Twins Announce GM Thad Levine Will Not Return for 2025

[Seth Stohs]

News broke moments ago that the Twins will not be bringing back Thad Levine, the organization's general manager for the past eight years. 

Image courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Days after announcing several changes to their coaching staff, the Twins announced on Friday morning that the team's Senior Vice President and General Manager Thad Levine will not return. 

According to Levine (via press release), "The time is right for me to pursue my next enriching, professional challenge." I will forever cherish the friendships that I have made in the Minnesota Twins organization and throughout Twins Territory." 

Levine was hired as general manager in November of 2016 by Derek Falvey who had been hired about a month earlier. He had spent the previous 11 seasons as an Assistant GM with the Texas Rangers. Before that, he spent six years as senior director of Baseball Operations with the Colorado Rockies. He also spent a year in the Dodgers Business Development group. 

Prior to a life in baseball, he worked in marketing for companies such as Coca-Cola, the Rockport Company and Reebok. 

The press release notes that he will "pursue new challenges and opportunities, both inside and outside of baseball." 

Falvey noted, "Thad's impact on the Minnesota Twins cannot be overstated. He has been a true partner and leader, always striving to elevate the organization and care for people around him. That helped create a strong team culture, one focused on excellence and collaboration. We are equally excited to see the next chapter of his journey unfold, and we wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors." 

There was no announcement on who might become the next Twins General Manager. Certainly a search will take place, though there are several very strong candidates from within. 

Jeremy Zoll and Daniel Adler are both Assistant GMs at this time. Adler leads the Twins efforts regarding arbitration, international scouting and baseball R&D. Zoll works with Dr. Chris Camp, the team's physician, to oversee the organization's performance team and continues to work in developing initiatives in the minor leagues.

Kevin Goldstein has spent three years in the organization and is currently the VP of International Scouting and Special Advisor to Baseball Operations.  Often a GM can come through the scouting ranks. Maybe VP of Amateur Scouting, Sean Johnson, would be considered. Brad Steil has held a number of roles over his 25 years in the organization. He is currently the Twins Direction of Professional Player Procurement. 

There are likely several others within the organization who could fulfill the role, and Falvey may have some ideas from other organizations. 

Since Falvey and Levine (lovingly referred to as Falvine by many), the Twins have spent seemingly up to and even slightly beyond their payrolls. They are responsible for handing out nine-digit contracts to Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton. They also outbid teams for Josh Donaldson. They had a few good trades (Donaldson to the Yankees, and Arraez to the Marlins for Pablo Lopez). They had several bad trades, as every organization does. 

Levine was also part of the Twins ending their long playoff losing streak. So, as frustrating as the final six weeks of the 2024 season was for the Twins and their fans. 

On a different level, Levine was enjoyable to listen to in the rare times he spoke publicly. He has a tremendous sense of humor and the vocabulary to impress. 

So, what do you think, Twins fans? Is this a good transition move for the Twins? How do you see it playing out? 

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[old nurse]

He has taken the team as far as he could with the resources he has. It probably is time to move on 

[Cory Engelhardt]

It FEELS like this could have been coming even if the season didn't nosedive, at least in my opinion.

Curious if they will promote internally or look outside. And how much power the new GM will have in terms of player acquisition.

[nicksaviking]

Since Falvey and Levine (lovingly referred to as Falvine by many),

Do they though? Honestly, I'm happy to put an end to this, they're different people with different responsibilities as evidenced by the disparity in job titles and pay.

I know Levine wasn't near the top of most people's replacement list, but he was near the top of mine. Maybe he's faultless and a scapegoat, but if he's the one who continues to identify these low ceiling castoff players to put on the 26-man roster, I'm happy to try someone new. Whoever is after these guys seems to think veteran players have a safe floor, but this is baseball, everyone has a low floor, there are hardly ANY safe players.

[CRF]

This doesn't change anything...except we can't use "Falvine" any more. Is he doing this on his own? Or was he encouraged to leave? Was he the mastermind of all the exceptional...uh, great...uh, good...uh marginal...ok, terrible trades we've made over the last few years? Did he get tired of working under Falvey? I'm sure we'll never know. Best of luck to him...looks like he apparently escaped. 

[chpettit19]

I really hope the replacement comes from outside the organization. No offense to any of the internal options listed here, but I want a new voice with some new ideas in the room. 

[DJL44]

With hindsight, this move was probably inevitable after the trade deadline. Levine says he's the risk taker and Falvey is risk averse. They didn't make any deals which implies they aren't listening to Levine anymore.

[Reptevia]

I’m guessing he’s getting out of baseball unless he can land a job in a major market. It’s going to be a very rocky time for all but a handful of teams the next 5 years. 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Good luck to Levine. I liked his interviews. 

There was no way Levine was the final sign-off for the bigger decisions, like the Pablo-Arraez trade (fair to say is working out well), the Donaldson signing (heh) or the Correa signing $200 million with $33 million a year locked up.

