After two seasons of inconsistency and frustration, Royce Lewis is at a crossroads, and the Minnesota Twins are watching closely. But here’s where it gets interesting: Lewis isn’t waiting for a miracle—he’s taking charge of his future. And this is the part most people miss: he’s turned to an outside hitting coach, breaking away from his father’s guidance for the first time in his career. Could this be the game-changer he needs?
In Fort Myers, Florida, the buzz around Lewis is palpable. The Twins’ camp is abuzz with the news that Lewis has sought help from Jeremy Isenhower, a coach recommended by none other than Bobby Witt Jr. and his former teammate Jorge Polanco. This move isn’t just about finding a new voice—it’s about building a solid foundation for consistent performance. Lewis himself admits, ‘I always love listening to my dad, but I needed a different perspective.’ With his father’s busy schedule and the time zone challenges, Lewis realized he needed someone who could dedicate focused attention to his development.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is relying on an outside coach a sign of weakness, or a smart move for growth? Some might argue that players should stick with their team’s staff, but Lewis and the Twins are embracing this approach. Since September, Lewis has made six trips from his North Texas home to Houston to work with Isenhower, staying with former teammate Carlos Correa, who he praises for his hospitality. But make no mistake—these trips were all business. Lewis is determined to reclaim the superstar form he’s shown in flashes, despite a lackluster .237/.283/.388 slash line in 2025.
Isenhower’s approach is straightforward yet transformative. He’s focused on simplifying Lewis’s mechanics, particularly his pre-swing positioning. ‘We’ve got to get him to move less,’ Isenhower explains, emphasizing a sturdier base. This, he believes, will allow Lewis’s natural bat speed and talent to shine, improving his pitch recognition and overall contact quality. Is this the secret sauce Lewis has been missing?
The Twins are fully on board, and this is a trend worth noting: more teams are accepting that players will seek outside help, so why fight it? Twins hitting coach Keith Beauregard and manager Derek Shelton are ensuring everyone is aligned. ‘If Royce’s guy tells him something and he hits three homers, I don’t care who told him,’ Shelton says. ‘We all have the same goal.’ But they stress the importance of communication and guidelines to keep everyone on the same page.
What’s most encouraging is Lewis’s commitment to the process. Isenhower notes that Lewis isn’t looking for a quick fix—he’s in it for the long haul, even if it means being uncomfortable. ‘He’s driven to be the best,’ Isenhower observes. This mindset could be the key to his resurgence.
So, here’s the question for you: Is Royce Lewis’s decision to work with an outside coach a bold step toward greatness, or a risky move that could backfire? And more importantly, do you think this approach could become the norm for players across the league? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
