Twins' Royce Lewis Endures Year-Long Batting Slump

Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis, once a rising star known for clutch performances, has been mired in a prolonged slump lasting nearly a year, severely impacting his batting average and the team's competitive edge. After confidently dismissing the concept of slumps in June 2024, Lewis's performance drastically declined, with a current batting average of .138 and an ongoing hitless streak of 24 at-bats, despite hitting the ball hard. His struggles, including a hamstring injury and multiple other physical setbacks, have coincided with the Twins' uneven season and late-season collapse the previous year. Lewis has openly expressed despair over his slump, emphasizing the psychological toll it has taken. In response, the Twins have occasionally benched him to allow mental recovery, underscoring his importance to the team's success and the urgency of his return to form. The team's prospects in the highly competitive AL Central hinge heavily on Lewis overcoming these difficulties.