Front Office Sports: There is 'momentum' towards a sale of the Minnesota Twins, could be just weeks away

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, Squirrel said:

You’ve missed what I’m saying, by a wide margin. So, you advocate for dumpster diving and bargain bin shopping, confident that mish mash will click and bring us a championship. That’s literally what youre saying yet many on these boards have chastised and criticized the Pohlads and FO over the years for being cheap. We all knew when Correa was signed he’d likely be moving to 3rd, thinking we had heir apparents in the wings. But for once we had a legitimate SS, something we haven’t had for years. Someone who could make the plays and be a leader on the field. He still had a couple of great years, even with the injuries, and I bet has more. But the point isn’t that we were hamstrung by Correa, we were hamstrung by Pohlads and the FO. Pohlads reduced salary after we finally had success in the playoffs, success largely due to Correa, btw. And where are the developed SS who could move Correa to third? Nowhere. Lee is nowhere near the SS Correa is, not even close. And even with time, he likely wont ever be. Did the FO draft the wrong person or is something wrong with development in the minors? We thought Royce would play short, then Lee, now we’re already looking at who is coming next. None project to be as good as what we had. So yeah, let’s dumpster dive for a SS. Lets bargain bin shop for a new team with .33million. Who’s out there? Yes, $33mil is going to buy us a team to go all the way. Without the one thing a team needs, a truly competent SS. 

Lord to like in this post, but no prospect ranking  sites thought Lewis would stick at short..... Not that I recall. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

3 hours ago, yeahyabetcha said:

When was the last time is was under $100?

2014 was 85m

[Squirrel]

3 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

Lord to like in this post, but no prospect ranking  sites thought Lewis would stick at short..... Not that I recall. 

Right. But many casual fans thought that. Likely the same fans who are elevating Lee.

[tony&rodney]

11 hours ago, Ghost of Kirby Puckett said:

We 100% have a top five minor league ranking right now. Hell, even Keith Law, not AI or a teenager, who I've wondered if the Pohlads may have stolen his grandfather's farm back into the day and that explains his distaste of Twins prospects over the years, loves us in his most recent rankings. He has both Prielipp and Culpepper top 60. Along with Abel, Tait, Keaschall, EmRod and Jenkins. That is some serious talent spread out over three levels. When Gallagher is your 16 or 17th best prospect, you're doing really well.

And since you mention Winokur, who I also like, I believe he is also on the rise. His last two months he has raked, and I believe he is around 25%k rate on the season, but since the beginning of June, that number sits right around 20%. He has a ways to go, but man his skills are insane for anyone who hasn't seen him yet. Literally the guy is a 60 imo at pretty much everything but hit tool, that needs quite a bit of polish. He is very young for his level, and being asked to play the most demanding positions on the field minus Catcher. Id repeat him at Cedar Rapids to start next year, in the hopes he goes off early and really FORCES that promotion to Double AA, which will be a great challenge. But man for his age, it's still impressive. And his size, it's just crazy how he moves. Has an absolute hose. And is like a runaway freight train once he gets rolling. Fun fun player to watch.

Rankings will come out again this winter. Right now, post trades, Fangraphs has the Twins at #9 and MLB has the Twins at #3. By the winter things will change. I watch way too much minor league baseball. I would agree the Twins are a consensus Top 10 in MLB for prospects.

I do like several players in the Twins system quite a bit. I will start by saying that I liked Keaschall last year because he plays hard and takes what is given. Next, I will say that both K. Culpepper and Walker Jenkins have looked really good this year. Jenkins is hitting the ball hard on a consistent basis and is a really tough out because he takes his walks and is difficult to strike out. In today's game, Jenkins roped a single off of the rehabbing Michael Lorenzen, went to second base on a wild pitch, and then deked the MLB experienced pitcher into an ill-fated pickoff. When the throw went into centerfield Jenkins never broke stride and scored from second base on the error. I could easily see both of these players opening for the Twins in 2026. Lastly, Brandon Winokur. Perhaps you have noticed how many times I have promoted Winokur in the last two years. His athleticism is off the charts. I know I have received push back but Winokur can play either centerfield or shortstop and do it well. The jumps, first step, quickness, speed, the arm, and the fluidity are all there. He has, as you say, improved his K-rate and is steadily improving at the plate. If he can hit .250 and OPS .750, he will make a mark for the Twins. I think he will need two more years still. Winokur plays really hard too. Winokur fills the stat sheet with extra bases and stolen bases. Yah, I'm big on him. Worth noting that a number of players have found better stat lines in AA/AAA. The K-rate is big for him. 

