The 6 Most Likely Former Twins to Become Part of the New Ownership Group

[Nick Nelson]

It sounds like a former Twins player could end up having a small stake in the group that eventually purchases the team from the Pohlads. Who might it be? Let's take some educated guesses.

Image courtesy of Jesse Johnson, David Berding, Jason Bridge–Imagn Images

In his column last week for the Star Tribune on the sale of the Twins franchise, veteran sportswriter La Velle E. Neal III shared several nuggets of interest, including reports that there have been "double-digit inquiries" and that a deal is expected to be complete by midseason at the latest.

One detail I found particularly interesting is that fans should "expect a former Twin to be part of any ownership group as a limited partner." Neal emphasizes that this would be a relatively small stake – perhaps just 1% or 2%, so the individual wouldn't necessarily be hugely influential from an operational standpoint. However, the idea of a former player entrenching himself in the franchise long-term with ownership equity is kind of fun to ponder.

Let's try and come up with a list of most likely former Twins players to end up as part of the buyer group. The requisites here would be that they earned a significant amount of money in their career, and they have some level of deeper connection to the franchise that might signal a desire to become embedded within it.

1. Joe Mauer
This is the first name that comes to mind, as Neal acknowledged in his article: "Fans will automatically assume that Joe Mauer would be a lock for such a position." Mauer's ties to the team and the Twin Cities go without saying. He's not only the highest-earning Twin of all time, but one of the highest-earning MLB players of all time, period.

 

The thing is, would Joe Mauer really want to deal with being part of an MLB ownership group? I'm not claiming to intimately know the guy but it doesn't really seem up his alley to me. I get the impression he is enjoying retirement and spending time with his family, away from the spotlight. But it would be pretty poetic, and a fitting next chapter in his Minnesota baseball journey.

2. Torii Hunter
This is another name that La Velle mentioned, making note of Hunter's ventures into the business world since retiring as a player. I could definitely see this. Hunter seems to have a lot of interest in remaining involved with the game at an administrative level; he spent some years as a special assistant in the Twins front office, and more recently has been serving a similar role for Angels GM Perry Minasian. 

While his career earnings aren't quite in the Mauer range, Hunter made well over $150 million as a player, so he could definitely have the financial means to be in this conversation. For what it's worth, he expressed interest last year in eventually becoming a manager, and interviewed for the Angels job that eventually went to Ron Washington, so Hunter may have his sights set elsewhere.

3. Justin Morneau
Morneau was the third name referenced in Neal's article, and he's a very logical candidate. The former MVP was an iconic player during his time in Minnesota, and has become an integral member of the organization and TV broadcast booth in his retirement. 

According to the Twins' website, Morneau has an extensive range of responsibilities within the Twins organization beyond his role as lead color commentator, including "helping position player development by focusing on transition programs and teaching an understanding of major league expectations, environment and culture. He is also involved in the amateur draft process and as a resource for player acquisitions."

Given his current level of involvement in the team's operations, an ownership stake might make sense as a next step. However, if such a scenario would preclude him continuing in his commentator role, I selfishly hope it doesn't happen. 

4. Glen Perkins
I'm just riffing now, but the thought process behind Perkins as a candidate is similar to the one with Mauer: native Minnesotan who grew up as a fan of the team and spent his entire career with the Twins. Like Morneau, Perkins is now part of the TV broadcast team, albeit in a smaller role. 

His earnings as a player don't quite stack up to the names above, but who knows how Perkins and others may have expanded or diversified their wealth post-retirement. Building an extravagant farmhouse estate, and later selling it for $2.5 million, is one example demonstrating a level of entrepreneurial spirit and financial acumen.

5. LaTroy Hawkins
Hawkins is another guy who has shown considerable intent to stay involved with the game of baseball since retiring, and has also maintained a strong bond with the Minnesota Twins. He's been part of the team's front office since 2016 and occasionally appears as an analyst on broadcasts. As a career-long setup man who didn't have the saves to artificially inflate his value, Hawkins never earned huge salaries as a player but he accrued plenty of money over time in a 21-year MLB career. 

Again, there are indicators of a entrepreneurial ambition here; Hawkins co-founded a business selling e-bikes a couple years back. Also, in terms of access to capital, his godson is Patrick Mahomes ...

6. Roy Smalley
We recently learned that Smalley is stepping away from the TV broadcast booth this season. He said he was finally caving into his wife's requests, and maybe he was, but PERHAPS this was also a move to pave way for Smalley buying an ownership stake? The timing is interesting, is all I'm saying!

