling it out this offseason, and we shouldn’t. We want to have that conversation with him, to talk about what the upsides and downsides are, what the risks and benefits to it are for him and the team. We’ve got to be open-minded. We can’t rule out any potential path.”
Derek Falvey on Griffin Jax as a starter (Star Tribune)
What Griffin Jax did in 14 games as a starter back in 2021 should have little bearing on the outcome of this decision. He is a different pitcher now and the stuff certainly plays. The question comes down to where the rotation is, and if the bullpen can survive his absence. This may be among the most intriguing storylines to watch for Minnesota this offseason.
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