[Ghost of Kirby Puckett]

15 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Rankings will come out again this winter. Right now, post trades, Fangraphs has the Twins at #9 and MLB has the Twins at #3. By the winter things will change. I watch way too much minor league baseball. I would agree the Twins are a consensus Top 10 in MLB for prospects.

I do like several players in the Twins system quite a bit. I will start by saying that I liked Keaschall last year because he plays hard and takes what is given. Next, I will say that both K. Culpepper and Walker Jenkins have looked really good this year. Jenkins is hitting the ball hard on a consistent basis and is a really tough out because he takes his walks and is difficult to strike out. In today's game, Jenkins roped a single off of the rehabbing Michael Lorenzen, went to second base on a wild pitch, and then deked the MLB experienced pitcher into an ill-fated pickoff. When the throw went into centerfield Jenkins never broke stride and scored from second base on the error. I could easily see both of these players opening for the Twins in 2026. Lastly, Brandon Winokur. Perhaps you have noticed how many times I have promoted Winokur in the last two years. His athleticism is off the charts. I know I have received push back but Winokur can play either centerfield or shortstop and do it well. The jumps, first step, quickness, speed, the arm, and the fluidity are all there. He has, as you say, improved his K-rate and is steadily improving at the plate. If he can hit .250 and OPS .750, he will mark a mark for the Twins. I think he will need two more years still. Winokur plays really hard too. Winokur fills the stat sheet with extra bases and stolen bases. Yah, I'm big on him. Worth noting that a number of players have found better stat lines in AA/AAA. The K-rate is big for him. 

Like you, I'm also bullish on Winokur. He is that create a player on MLB the Show you make, lol. Arm, speed, power, size and acumen.

Keaschall, I liked on day one and all the receipts are littered across this site with my praise and predictions for him. He is a stud. If his arm doesn't get broken, he wins ROY. He is really, really good. No fluke. Just goes up and drives it all over the place. Today he absolutely clobbered a walk off to right center over the wall. His teammates, you can tell, feed off him. If Royce turns it around and with Walker looking like he doesn't much care to delay his arrival, man these guys could be dynamic together.

I do wonder if they'll send Walker and/or Culpepper to AFL. I think that will be very telling of where they see them in the pecking order if they both went. Jenkins is a freak though. I mentioned man muscles earlier in a post about Dasan Hill. Walker has his. Guy already looks 20 lbs bigger than last year, and he is raking right now. As his power catches up to his hit tool, which I think we're seeing at this point, watch out. He could be a superstar. So lucky we fell into that pick!!!!

[Fatbat]

8 hours ago, Squirrel said:

You’ve missed what I’m saying, by a wide margin. So, you advocate for dumpster diving and bargain bin shopping, confident that mish mash will click and bring us a championship. 

I didn’t miss anything.  We salary dumped a non performing, injury prone vet that makes 33M/ yr. He was awesome when he was awesome and horrible this season. Might be great in an Astros uniform, might not be either. He is gone and I don’t care. Look ahead and spend that money on future performance. Might be a big time 1B guy. Might be a platoon catcher and another ace pitcher. 
The future payroll will be up to a new owner and wether they spend 100-120M or 120-180M is their business. They can spend their money wisely or horribly.  Money doesn’t guarantee success. Hopefully they don’t dumpster dive.