 

Smalley is clearly very financially adept. He has a role as "Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager" at Morgan Stanley. Given these chops, it wouldn't surprise me if he has considerably grown his earnings since retiring from playing, and he undoubtedly speaks the financial language of heavy hitters like the Ishbias.

Here are some former players who will NOT be in the ownership group
For a laugh, I asked my followers on X/Twitter to name their picks for the most hilarious possible former players to be involved with the purchase of the Twins franchise. Here are some of the responses that made chuckle. I think we can safely rule these names out of the discussion. But you never know!

• Delmon Young
• Tommy Herr
• A.J. Pierzynski
• Ricky Nolasco
• Tsuyoshi Nishioka
• Lance Lynn
• Willians Astudillo
• Josh Donaldson
• Chuck Knoblauch
• Jaime Garcia
• David Ortiz

In all seriousness, it should be mentioned that this type of arrangement appears to be quite rare. You don't see many former players later end up with an ownership stake in the same team they played for during their career. Ken Griffey Jr. joined the Mariners ownership group in 2021. Nolan Ryan was the controlling owner of the Rangers for a brief time, but exited in 2013. I don't know of many other examples.

One way or another, it will be interesting to see how this plays out, if La Velle's instincts are correct. Who would you like to see join the Twins ownership group? Did I miss any likely candidates?

View full article

[Doctor Gast]

I think it's a great idea to have a former player with baseball smarts to guide the owners in major baseball decisions. Ignorant owners are at the mercy of their FO. If the FO is bad the team goes nowhere for too long. 

My guess would be Roy Smalley, the conditions seem right, he's baseball smart from his own experience & gleanings from Gene Mauch who was a great baseball mind and he appears to have the money. Mauer was a great hitting catcher but IMO & I could be wrong, he doesn't have the baseball smarts that you normally link to catchers or out-spoken enough to voice his opinions, So maybe someone who could straighten out our catching dilemma, who could be an option if he has the money is Tim Laudner who is also a Minnesotan.

[Mark G]

You missed Dick Bremer.  We have to keep the TV crew together, don't we?  🤭

Okay, seriously......I would go with Dr. Gast on this one; I would love to see Smalley join the group if he would have any actual say in the FO operation end of the business.  Very sound baseball man.  And keep Joe away from ownership; he does just fine as a team ambassador, so to speak, but other than that........ (I wouldn't object to Tori though, if he has the interest).

Just my nickels worth.  🫠

[Original_JB]

Hmm. I kind of think of this differently. These aren't going to be Ambassadors (Hrbek, Oliva, etc.) being regular 'faces' at events and such, they are investors who know the game, and also as a plus, are ex-Twins. Of course they will appear at some functions, give interviews and such, but they aren't going to be doing a Derek Jeter level type gig.  So, why wouldn't a Big Papi, or AJ be interested? They are still in the public eye doing media type things. Jack Morris is another. Roy Smalley for sure.  How many baseball owners complain about "losing money"? Look at what the Pohlad's will be walking away with. Why wouldn't guys like/want that opportunity? 

[Cory Engelhardt]

No love for Kyle Lohse? :) If we need a door broken down, I think he may know a guy :)

[Twodogs]

I think the most obvious guy to become part of the ownership group is Kent Hrbek.  Local guy, who won 2 world series titles and told everyone he'd never play for the Yankees no matter how much money they paid him.  He'd be outspoken enough to light a fire under peoples assess but also be Minnesota nice at the same time.  

[old nurse]

The amount of money any of these players have to contribute would e a drop in the bucket of an over $1.5 billion sale. The groups may like a former player involved to help be the face of the ownership group. Maye the fans will still be nice to them after a few years 

[jmlease1]

1 hour ago, Original_JB said:

Hmm. I kind of think of this differently. These aren't going to be Ambassadors (Hrbek, Oliva, etc.) being regular 'faces' at events and such, they are investors who know the game, and also as a plus, are ex-Twins. Of course they will appear at some functions, give interviews and such, but they aren't going to be doing a Derek Jeter level type gig.  So, why wouldn't a Big Papi, or AJ be interested? They are still in the public eye doing media type things. Jack Morris is another. Roy Smalley for sure.  How many baseball owners complain about "losing money"? Look at what the Pohlad's will be walking away with. Why wouldn't guys like/want that opportunity? 

Considering what their likely stake would be, they're much more likely to be Ambassadors than Investors, really. The new ownership group wants someone with ties to the community, ties to the team's past success (even if it's individual rather than team success) who can stand with them and help them transition into the ownership. Maybe they'll have some advising responsibilities, but it's more like that it's a way to get a bigger name Twin to hang out with and help the community think of them as One Of Us sooner rather than later.