So, not sure Levine leaving really moves the needle. 

[Whitey333]

Not surprised at all.  They still missed on Rocco and Falvey.  A total house cleaning should now be done including Dave St Peter.  And yes we need someone from the outside.  Internal candidates for the GM job would only bring the same Falvey/Rocco totally boring baseball.

[nicksaviking]

7 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

I really hope the replacement comes from outside the organization. No offense to any of the internal options listed here, but I want a new voice with some new ideas in the room. 

Absolutely. This was the problem with the last regime. It was an old boys club always promoting from within and the whole thing felt inbred, never learning new things and always being at the back of the pack in league trends.

But I'd guess an internal promotion may be cheaper than an external hire.....

[nicksaviking]

8 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

With hindsight, this move was probably inevitable after the trade deadline. Levine says he's the risk taker and Falvey is risk averse. They didn't make any deals which implies they aren't listening to Levine anymore.

Where is this quote? I'd truly like to read that article or interview.

[Riverbrian]

I can't say I didn't see this coming but I'm still a little shocked. 

My radar was up because his name was absent as Falvey and Baldelli were announced as returning next season. 

My Thoughts:

1. Thanks for everything Thad... Good Luck to You in your future endeavors. You have been a big part of my team for a long time. Even as I raise criticism's... I was always pulling for you. 

2. I wonder if he was told that he won't be coming back and was given his choice of how he wanted to depart.

3. I wonder if he told everyone that he wasn't coming back because he didn't feel he could do his job under tight perimeters or could it be the ole' creative differences that caused groups like the Police to blow apart. I don't know so De Do Do Do De Da Da Da is all I can say about that.  

4. Jobs in every industry... People come and go and the business carries on. They won't walk into the winter meetings without a GM. Just have to wait and see who that will be. 

5. Whoever the new guy is... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't waste your precious roster space on specialists or innings eater types. 

[DJL44]

10 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Where is this quote? I'd truly like to read that article or interview.

Twins GM Talks Draft, Risk-Taking – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners (shamasportsheadliners.com)

[Squirrel]

4 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I wonder if he was told that he won't be coming back and was given his choice of how he wanted to depart.

From what I heard, it was his choice to leave at this time. don't know the internal dynamics, though, and what part that may have played. imo, given the constraints he was given, what more could he do?

[Mike Sixel]

I have no idea what happened to the budget after signing CC and Pablo ...I have no idea the constraints..... And I'm not going to defend many of the decisions on free agents....

But people are forgetting how truly awful this organization was before this FO arrived. Truly awful. 

[Riverbrian]

1 minute ago, Squirrel said:

From what I heard, it was his choice to leave at this time

Certainly could be.

If you have heard accurately... My next question would be why? 

This part of his press release would be feeding my curiosity. 

 "pursue new challenges and opportunities, both inside and outside of baseball."  

He had a good job inside of baseball. He doesn't appear to have another job lined up and outside of baseball is still possible. 

In the end... it's just my curiosity for details that I'll never get... nor do I deserve to get.

He's gone and the team will carry on.  

 

[jmlease1]

It'll be interesting to see if he's got something new lined up already; if he doesn't it would suggest that he was ushered out rather than jumping ship.

Have to wonder if the process with the BoSox changed his thinking about being in MN and his tenure.

I hope they have a robust search process and at least are considering external candidates. i do believe in promotion from within and it can be very healthy...but at the same time you have to keep open to new ideas and sometimes you need an external figure to disrupt groupthink.

[Riverbrian]

1 minute ago, Mike Sixel said:

I have no idea what happened to the budget after signing CC and Pablo ...I have no idea the constraints..... And I'm not going to defend many of the decisions on free agents....

But people are forgetting how truly awful this organization was before this FO arrived. Truly awful. 

IMO... The Twins organization was seemingly frozen in place before they arrived. They didn't spend money and they didn't develop talent.

IMO... When these guys came aboard... the organization started moving again. They made some big mistakes and they made some good things happen but in total... we have been better off... while yet... not all the way there. 

This is why no movement at the trade deadline for two years in a row... is such a shocking thing for me to try and comprehend. 

  

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, Riverbrian said:

IMO... The Twins organization was seemingly frozen in place before they arrived. They didn't spend money and they didn't develop talent.

IMO... When these guys came aboard... the organization started moving again. They made some big mistakes and they made some good things happen but in total... we have been better off... while yet... not all the way there. 

This is why no movement at the trade deadline for two years in a row... is such a shocking thing for me to try and comprehend. 

  

Well, this team has added real budget once maybe twice at the deadline under this ownership, so I'm not shocked. 

One should expect mistakes to be made when changing a culture, ripping them for every one is ridiculous, not that you do that. 

As for winning it all? I didn't expect that to happen, so I'm not really disappointed when it doesn't. 

[Rhyno006]

I too feel like someone from  outside the org would be nice to have. Fresh eyes on this organization would be a good thing after nearly a decade of the same thought processes, etc.   