[laloesch]

On 8/9/2025 at 10:09 AM, tony&rodney said:

Well, there is still the $11+M per year for the next 3 years to pay. Either way, Correa is now history.

The club may not sell before the CBA is completed and this may drag into 2027. We just have zero idea how the sale of the team will go down. Drop the price to $1B and perhaps it sells quickly.

The Twins are not going to spend the $20M per year saved on players. It is folly to expect a $135M payroll in 2026. Look for something closer to $90M. 

Yes, the team needs a new owner and management. It doesn't seem imminent. Patience is our only resource as fans.

I don't disagree. Although I hope they extend Ryan and Ober, but I'm not holding my breath that happens.

[laloesch]

16 hours ago, Fatbat said:

I didn’t miss anything.  We salary dumped a non performing, injury prone vet that makes 33M/ yr. He was awesome when he was awesome and horrible this season. Might be great in an Astros uniform, might not be either. He is gone and I don’t care. Look ahead and spend that money on future performance. Might be a big time 1B guy. Might be a platoon catcher and another ace pitcher. 
The future payroll will be up to a new owner and wether they spend 100-120M or 120-180M is their business. They can spend their money wisely or horribly.  Money doesn’t guarantee success. Hopefully they don’t dumpster dive.

Your right about Correa whether certain posters are willing to admit it or not.  One good season sandwhich by one mediocre one and one bad one don't make him a slam dunk. I'm glad the Twins unloaded him.  He was far too expensive for his production, I don't care what anyone else here says, it was the right decision even if they are paying 11 million a year for the next 3 seasons.  Better than 30-33 for the next three.  Vasquez will likely be gone at seasons end, and I wouldn't be surprised if they trade Lopez either, so I'm expecting the payroll to be sub 80 mill next season, easily.  But if what we are seeing post the selloff is a sign it was the right decision.  I too hope they don't dumpster dive.  Call up the kids and let them play.  Now is the time.

[laloesch]

On 8/9/2025 at 3:12 PM, bunsen82 said:

The contract timing was not good. Other than the playoff series, I never viewed Correa as a leader.  We no longer have Correa, Buxton still recovering and no bullpen and we have won 4 of 7 games. Other then small sample sizes what changed, still the same  manager. 
 

personally to me the pieces didn’t quite fit for whatever reason.  I’m not saying this version will be better, but what the Twins were doing wasn’t working.  

They clubhouse dynamic apparently wasn't working.  I don't really know if any of us know the inner workings of what was going on but it appears something wasn't right.  I still think Rocco should go at seasons end and hopefully that happens.  They need a no-nonsense manager that's firm, dedicated to fundamentals, etc.  A player makes repeated bone headed mistakes in the field, they sit for a game or two.  No hard feelings, not personal, just a reminder that performance matters, in addition to having fun.    

[laloesch]

18 hours ago, Ghost of Kirby Puckett said:

Like you, I'm also bullish on Winokur. He is that create a player on MLB the Show you make, lol. Arm, speed, power, size and acumen.

Keaschall, I liked on day one and all the receipts are littered across this site with my praise and predictions for him. He is a stud. If his arm doesn't get broken, he wins ROY. He is really, really good. No fluke. Just goes up and drives it all over the place. Today he absolutely clobbered a walk off to right center over the wall. His teammates, you can tell, feed off him. If Royce turns it around and with Walker looking like he doesn't much care to delay his arrival, man these guys could be dynamic together.

I do wonder if they'll send Walker and/or Culpepper to AFL. I think that will be very telling of where they see them in the pecking order if they both went. Jenkins is a freak though. I mentioned man muscles earlier in a post about Dasan Hill. Walker has his. Guy already looks 20 lbs bigger than last year, and he is raking right now. As his power catches up to his hit tool, which I think we're seeing at this point, watch out. He could be a superstar. So lucky we fell into that pick!!!!

It would be really nice to see Culpepper and Jenkins in St. Paul but seasons end.  Culpepper could potentially be a big asset to the major league team next season as could Jenkins.  Based on his minor stats he can play a variety of infield positions and DH. Jenkins too is hitting really well and can play CF and DH.  

