It's Time for Derek Falvey To Actually Stand Up For His Decisions, or Go Away

[Nick Nelson]

Image courtesy of Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

On Thursday, Derek Falvey oversaw one of the darkest and most depressing days in the history of the Minnesota Twins. An unprecedented deadline fire sale saw the team part ways with not only a handful of rental players, but also several key fixtures in what was supposed to be their ongoing contention window. 

The Twins wiped out their bullpen for years to come, traded Carlos Correa for nothing, and announced to the world that they've given up on the blueprint they spent years and years carefully crafting. Not only will Minnesota struggle to field a full major-league roster for the remainder of 2025, but the '26 club has been kneecapped around Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis, Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan. How many of those four will even still be around next April?

It's a complete disgrace. On Thursday evening, as the rubble of his demotion settled and smoldered, Falvey stepped up to deliver his version of accountability. He went on a Zoom call with a bunch of reporters, who had no real opportunity to challenge or press him on anything, and spouted off the usual stream of empty corporate-speak. 

Given the opportunity by KSTP's Chris Long to send a message directly to fans who might be dismayed over the dismantling of the team, Falvey gave a rambling and side-stepping response, offering assurances that the Twins will play "fun baseball games" over the next few years. (Woo-hoo!)

In his message, Falvey invoked a couple past examples of deadline "seller" moves that worked out well under his watch, so as to validate the approach being taken now. Trading Eduardo Escobar in 2018 was hard, he said, but it got us Jhoan Duran. Trading Nelson Cruz in 2021 was hard, he said, but it got us Joe Ryan.

Of course, the problem with these examples is that they aren't comparable to what just occurred. Escobar and Cruz were impending free agents. There was no reason not to trade them if you thought those teams were going nowhere (they weren't). What happened on Thursday was a thorough gutting of the team's structural essence. Correa, Duran, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland and Brock Stewart were all under control for multiple more seasons. The club's most miraculous free-agent signing ever and four of its biggest bullpen development success stories in decades, gone in exchange for coin-flip prospects and James Outman.

Falvey states that he believes in a remaining core led by Buxton, Lewis, Ryan and Lopez. It is, in my opinion, a core worth believing in. But at the same time he fails to address why he stripped down the 2026-27 rosters surrounding those players, disingenuously portraying this as some routine trade deadline operation. It is exactly why people like me have stopped trusting Falvey or having any patience for his tired shtick.

I'm not naive enough to think he's making all of these decisions singlehandedly. I have little doubt that there was a directive from above to cut future financial commitments aggressively, and his front office went about trying to do what they could under those parameters. But by now, they owe it to the fans to be a little more up-front and honest about that. 

"At my core, I'm a fan," Falvey pandered in his presser on Thursday night. Are ya bud?? Then my question is why he makes no effort to actually engage with fans and address their concerns in a direct manner. There are many opportunities to do so if he's willing to move past the boundaries of buttoned-up mainstream media appearances, which his ultra-old-school predecessor was oddly far more inclined to do.

If you've been a follower of Twins Daily for long enough, you might recall that we used to put out an "Offseason Handbook" at the end of every season, and each year, general manager Terry Ryan was kind enough to sit down with a blogger for a candid and open conversation about the state of the team. This included the late stage of his tenure where the Twins lost 90 games in several successive years. He knew the conversations would be critical and at times very annoying, but it was clear TR saw his primary obligation as being to the fans. He didn't back down from his decisions or philosophies.

I don't see Derek Falvey doing anything like that. If he (or Jeremy Zoll) wants to connect to the fans and actually explain these decisions there is no shortage of avenues for doing so: blogs, podcasts, web shows. There happens to be a pretty popular podcast that Falvey's former GM just appeared on a few weeks ago. He could even choose to show up in these less formal environments as a more genuine and substantive interviewee. Imagine!

If not, then there should be little question as to whether this organization makes a leadership change when an ownership transition takes place. At some point, this charade has to end. It’s a farce that fans are expected to place their faith in Falvey’s “vision” when all evidence points to regression, dysfunction, and a leadership group that shields itself from real accountability. 

This franchise just blew up years of planning and player development in a single day, and its architect won't even bother to face the music in a transparent or challenging setting. If Falvey can’t defend his decisions with honesty, clarity and respect for the people who actually care about this team, then he has no business continuing to make them.

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[Old Crow]

spot on!