Hrbek and Mauer both make a lot of sense. (I'm presuming Hrbek has the money; he's done enough commercials that he shouldn't have blown all of his money on beer, hunting supplies, and fishing boats unless he got ripped off by a financial manager like so many athletes) Smalley is a good fit too; he wasn't playing when the big money hit, but he's well-known to be a very sharp financial operator, a super nice guy, and good team ambassador. The actual amount of their stake will probably be 1% or less (unless it's maybe Mauer and Joe wants to drop some of his money into a safe holding with the team). you can have 0.02% and still be an "owner".

[tarheeltwinsfan]

The Yankees have "owned" the Twins ever since Pedro Ramos left the Senators/Twins. Ramos used to beat the Evil Empire regularly. 

[Blyleven2011]

It was an interesting read with humorous responses  ...

[tony&rodney]

Not shocked, but I would be quite surprised if any former Twins actually are 1% investors in the next ownership group.

Smalley is at a phase in his life where he keeps busy with projects of a personal nature. Mauer is the least likely to want any scrutiny. Morneau could be a small "representative" part but he is a busy guy.

Why would any of these players want to be burdened with any duties beyond their broadcasting, coaching, and advisory roles?

The Twins have not had an ARod or Jeter personality. So, sure, some player may be tapped in a minor role requiring less than a 1% investment. It just seems unlikely.

[Doctor Gast]

1 hour ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

The Yankees have "owned" the Twins ever since Pedro Ramos left the Senators/Twins. Ramos used to beat the Evil Empire regularly. 

I remember & long for those days.

[Brandon]

I could see many former players chipping in 5-10 million to have a minority stake in the team.  I doubt they are looking for a former player to dump over 100 - 150 million or so into ownership of the team to get them to the 10% ownership level giving them a bigger interest in the team's success.  and we wouldn't want that anyways as that could hinder the team from going all in if a former player has gone all in with his wealth on ownership.    

[nicksaviking]

I agree that Hunter is more likely than Mauer. Hunter does still seem invested in the game.

And frankly, he'd be a better choice. Mauer is the local hero, but he's staid, quiet and prefers to keep his insights to himself. Or at least, that was how he was as a player.

I understand that this appointment may be more of a figurehead status, however, this role could still lead to league-wide exposure and possible talent recruitment; the outgoing and very connected Torii Hunter seems to be a better choice.

And not that I think this person will have the pull, but if you had to choose between Mauer or Hunter into talking the majority owner into opening up the wallet for free agents, Hunter seems to be the hands-down better choice for that.

[ashbury]

Garcia would be a fantastic co-owner, but he'd probably flip his stake in the team inside of a week and for a slight net loss.

[gman]

I haven't seen too many owners who appear to want someone else to be the figure head of their organization. Bring in or keep ex-players involved is different, but that is currently done. I'm guessing the ones currently doing just that were the ones that accepted previous requests. Offering someone a small ownership stake to reach out to help bring fans back to the Twins would be different from some one adding money out of pocket to the ownership stake.

[goulik]

I didn't read the comments in detail but Paul Molitor?

[chpettit19]

Cal Ripken Jr is a minority owner of the Orioles. I think it's kind of fun, but nothing all that impactful. Gets the fans excited right away, which the Twins very much need, so I can see the appeal. As long as their stance on things is the same as Cal's in that they're just a sounding board for the FO if the FO wants it.

[Fezig]

I still get pissed when I see Tom Herr's name. 

[Cris E]

It's a rough time to buy in. The revenues are falling and there's going to be a war between owners to figure out a new revenue sharing plan that'll buy a peace like the one we've seen since the 1994 shutdown. The new CBA has to be agreed to after the 2026 season and I don;t think anyone expects it to go well.  Hunter might be up for those types of interviews in the shadow of a lockout, but I can't see the "nice guys" wanting to sign on for that sort of duty on their own dime.

[D. Hocking]

I think everyone has missed the obvious choice.  I wonder if they take PayPal.

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, D. Hocking said:

I think everyone has missed the obvious choice.  I wonder if they take PayPal.

I hope you invested the $5.151M that b-r.com says you earned in your career, wisely, and are ready to step up to the next level!

[D. Hocking]

23 minutes ago, ashbury said:

I hope you invested the $5.151M that b-r.com says you earned in your career, wisely, and are ready to step up to the next level!

I had a really good weekend at Mystic Lake.

[Original_JB]

So you're ready to jump in with both feet....uumm with both arms extended.