Royce Lewis - Fantasy Baseball Hitter Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 53% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Royce Lewis returned in dominant fashion Monday, exactly one year removed from his second ACL tear. Lewis hit fifth in the Twins lineup and started at third base, a position he’s been working on during his rehab assignment. He finished his season debut by going 2-for-5 with a three-run home run in the third inning. Lewis also tacked on an RBI single to tie the game in the ninth inning against Ryan Pressly. 

The 23-year-old former top prospect has battled his way back from injury in impressive fashion after being limited to just 12 games in 2022. Lewis showcased his defensive versatility last season as well, making starts at shortstop and centerfield. Twins management has confirmed Lewis will initially be limited to intermediate starts in the infield to start after suffering a knee injury that ended his season while playing in the outfield last year. 

Considering his impressive season debut in Houston, Royce Lewis should be a priority add in 12-team fantasy baseball leagues. Let’s discuss how Lewis stacks up against other breakout infield options that are available on your waiver wire. 

Lewis was selected first overall in the 2017 MLB draft and is an intriguing power-speed threat with a high prospect pedigree. Lewis flashed his upside in his short stay at Triple-A St. Paul this season while completing his rehab assignment. In eight games, Lewis hit .333 with four home runs, 10 RBI, and two stolen bases. 

Depending on Carlos Correa’s injury status, Lewis will likely pick up third base eligibility in the coming days, only increasing his fantasy baseball relevance. If Lewis can remain healthy, he’ll be an everyday infielder for the remainder of the season for the first-place Twins. Before being shut down for the remainder of the 2022 season, Lewis hit .300 with two home runs and five RBI. 

Royce Lewis has the most long-term upside out of the emerging waiver-wire infielders. Players such as Paul DeJong and Jeimer Candelario have slowed down over the past week after showing up as potential waiver wire adds. The only emerging waiver wire add that possesses more immediate upside in the short-term is National League Player of the Week, Matt McLain who hit .484, including his first two major league home runs last week. 

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