[Glorybound]

What I want to know is about the Varland and Jax trades is if you were going to move them in a market that had a premium on relievers why the last second deal that netted you very little? Seems someone was in his ear telling to sell at all costs. The returns he received for what he traded is sad to say the least. Any good business doesn’t operate under desperation but we all know the Pohlad trust babies are not good at business. Be that as it may Favley’s fingerprints are on the team that is taking the field. If he is proud of that then that tells you he is happy collecting his paycheck. This never was about winning for him either.

[LewFordLives]

Well said.

Provus pressed him on the Varland trade during the telecast last night and Falvey gave the standard response that the deal was too good to pass up. I'd be curious to know if that's also his view of the Stewart trade.

I don't follow the minors that closely, so I can't tell you if Kendry Rojas is the second coming or not. However, why would you completely handicap your bullpen like that? The bullpen went from a position of strength to a glaring weakness. I watched the early 80's Twins and saw how ugly it can be without a decent bullpen.

[Derojo]

My view is the Twins sold two relievers too many. Note that no starters were traded. As for the underperforming position players we traded, no one of long term consequence. This team has not performed since 2019 when the Yankees swept us. Beating the Jays in the playoffs is not a feat. The offense was going nowhere. The illusion that we were one or two players away was nonsense. This was not a winning team with a winning culture; consistently underperformed. 

     Baldelli is an ok manager. He understands the game well, but he doesn't get the best out of his team. He needs to go along with the owner. Jhoan Duran is the only player traded that will be very difficult to replace. Jax to a lesser extent. I'm happy for the players traded who will have the opportunity to play on a competitive MLB team.

The Twins haven't been to the World Series in the last 34 years. They have not had a team that could possibly get to the ALDS. Enough of treading water. Correa; 0-11 with bases loaded; another underperformer, non-clutch player.

It'll take two to three years to rebuild, and perhaps then the Twins will evoke the memory of past teams that performed at a high level.

[In My La Z boy]

Thanks! 
Terry Ryan was down to earth and a decent human.
Derek Falvey is much more important than me or you. 
I was hoping for some empathy and contrition. 
Felt bad for Joe last night. Julien fumbles the double-play chance right away w/Joe knowing he has no closers. Sadly Joe probably wished he was taking the mound for the Dodgers last night.

[Galen]

Trading Jax and Varland threw the next 2 years away.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

I understand this comment will instigate a lot of hate, but what does Falvey need to say that will appease everyone?

Everyone knows what happened here. Ownership dictated a fire sale. They don't care about the future of the team as they are looking to sell and make the most money possible. Falvey was put in this position, he may even be under orders not to talk about it.

Falvey isn't perfect. No one is. Personally, I think he has done more positive than negative for the organization. Whether by his choice or others, I expect he will be gone in the near future.

This is a business folks. We-as-fans feel entitled to transparancy and explanations, but that is a fallacy. We are entitled to nothing.

This is a very sad time to be a Twins fan. Not because of Rocco or Falvey, but because ownership has systematically destroyed this franchise through a handul of terrible public decisions centered all around saving the last dollar. Its like watching the movie "Major League" happen in real time.

For me, the ride is more important than the results. Because if ownerships complete disregard of the fanbase and future of the organization over the last 30 months, this team is 3-5 years away from being competitive again.

This not on Falvey, but on ownership.

Just try to keep your disagreements civil.

[yeahyabetcha]

If this sell off helps  the sale of team isn’t that what you all wanted??  

[rdehring]

Interesting outlook on this week, Nick.  I want to say thanks, but am too disappointed.

I believe that signing Correa to the long-term deal was a mistake because no team can have over a quarter of their payroll going to one player.  When his performance deteriorated, the Twins chances of being competitive went with it.  Getting out of that contract was a huge win, in my opinion.

As others have said, the thing I don't understand was getting rid of the relievers at the deadline.  Varland can't be about money.  Had they kept Jax, Varland and Stewart they would still have a very good bullpen.  With that pen backing up Pablo, Ryan, Ober and a couple kids the Twins would be in the game nearly every night.  

So I don't know why they traded Varland and Jax.  The only answer that makes any sense to me is that they truly believe the pitchers they got back would make the team better a year or two from now.  Sure hope they are right.  As for Stewart, that trade just doesn't make any sense.  Last night might have been a different result had they still had Jax, Varland and Stewart in the pen.  Well those three and Julien not playing second.

And thanks, Nick, for the kind words about Terry Ryan.  Has hurt for too long seeing all the hits he took here and elsewhere over the past years.

