Why Twins Made Right Call By Bringing Back Rocco Baldelli for 2025

[Matthew Taylor]

As the 2024 season came to a disappointing close, speculation around the future of Rocco Baldelli grew louder. Despite a vocal minority of fans calling for change, the Twins' front office made a decisive move to bring him back for the 2025 season. Here’s why that decision makes sense.

Image courtesy of © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

As the Minnesota Twins stumbled to the finish line of the 2024 season, it became obvious that meaningful change was coming. Fans wondered whether Rocco Baldelli would be the scapegoat for the collapse. "Fire Rocco" signs made their way into Target Field throughout the stretch run of the season, and chants filled the air. While this vocal segment of the fanbase wanted Baldelli gone, it’s important to remember that they likely don’t represent the majority.

The Twins' front office didn’t waste time announcing its decision. Before the season finale even took place, Derek Falvey declared that Baldelli would return for the 2025 season. Some fans were critical of the move, but I believe it’s the right decision.

Baldelli’s track record speaks for itself. With 457 wins, he’s already the fifth-winningest manager in franchise history. His .525 winning percentage is the second-highest among Twins managers in the expansion era, and Baldelli has led the team to the playoffs in three of his six seasons at the helm. In 2019, he managed the club to a 101-61 record, the second-best in team history, and just last season, he guided the Twins to their first playoff game and series wins since 2004.

Good records don't automatically reflect the work of a good manager, but Baldelli is one. His calm, steady approach is crucial for the grind of a 162-game season. Some fans may want fiery speeches or emotional outbursts, but baseball is a game of patience. Baldelli’s ability to keep an even keel, make calculated decisions, and position his players for success is exactly what you need in a long, grueling season. His players respect him, and many have publicly stated that Baldelli doesn’t deserve the blame for the team's rough finish. His experience as a former player also gives him a unique ability to connect with the roster—particularly with someone like Byron Buxton, whose injury history Baldelli can empathize with.

One of the strongest arguments for keeping Baldelli is the continuity he brings. The most successful franchises, in any sport, don’t constantly shuffle their leadership. Stability fosters success. Think of Tony La Russa with the Cardinals or Joe Torre with the Yankees. Even Ron Gardenhire’s long tenure with the Twins helped establish a winning culture. Keeping Baldelli in place gives the team consistency as they look to build on their successes.

Of course, the Twins' collapse down the stretch can’t be ignored. However, putting all the blame on Baldelli overlooks key factors: an injury-riddled roster, a reduced payroll, a quiet trade deadline, and underperformance from key players. The manager’s steady leadership helped the team navigate a challenging season, and we also can’t forget the 12-game winning streak they posted earlier this year. If we’re going to point to the bad, we also need to acknowledge the good.

Looking ahead, 2025 will be a critical year for Baldelli. He’s earned another chance, but if the team falters again, it will be tough to justify keeping him on. For now, though, bringing him back is the right call. His track record, approach, and the respect he commands in the clubhouse make him the best choice to lead the Twins forward.

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What do you think of the decision to retain Baldelli? Let’s discuss in the comments below.

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[CRF]

We'll have to agree to disagree on this one. 

[Patzky]

He's not the biggest concern but he's an easy nail to hammer.

[insagt1]

I've said this before. Let's see who the manager is in April. Virtually all GM's/owners make statements like this immediately after a failed season. Why? Because at the moment, there are no alternatives. But given time and searching and learning who is or might be available, current managers/coaches have been let go. Not saying this will happen here, but it might as history as shown us.

Players also, come to the defense of their manager, in nearly every case...unless the manager is openly and universally despised. They will take the bullet and say that failure was their fault. So its not surprising that the Twins players have nothing bad to say about their skipper.

I agree stability at the top is an important factor. Look at NHL's Buffalo Sabres. They have missed the playoffs a record 13 straight seasons and they seem to change coaches every year or two, trying to find the 'right guy'. It hasn't helped. This point can and has been debated hotly every year.

Is Rocco that 'right guy'? Have his in game decisions helped or hindered the Twins? Everything fell apart this year. How much of it is on him? Over in the AL East, Hyde of the O's is facing the exact same criticisms as Rocco. Many have questioned some of his decisions and use of players as the Orioles fell apart yet again when it mattered most. And yes his bosses have declared 'he'll be back in 2025'.

We'll see. I don't place much money on what is said right after a team's season comes to an unsuccessful end. Rocco may be back. Or not. Is he still the right guy for the job. Thats for the guys in suits who make the 'big bucks decisions' to determine. In any case, it makes for great discussion in the off-season as many of us have already seen our favorite teams fall on their swords.

[#3Killer]

Let’s hope he learns from this years debacle. His lineup “manipulations are motivation destroyers. He needs to combine his statistical approach with a feel for the game and let his players play when they get on a roll. 