[Fatbat]

57 minutes ago, laloesch said:

Your right about Correa whether certain posters are willing to admit it or not.  One good season sandwhich by one mediocre one and one bad one don't make him a slam dunk. I'm glad the Twins unloaded him.  He was far too expensive for his production, I don't care what anyone else here says, it was the right decision even if they are paying 11 million a year for the next 3 seasons.  Better than 30-33 for the next three.  Vasquez will likely be gone at seasons end, and I wouldn't be surprised if they trade Lopez either, so I'm expecting the payroll to be sub 80 mill next season, easily.  But if what we are seeing post the selloff is a sign it was the right decision.  I too hope they don't dumpster dive.  Call up the kids and let them play.  Now is the time.

What I haven’t heard is if 30m was already wired or does it go to the Astros in allotment payments over 3 yrs. 
Its Falvey’s MO to build a complete pitching staff every way possible so the names will change but will find guys to get outs. 
The new ownership group cant possibly be as cheap as the Pohlads. I do hope we have a big 6-7 rookie group in’26. Much like 1982. 

What happens if we win 32-35 more games in ‘25 and get a wild card? *GASP*
 

[chpettit19]

Getting this thing back on topic a little bit...what would people think about Craig Leipold owning the Twins?

[Mike Sixel]

15 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Getting this thing back on topic a little bit...what would people think about Craig Leipold owning the Twins?

I just have no idea who should own it that would be best for the team, fans, and players. 

[chpettit19]

15 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I just have no idea who should own it that would be best for the team, fans, and players. 

I agree. I think it'll take some time to figure out if our situation as fans has improved, stayed the same, or worsened. But a little birdy told me we may want to start figuring out our feelings on Mr Leipold. I don't follow the Wild closely so don't have really know what he's been like as the owner of that club.

[USAFChief]

1 hour ago, chpettit19 said:

Getting this thing back on topic a little bit...what would people think about Craig Leipold owning the Twins?

I think that'd be a positive outcome. Sort of local, hasn't underfunded the Wild. Seems to be a relatively hands-off owner.

Estimated net worth over $3B, and his wife (of S C Johnson lineage) probably has more money than he does, so there's adequate funding.

Still, my guess is he'd be majority owner but not in it alone.

 

 

[chpettit19]

6 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

I think that'd be a positive outcome. Sort of local, hasn't underfunded the Wild. Seems to be a relatively hands-off owner.

Estimated net worth over $3B, and his wife (of S C Johnson lineage) probably has more money than he does, so there's adequate funding.

Still, my guess is he'd be majority owner but not in it alone.

 

 

That doesn't sound bad to me. I was unaware of the wife's money. That's a nice little secondary purse to be able to reach into when needed.

[howeda7]

I don't agree that a full rebuild is necessary. They have a base payroll of about $100 million going into 2026. If the new owers are just willing to spend the same $140 million the Pohlad's spent this season, they can rebuild the bullpen and add a 1B. There is quite an impressive list of relievers hitting free agency this Fall. Grab two, maybe trade for a 3rd and possibly convert someone like Zebby Mathews to the bullpen and suddenly it's decent again.

[purplesoldier4u]

4 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

Getting this thing back on topic a little bit...what would people think about Craig Leipold owning the Twins?

You mean, his wife?

[old nurse]

They forgot to remove this from the tidbits. This story really did not age well. 

[terrydactyls]

Why is this article still on the front page of TD?  The Pohlads aren't selling.

[Original_JB]

https://www.kttc.com/2025/10/06/north-star-sports-entertainment-network-announces-partnership-with-minnesota-united-fc/?fbclid=IwdGRjcANXOdpjbGNrA1c5mGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeRF8hu_Ztdh7lpXQO0y_WyAyKMS1hLlGVgVpq-BWnaoVPYKigdVCX2X75Z4o_aem_flP4JzwySy4i7aSkntltwg

 

That star looks familiar, and that company just started this past July.