[Glorybound]

I thought of the Major League movie comparison as well. I think Falvey will move on once the season is over. The Twins future right now is about as dim as it has ever been. 

[mike8791]

Nick, I've been eagerly awaiting your rx to the big selloff, but I must say I'm a bit disappointed.  Was it necessary to blast Falvey for his evasiveness in responding to reporters?  Aren't the answers pretty obvious:

         1. The "core" of the team was just not good enough, hence, time to rebuild.  Sure we are all upset about the dismantling of the bullpen, but that pen didn't help our playoff chances this year, did they? It was time to face the facts - this team's contention window had closed.  You might quibble exactly who went and who was added, but the overall plan was clear: the current roster was not going anywhere.

         2. Ownership wanted to cut payroll, most likely to facilitate the sale of the team.  The best way to do this was a salary dump of Correa.  He proved to be an albatross this year and in a rebuild mode, had to be "traded" even if it was for a bag of balls.  Don't you think dropping $70MM of future salary increases the chances for a sale?  Isn't that a good thing?

I, for one, am happy that the FO finally saw reality and took a major step to rebuilding.  We have a small core of quality players remaining, a strong farm system, made stronger by some intriguing prospects obtained in the trades.  Yes, it's a setback in the near term but it lays the path for a return to contention within the next 2 years - assuming an agressive new ownership, willing to invest in some FAs who can supplement what we have now.  This is the goal - get rid of the Pohlads, Falvey, and Rocco and replace with an owner who wants to win and goes after better talent at the GM, Mgr and coaching levels.

In the end, does it really matter whether Falvey was honest with the fans?  Actions speak louder than words.  He did what has been glaringly obvious for some time now.  That's what matters.

 

[CRF]

Even though he was forced by ownership to dump as much as he could...I vote for GO AWAY! His tenure here hasn't worked out. 

[Glorybound]

21 minutes ago, Galen said:

Trading Jax and Varland threw the next 2 years away.

Not necessarily but you didn’t get full value for a long term asset. Stupid is as stupid does.

[In My La Z boy]

11 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

I understand this comment will instigate a lot of hate, but what does Falvey need to say that will appease everyone?

Everyone knows what happened here. Ownership dictated a fire sale. They don't care about the future of the team as they are looking to sell and make the most money possible. Falvey was put in this position, he may even be under orders not to talk about it.

Falvey isn't perfect. No one is. Personally, I think he has done more positive than negative for the organization. Whether by his choice or others, I expect he will be gone in the near future.

This is a business folks. We-as-fans feel entitled to transparancy and explanations, but that is a fallacy. We are entitled to nothing.

This is a very sad time to be a Twins fan. Not because of Rocco or Falvey, but because ownership has systematically destroyed this franchise through a handul of terrible public decisions centered all around saving the last dollar. Its like watching the movie "Major League" happen in real time.

For me, the ride is more important than the results. Because if ownerships complete disregard of the fanbase and future of the organization over the last 30 months, this team is 3-5 years away from being competitive again.

This not on Falvey, but on ownership.

Just try to keep your disagreements civil.

For me it's not what he says, it's how he says what he says. My old man lived in Ft Myers and went to every spring practice and game in the late 90's. Terry Ryan used to come down and sit with him and his old man friends and just hang out and talk baseball. I don't imagine Derek Falvey does anything such thing as this. 

[In My La Z boy]

8 minutes ago, yeahyabetcha said:

If this sell off helps  the sale of team isn’t that what you all wanted??  

I sort of wonder if this was the direction given by some prospective owner? If you do this, we'll buy the team for this...

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Hopefully this brings in new owners sooner than later

[Fire Dan Gladden]

6 minutes ago, mike8791 said:

Nick, I've been eagerly awaiting your rx to the big selloff, but I must say I'm a bit disappointed.  Was it necessary to blast Falvey for his evasiveness in responding to reporters?  Aren't the answers pretty obvious:

         1. The "core" of the team was just not good enough, hence, time to rebuild.  Sure we are all upset about the dismantling of the bullpen, but that pen didn't help our playoff chances this year, did they? It was time to face the facts - this team's contention window had closed.  You might quibble exactly who went and who was added, but the overall plan was clear: the current roster was not going anywhere.