Edited October 4, 2024 by #3Killer

[Peter]

Twins made right decision bringing rocco back!!! Past season was great except for last 2 months!!! It was learning experience and won’t ever happen again!!!! Next year will be way way way better!!  Go Twins!!!!

[TwinsDr2021]

If the Owners are trying to turn the fans away from this team and hoping attendance goes down again, Then yes they made the right decision. It is strange people seem to forget that 21 and 22 happened when the Twins had two of their highest ever payrolls. I don't care if they hired a new manager and he did the same exact things as Rocco this was the wrong move. Nobody can convince me otherwise.

[Beast]

Lol, what?

[gunnarthor]

Over the last four seasons, the Twins have gone 320-328, one first place finish, one third, one fourth, and one fifth. They've made one post season appearance.

And we've kept Rocco, Falvey, and Lavine. Lots of reasons to expect a better team next year, right?

[Old Crow]

I'm sorry Roco ball is not exciting ball,  I don't believe the game was ment to be played most dingers win.

[Aggies7]

“Vocal minority” 😂

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

The Twins don't want to pay two managers at the same time. That's what prompted this decision. If you're judging it on finances, sure, it's the right move. If you're judging it on baseball, 2021, 2022 and 2024 say hi.

[Whitey333]

I am not a Rocco fan at all.  Having said that I can understand bringing him back.  Does he deserve that?  No.  Of course the players like him as they are not held responsible for their poor play.  Plus the Twins already have scapegoats in the 4 fired coaches.  I disagree with you about people that want Rocco fired being in the minority.  Not sure about that.  A lot of people question his ability to manage.  He has no in game managing skills at all.  His insistence on sticking to mainly analytics and not at least some managing cost the team a lot.  How good did all that analytics do the Twins this year?  Also he was under contract through next year anyway so why pay for two managers salaries for one year?  I personally don't think Rocco isn't given enough blame for the last two months.  He's supposed to be the leader.  That he is not.

[Doctor Wu]

4 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

The Twins don't want to pay two managers at the same time. That's what prompted this decision.

That may be the biggest reason why Rocco wasn't jettisoned last week. But how long a leash will he be given when, let's say,  the team struggles to play .500 baseball by early summer next year? I don't hate Rocco, but at some point, and that may come very soon, this team might really benefit from a new manager with a new approach. 

[JD-TWINS]

31 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

If the Owners are trying to turn the fans away from this team and hoping attendance goes down again, Then yes they made the right decision. It is strange people seem to forget that 21 and 22 happened when the Twins had two of their highest ever payrolls. I don't care if they hired a new manager and he did the same exact things as Rocco this was the wrong move. Nobody can convince me otherwise.

‘22? AAA club for last 60-75 days due to injuries ……..anyone could have managed that group because where Jake Cave & Celestino & Contreras hit in the line-up didn’t matter. They tried out Billy Hamilton. Nick Gordon was a star on that club.

[Blyleven2011]

Looking at wins and saying he is a good manager is crazy   , 2019 the players had career years and Baldelli sat back and hardly had to manage for a 100 plus win season  , the playoffs were different  , he managed and it was awful and has been awful since , their game is not exciting  unless they use a juiced ball  ...

win or lose ,   it's how you play the game , and the game isn't exciting  , because Baldelli's technic is not exciting ...

The players have no comfort in an ever changing unstable lineup ...

Expect more of the same next year ..I'm done spending money on the twins , ( twinfest , spring training ,  target field games  and apparel ) ...

 

[JD-TWINS]

9 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

The Twins don't want to pay two managers at the same time. That's what prompted this decision. If you're judging it on finances, sure, it's the right move. If you're judging it on baseball, 2021, 2022 and 2024 say hi.

The assumption is the Manager should get the Team into the playoffs every year he manages regardless of player performance?

[JD-TWINS]

39 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

Over the last four seasons, the Twins have gone 320-328, one first place finish, one third, one fourth, and one fifth. They've made one post season appearance.

And we've kept Rocco, Falvey, and Lavine. Lots of reasons to expect a better team next year, right?

Add 2019, also under Baldelli as Manager of the Year, they are 421 - 389. Facts in the big picture w/Baldelli. ……..I don’t love the guy but nobody gets on Rob Thompson when Phillies go in the tank for 6 weeks - hitting coach isn’t blamed when Castellanos goes Ofer a series, in 3 of 4 series, because HE’S expected to come out of it on his own and does. Players play, and Managers give guys an opportunity to succeed in differing situations.

Lewis has to get HIS act together, for example.

My assumption, other than not having a better idea, is that Management kept Rocco to send a message to the players in the entire organization that they won’t be bailed out by placing blame elsewhere……it’s up to them.

