BREAKING NEWS: Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball Star Royce Lewis Has Done It Again, Making Major Announcements, Head Coach Rocco Baldelli Reacts Shock…. see more

In a stunning and emotional turn of events, Minnesota Twins superstar Royce Lewis has once again sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball — this time with a deeply personal and powerful announcement that has left fans, teammates, and coaches speechless.

Just days after helping lead the Twins to a key series win and continuing his breakout All-Star campaign, Lewis called a surprise press conference at Target Field, where he revealed a life-altering decision that has nothing to do with stats, contracts, or playoff standings.

“I’ve always believed that purpose is more important than pressure,” Lewis began. “And now, it’s time I step into that purpose.”

📢 The Announcement: Royce Lewis Launches Nationwide Foundation to Support Families Affected by Rare Diseases

With tears in his eyes, the 26-year-old phenom announced the creation of the “Royce’s Hope Project”, a nonprofit foundation committed to supporting children and families affected by rare genetic disorders — a cause that hits very close to home for the rising MLB star.

Lewis revealed for the first time that a close family member has been quietly battling a rare illness over the past year, prompting him to take action beyond baseball.

“We fight for rings on the field. But there are families out there fighting battles every single day that no one sees. I want them to know: They are not alone.”

😲 Rocco Baldelli Reacts: “None of Us Saw This Coming”

Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli appeared visibly emotional when speaking to reporters shortly after the announcement.

“None of us saw this coming — not because Royce isn’t capable of this kind of compassion, but because he kept it so private,” Baldelli said. “We talk about leaders in the locker room. What he just did is leadership on a whole different level.”

Baldelli confirmed that the team was made aware of the foundation plans only 48 hours before the press conference, and said the Twins organization will be donating $1 million to support the initiative.

💪 On the Field: Lewis is Having an MVP-Caliber Season

Despite the off-field focus, Royce Lewis continues to shine as one of the most electric players in MLB. His 2025 season so far:

• .317 batting average

• 28 home runs

• 91 RBIs

• .985 OPS

• Plays elite defense at shortstop and third base

He’s been instrumental in keeping the Twins in postseason contention, and fans have already started chanting “M-V-P!” during home games at Target Field.

🧠 Inside the Royce’s Hope Project

The foundation will focus on:

• Covering medical expenses and travel costs for families seeking rare disease treatments.

• Partnering with Mayo Clinic and other major hospitals to fund early-stage research into rare pediatric conditions.

• Hosting family wellness retreats and launching a mental health hotline staffed by professionals trained in rare disease trauma support.

Lewis personally pledged $7.5 million to fund the first phase of the project.

🗣️ Teammates, Fans, and MLB React

• Carlos Correa: “Royce is a superstar. Today, he became a hero.”

• Byron Buxton: “He’s not just one of the best young players in the game — he’s one of the best people I’ve ever met.”

• MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred: “Royce Lewis is redefining what it means to be a Major League Baseball player.”

Fans flooded social media with praise, using hashtags like #RoycesHope and #BiggerThanBaseball, with some calling it one of the most inspiring moments in Twins franchise history.

🔮 What’s Next?

Royce confirmed he will continue playing this season, but will dedicate his offseason entirely to launching foundation branches in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Houston. A benefit concert and charity game are already in the works for this November.

“I’m not stepping away from baseball,” he said. “I’m stepping into something even more meaningful alongside it.”

❤️ Legacy In the Making

From former No. 1 draft pick to rising MLB superstar, Royce Lewis is now writing a legacy that goes far beyond the diamond — one rooted in compassion, courage, and community.

As fans stood and applauded him after today’s game, a sign behind home plate read:

“You give us hope, Royce. Now let us give it back.”