         2. Ownership wanted to cut payroll, most likely to facilitate the sale of the team.  The best way to do this was a salary dump of Correa.  He proved to be an albatross this year and in a rebuild mode, had to be "traded" even if it was for a bag of balls.  Don't you think dropping $70MM of future salary increases the chances for a sale?  Isn't that a good thing?

I, for one, am happy that the FO finally saw reality and took a major step to rebuilding.  We have a small core of quality players remaining, a strong farm system, made stronger by some intriguing prospects obtained in the trades.  Yes, it's a setback in the near term but it lays the path for a return to contention within the next 2 years - assuming an agressive new ownership, willing to invest in some FAs who can supplement what we have now.  This is the goal - get rid of the Pohlads, Falvey, and Rocco and replace with an owner who wants to win and goes after better talent at the GM, Mgr and coaching levels.

In the end, does it really matter whether Falvey was honest with the fans?  Actions speak louder than words.  He did what has been glaringly obvious for some time now.  That's what matters.

 

I am not sure the complete teardown was necessary, but I think what was shocking was the timing. There was no inclination this was coming. Yet another PR disaster

[Nashvilletwin]

35 minutes ago, LewFordLives said:

Well said.

Provus pressed him on the Varland trade during the telecast last night and Falvey gave the standard response that the deal was too good to pass up. I'd be curious to know if that's also his view of the Stewart trade.

I don't follow the minors that closely, so I can't tell you if Kendry Rojas is the second coming or not. However, why would you completely handicap your bullpen like that? The bullpen went from a position of strength to a glaring weakness. I watched the early 80's Twins and saw how ugly it can be without a decent bullpen.

Provus was a complete coward and corporate shill on the telecast last night.  Falvey stated quite clearly that the team had way underperformed this  season.  But Cory didn’t ask why or what role, responsibility or culpability Rocco had in that underperformance. What a complete waste of an opportunity and just shows what a bunch of propagandists for the Pohlad/Falvey/Rocco regime the entire broadcast team are.

Does any reporter have the courage to ask that question? Will Falvey ever have to address it? Why does Rocco get a free pass?

Btw, Falvey is a complete bull@&$&@er.  What a bunch a dribble he talks. He should be down at Walser selling used cars.  

[Fire Dan Gladden]

7 minutes ago, In My La Z boy said:

For me it's not what he says, it's how he says what he says. My old man lived in Ft Myers and went to every spring practice and game in the late 90's. Terry Ryan used to come down and sit with him and his old man friends and just hang out and talk baseball. I don't imagine Derek Falvey does anything such thing as this. 

That is a 100% Minnesota view. I can't imagine 95% of the baseball GMs doing this.

Didn't we tear down Terry Ryan for being too trusting and loyal, not cutthroat enough to survive in today's game?

[rv78]

36 minutes ago, Derojo said:

My view is the Twins sold two relievers too many. Note that no starters were traded. As for the underperforming position players we traded, no one of long term consequence. This team has not performed since 2019 when the Yankees swept us. Beating the Jays in the playoffs is not a feat. The offense was going nowhere. The illusion that we were one or two players away was nonsense. This was not a winning team with a winning culture; consistently underperformed. 

     Baldelli is an ok manager. He understands the game well, but he doesn't get the best out of his team. He needs to go along with the owner. Jhoan Duran is the only player traded that will be very difficult to replace. Jax to a lesser extent. I'm happy for the players traded who will have the opportunity to play on a competitive MLB team.

The Twins haven't been to the World Series in the last 34 years. They have not had a team that could possibly get to the ALDS. Enough of treading water. Correa; 0-11 with bases loaded; another underperformer, non-clutch player.

It'll take two to three years to rebuild, and perhaps then the Twins will evoke the memory of past teams that performed at a high level.

Wasn't Paddack considered a starter?

[yeahyabetcha]

8 minutes ago, In My La Z boy said:

I sort of wonder if this was the direction given by some prospective owner? If you do this, we'll buy the team for this...

Exactly.   And despite all the negative takes.  The starting pitching is still as good as it was before the trades and the offense may actually turn out better than it was performing.

the bullpen….that might need a little work.

[rv78]

37 minutes ago, Galen said:

Trading Jax and Varland threw the next 2 years away.

Relievers are the easiest pieces to replace. In return the Twins got 2 legit starters in Bradley and Rojas. If they don't make it as starters they'll turn them into relievers and they'll quite possibly be just as good or better as Jax and Varland. While I don't like Falvey and the moves he makes, there is a chance of these trades having some upside if Bradley and/or Rojas can improve enough to stick as MLB starters. If they can't, then it's a wash or another Falvey mistake. Only time will tell. 