[David Maro]

Don't worry the ticket prices will be going up for the same crap we saw this year next year.Rocco is who he is and manage the way he always has.

[Nashvilletwin]

1. His record over the past several years is actually not that good and downright mediocre at best if one takes away the juiced ball season.

2. Rocco staying and firing a good part of his staff is embarrassing.  Yeah, that’s right, blame this dumpster fire on someone else. The interns better watch out.

3. Among his many faults, is that Rocco is very poor at transitioning strong, promising minor league players into true blue major leaguers.  There are a lot of reasons why this is the case.  If the Pohlads’ business model is to compete as a small/mid market team, making the most out of your draft and minor league system is paramount.  Rocco is simply a terrible fit for the business model. This is a huge Pohlad problem - not having the type of leader in place for the type of team you have.

4. We could’ve had Terry Francona? Seriously, he was back in play?

5. The “majority” of Twins fans want Rocco to stay?  Really? I’d like to see the data on that one, especially among the high revenue super fan base.  Maybe I missed the poll, but I’ll take the under on that claim.

[Aggies7]

10 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Add 2019, also under Baldelli as Manager of the Year, they are 421 - 389. Facts in the big picture w/Baldelli. ……..I don’t love the guy but nobody gets on Rob Thompson when Phillies go in the tank for 6 weeks - hitting coach isn’t blamed when Castellanos goes Ofer a series, in 3 of 4 series, because HE’S expected to come out of it on his own and does. Players play, and Managers give guys an opportunity to succeed in differing situations.

Lewis has to get HIS act together, for example.

My assumption, other than not having a better idea, is that Management kept Rocco to send a message to the players in the entire organization that they won’t be bailed out by placing blame elsewhere……it’s up to them.

Apples and grapefruits. Rob Thomson got to a World Series and an NLCS in his first two seasons as manager. NLDS in his third. Took over for girardi went they were 8 games under and made it to the World Series. .575 winning percentage. In one of the toughest cities to manage. Cmon now.

[1985Fan]

Don’t like his style of play and I don’t think it wins in the long run. Watching other teams in action against the Twins is a good reference. I see the “old school” managers that use more of their instincts and baseball knowledge than just stats doing pretty well.
Every year we fans hear the injuries excuse. I guess we need to hope for zero injuries every year. Good luck with these players getting through a season without injury. They fired the old trainer, but that didn’t change anything. Keeping my fingers crossed that changing the hitting coaches will improve the terrible hitting. 

[Schmoeman5]

"Vocal minority." Rocco has the ability to keep an even keel, make calculated decisions and position players for success. In my opinion, its another fluff piece by Mr. Taylor. And it's not even factual.  

[1985Fan]

I attribute the 2019 season to two main factors; the juiced ball, and clubhouse leadership. Cruz was the leader of that group. He was the one players went to and looked up to. I don’t think the players listen to Baldelli then or now. 

[DJL44]

He needs to be able to learn from his mistakes. Make sure players are prepared to play defense. Quit pinch hitting early in games and giving away the platoon advantage. Pay attention to the opposing team's baserunners.

[Aggies7]

17 minutes ago, Schmoeman5 said:

"Vocal minority." Rocco has the ability to keep an even keel, make calculated decisions and position players for success. In my opinion, its another fluff piece by Mr. Taylor. And it's not even factual.  

Tomorrow’s article: why winning 82 games is actually really hard and should be celebrated 

[TwinsDr2021]

4 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

Tomorrow’s article: why winning 82 games is actually really hard and should be celebrated 

The following day will be all the great things Rocco has done for Wallner, Larnach, AK, Miranda, Lewis, Julien, and Martin. And then use Gordon as example as well.

The day after will be it isn't Rocco's fault that Steer and Rooker were traded.

[Jeff K]

Except for losing the fan base, which translates to poor attendance and possibly losing  the younger players, I quite agree.  We can't fire ownership, but firing Baldelli would give fans some hope.  And I personally don't think his in game decision making is cutting it.

[TwinsDr2021]

16 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

He needs to be able to learn from his mistakes. Make sure players are prepared to play defense. Quit pinch hitting early in games and giving away the platoon advantage. Pay attention to the opposing team's baserunners.

In Rocco's defense he has learned and gotten better, the problem is by the time he has learned it baseball has moved on to the next thing. I have said it before when the other teams announcers make fun of your moves, say how elementary the team is and how it is fairly easy to manage against, things are not going well for you.

[beckmt]

The biggest indictment to me is that Tito Franconia was out there and he is one of the best managers ever. Cincinatti is supposed to have hired him.  Are we so deaf as to not hear about that.  Unless you think that Cincinatti is better than the Twins, we probably could have gotten him, with the FO known to him.  IF they stumble out of the gate next year (the division is going to be better) what do we do then.  Actually hoping an owner like Glen Taylor buys the team, he wants to win.