Brief Introduction of Royce Lewis
Royce Oliver Lewis is an American professional baseball third baseman for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on June 5, 1999, in Aliso Viejo, California, he quickly became a noteworthy figure in the baseball world. Lewis gained significant attention when the Minnesota Twins selected him as the first overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft. His powerful hitting and athletic prowess have made him a prominent player, though his early career has been marked by significant injuries. Despite these setbacks, he has demonstrated remarkable resilience and talent, making a significant impact when on the field.
Royce Lewis Overview
| Full Name | Royce Oliver Lewis |
| Date of Birth | June 5, 1999 |
| Age | 26 |
| Birthplace | Aliso Viejo, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Third Baseman |
| Famous For | Being the first overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft and his performance with the Minnesota Twins. |
| Education | JSerra Catholic High School |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse / Partner | Samantha Hobert |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2.5 million |
Early Life and Education of Royce Lewis
Royce Lewis was born and raised in Aliso Viejo, California. His parents, William and Cindy Lewis, both had athletic backgrounds; his father played college football, and his mother played college softball. This athletic environment undoubtedly influenced his early interest in sports. Lewis attended JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, California, where he became a baseball standout. He initially played third base and outfield before transitioning to shortstop in his senior year. His exceptional talent was evident early on, and he was considered one of the top prospects for the 2017 MLB draft. Before being drafted, Lewis had committed to play college baseball at the University of California, Irvine.
Royce Lewis Career
Early Career
The Minnesota Twins selected Royce Lewis with the first overall pick in the 2017 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Twins and began his professional journey in their minor league system. Lewis made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Twins and quickly showcased his potential, even hitting a home run in his first professional at-bat. He progressed through the minor league ranks, playing for teams like the Cedar Rapids Kernels and the Fort Myers Miracle. His performance in the minors was impressive, earning him accolades such as being named the Midwest League MVP in 2018.
Breakthrough
Lewis’s breakthrough to the major leagues came on May 6, 2022, when he made his MLB debut for the Minnesota Twins. His arrival was highly anticipated due to his status as a former first overall pick. He made an immediate impact, recording his first major league hit in his debut game. Just a week later, on May 13, he hit his first career home run, a grand slam, becoming only the second player in Twins history to achieve this feat for their first MLB homer. This powerful start signaled his potential to be a major offensive force in the league.
Major Achievements and Success
Despite his career being interrupted by injuries, Royce Lewis has had several notable achievements. A significant highlight of his amateur career was being named the MVP of both the Under Armour All-American Game and the Perfect Game All-American Classic in 2016. In the minor leagues, he was named the Arizona Fall League MVP in 2019. In the major leagues, he has already shown a flair for the dramatic, hitting multiple grand slams. He also made an impressive postseason debut in 2023, hitting home runs in his first two at-bats in the AL Wild Card Series, becoming only the third player in MLB history to do so.
Recent Work / Current Status
Royce Lewis’s recent career has been a story of resilience in the face of adversity. He has battled significant injuries, including two tears of his right ACL in 2021 and 2022, which caused him to miss substantial playing time. He has also dealt with other injuries, including oblique and hamstring strains. When healthy, Lewis has proven to be a key player for the Minnesota Twins, primarily playing third base. He continues to be a significant part of the Twins’ lineup, valued for his power hitting and clutch performances.
Royce Lewis Awards and Achievements
- USA Today High School Baseball Player of the Year (2017)
- Gatorade California Baseball Player of the Year (2017)
- Midwest League Most Valuable Player (2018)
- Arizona Fall League Most Valuable Player (2019)
- AL Rookie of the Month (September 2023)
- Twins Bill Boni Outstanding Rookie Award (2023)
- Twins Carl R. Pohlad Outstanding Community Service Award
Royce Lewis Personal Life & Family
Family plays a significant role in Royce Lewis’s life. His parents’ athletic backgrounds provided a strong foundation for his own sporting career. He maintains a close relationship with his family. In his personal life, Lewis is married to Samantha Hobert. The couple, who met in high school, got engaged in November 2023 and married in January 2025. Hobert also has a background in sports, having played soccer in high school.
Royce Lewis Relationship Details
Royce Lewis is married to Samantha Hobert. They have been in a relationship since 2018 after meeting at JSerra Catholic High School. The couple got engaged on November 18, 2023, and tied the knot on January 13, 2025. Samantha Hobert has a business degree and has worked in finance.
Royce Lewis Net Worth and Income
As of recent estimates, Royce Lewis’s net worth is approximately $2.5 million. His income is primarily derived from his salary with the Minnesota Twins. He received a significant signing bonus of $6.725 million when he was drafted in 2017. His MLB salary has increased over the years, with his 2023 contract being worth $727,100 for the year. He also has endorsement deals, most notably with Adidas.
Royce Lewis Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
- Weight: 200 pounds (90 kg)
- Eye Color: Not publicly available
- Hair Color: Brown
Royce Lewis Controversies
No major controversies have been reported involving Royce Lewis. He is generally regarded as a dedicated and professional athlete.
Royce Lewis Social Media Presence
- Instagram – @roycelewis
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Interesting Facts about Royce Lewis
- His parents were both college athletes; his father played football and his mother played softball.
- He was the MVP of two major high school All-American games in 2016.
- He hit a home run in his very first professional at-bat in the minor leagues.
- His first MLB home run was a grand slam.
- He is only the third player in MLB history to hit home runs in his first two career postseason plate appearances.
Royce Lewis Legacy and Influence
Despite a career that has been hampered by injuries, Royce Lewis has already begun to build a legacy of perseverance and clutch performance. His ability to come back from major surgeries and still perform at a high level is a testament to his work ethic and mental fortitude. He serves as an inspiration for young athletes facing their own setbacks. Within the Minnesota Twins organization, he is seen as a cornerstone player with the potential to be a long-term leader. His exciting style of play and powerful hitting have made him a fan favorite and a significant influence on the team’s success when he is on the field.
Final Words about Royce Lewis
Royce Lewis’s journey in professional baseball is a compelling story of immense talent, high expectations, and the grueling reality of professional sports injuries. As the first overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft, he carried the weight of a franchise’s hopes on his shoulders. While injuries have undoubtedly altered the early trajectory of his career, his performances when healthy have consistently showcased the elite skills that made him such a coveted prospect. His power at the plate, particularly in high-pressure situations, and his resilience in the face of repeated adversity define his character as a player. As he continues his career, the baseball world watches with anticipation, hopeful that he can maintain his health and fully realize his extraordinary potential.