[Linus]

I’ve never understood the division of duties or what his responsibilities specifically were so it’s hard to judge the situation. Lots of different job titles listed in the article. 

[Squirrel]

15 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Certainly could be.

If you have heard accurately... My next question would be why? 

This part of his press release would be feeding my curiosity. 

 "pursue new challenges and opportunities, both inside and outside of baseball."  

He had a good job inside of baseball. He doesn't appear to have another job lined up and outside of baseball is still possible. 

In the end... it's just my curiosity for details that I'll never get... nor do I deserve to get.

He's gone and the team will carry on.  

 

I mean ... does there have to be a why beyond ... it was time for him and his career to move on? I think what DJL44 pointed out above could be part of the reason ... I don't see it as a huge conflict but perhaps a difference of philosophy and needing to find a better fit for himself? I guess?

[Twins GFP]

17 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

But people are forgetting how truly awful this organization was before this FO arrived. Truly awful. 

You can't make comments like this.  There are too many people out there that won't acknowledge the positive steps this FO has made

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

Well, this team has added real budget once maybe twice at the deadline under this ownership, so I'm not shocked. 

One should expect mistakes to be made when changing a culture, ripping them for every one is ridiculous, not that you do that. 

As for winning it all? I didn't expect that to happen, so I'm not really disappointed when it doesn't. 

My minimum expectation is meaningful baseball in September. If they get to that point... they can get to the playoffs... if they get to the playoffs... they can win it all. 

This front office has been in charge for 5 seasons of meaningful baseball  out of 8 years if my math is right. I'd like to see a little better than that but I know that it could be a whole lot worse. 

Case in point... the previous front office... produced 1 season of meaningful September baseball in 6 years prior to the new front office arriving. . 

[Twins GFP]

41 minutes ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

So, not sure Levine leaving really moves the needle. 

There is an unspoken ceiling with this team.  Unless this team greatly overachieves, has surprises, luck, or all, this team will habitually max out as "good to very good", never great.

The only true needle-moving thing that could happen would be a new owner.

[USAFChief]

This reads to me like he got canned, rather than he chose to leave. 

In any case, this was pretty much announced last weekend when they said "Falvey and Baldelli are returning. ... Thad? Thad who?"

 

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

This reads to me like he got canned, rather than he chose to leave. 

In any case, this was pretty much announced last weekend when they said "Falvey and Baldelli are returning. ... Thad? Thad who?"

 

Agreed with the last part. Likely the first also. 

[2wins87]

Big picture, I think the front office has done a good job modernizing the organization and maintaining a good farm system while supplementing in the majors.  Not sure how much to put on Levine, but I think his overall performance is probably good enough to merit keeping him.  Not clear how much of the decision was ultimately Levine pursuing other opportunities.  Might have been entirely his choice.

In terms of talent evaluation in trades and free agency, it feels like the organization has been pretty average.  There have been some very good trades; Joe Ryan easily the best, Odorizzi, interestingly also a fleecing of the Rays, Sonny Gray - I think Chase Petty will be a major league starter, but I doubt he'll be good enough to make the trade look bad.  There have been some real flops too.  Getting handcuffed by ownership was obviously the main problem last year.

In terms of moves where Levine might have been most most heavily involved, the Garver trade with Texas was fairly average.  IKF was up and down and wouldn't have been a bad return for Garver if not flipped.  Henriquez has not been as good as I think the FO believed (and perhaps still believe).  The Gallo signing was not good.

I think a GM with a strong scouting background, in the mold of Terry Ryan (20 or more years ago) could be an interesting complement to Derek Falvey.  They have player valuation models in place now, and having someone who's good at making the choice between 2 guys when the models say they are basically the same might be an extra edge that they need.

Assistant GMs Adler and Zoll seem to be guys who've taken fairly similar paths to Falvey and Levine.  Zoll has had some experience in a player development role but I don't think he's ever had a job really resembling scouting.  Sean Johnson maybe would fit the bill, not sure how easily he'd transition into the other parts of the role.

[Dawgzilla]

Probably a nice guy, but things need to change.  Now, that being said, the Pohlads' need to sell the team to be "competitive", with the recognition they received a new funded stadium to do just that, yet the salary is lower, let alone "mid-tier" in comparison to league average, meaning fans were screwed.  MLB has a major problem with the "haves" and "have nots", using "small market" as the usual excuse!

 

I like Buxton a lot, but I would trade him for a player that actually is capable of playing mostly a full season for a change.  Correa looks to go on the D.L. o 2-3 times a year for his foot problem, which is chronic apparently.  Then you have the Twins always going after retread pitchers, pitchers coming off a major surgery, etc. that can't make it through the first 2 months.  Who heck is the medical team doctor when acquiring pitchers??????????!!!!

 

Lastly, two more points:  1)  Payroll needs to rise to at least 150 million  2)  Television needs to get fixed for outstate residents, whom can't make games regularly!  You lose total interest if there are television rights that people can watch, with the caveat can afford too!!!!