[IndyTwins]

Well said Nick! I do think the team played a part  it this nightmare, mostly by not hitting but not to this extent. Especially the gutting of the bullpen as was mentioned by Glorybound and LewFord with our controllable and good arms in 26-27. After this tear down Falvey does need to be more transparent and even be an advocate for the fan base. In the end we need the Pohlads to go.

[silverslugger]

Unfortunately, Derek Falvey's primary responsibility isn't toward the fans.  His employer is the Pohlad family and his responsibility is toward them.  There are three types of GM's in MLB, the ones who have proven themselves and are currently employed by the half dozen or so teams willing to do whatever it takes sprint for the championship on a yearly basis (Falvey, obviously, is not one of these).  The ones who are busy driving organizations off cliffs while they make incredible blunders year after year and eventually get themselves fired, or know that their job is to run their organization like AAAA filler for the ones mentioned above.(You may think Falvey is one of these, but he's not).  Then, there are the ones who dutifully fulfill ownerships directive to attempt to field competitive teams on a semi-regular basis to provide just enough juice to keep the turnstiles turning with fans.  These GM's walk a tightrope of building and breaking down, depending on whether they are on the way up or over the hill.  These GM's know there primary responsibility is to follow ownerships directive to the T and, someday, hope that they've made enough positive progress to become a GM for a prime organization (That's what Falvey Is).  I'm certainly not excusing him.  I think the product on the field has become quite stale under his leadership.  What I am saying is, as far as the baseball ownership group is concerned, he did his job brilliantly on Thursday.   

[rv78]

I'm pretty sure the fans version of "fun baseball" is a whole lot different than Falveys. Stay tuned, "meaningful baseball" will return sometime in the next millenium.

[notoriousgod71]

50 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

I understand this comment will instigate a lot of hate, but what does Falvey need to say that will appease everyone?

"Rocco is fired and I quit."

[Nashvilletwin]

43 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

I understand this comment will instigate a lot of hate, but what does Falvey need to say that will appease everyone?

Everyone knows what happened here. Ownership dictated a fire sale. They don't care about the future of the team as they are looking to sell and make the most money possible. Falvey was put in this position, he may even be under orders not to talk about it.

Falvey isn't perfect. No one is. Personally, I think he has done more positive than negative for the organization. Whether by his choice or others, I expect he will be gone in the near future.

This is a business folks. We-as-fans feel entitled to transparancy and explanations, but that is a fallacy. We are entitled to nothing.

This is a very sad time to be a Twins fan. Not because of Rocco or Falvey, but because ownership has systematically destroyed this franchise through a handul of terrible public decisions centered all around saving the last dollar. Its like watching the movie "Major League" happen in real time.

For me, the ride is more important than the results. Because if ownerships complete disregard of the fanbase and future of the organization over the last 30 months, this team is 3-5 years away from being competitive again.

This not on Falvey, but on ownership.

Just try to keep your disagreements civil.

100% agree that this was dictated by ownership.  Why?  Here are a couple of hot takes/bold predictions.

1. The sale process is going very poorly.  Ownership is not getting near the price they want.  These moves are not going to help in the near term.

2. Ownership thinks the price will go up after the lockout in ‘27 when the small/mid market teams go to the mat to effect a hard salary cap. Also, that gives them time to figure out the tv side of things and help future cash flow.

3. The Pohlads are thus keeping the team until after the lockout.

4. Consequently, the strategy going forward is to reduce payroll while building a new promising young core to build fan interest post the lockout and to raise the price.

5. ‘26 will be all about building and positioning for that core while keeping payroll down.  ‘27 will be a no baseball season for the most part. Thus, Lopez and Ryan are moved in the off-season.  Jeffers very likely as well as the team looks to transition to cheap young catchers in ‘28.  Buxton stays unless he demands a trade.  Too early to tell on Lewis.

So, hate to be the predictor of bad news, but the Pohlads may very well pull the sale until after the new CBA is done.

[rdehring]

45 minutes ago, In My La Z boy said:

I sort of wonder if this was the direction given by some prospective owner? If you do this, we'll buy the team for this...

Interesting.  Very interesting?

[mnfireman]

I was listening to the Cleveland radio feed for parts of last nights game and both Ford Frick award winning broadcaster Tom Hamilton and Cleveland President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti both spoke highly of Falvey, praising his character and stating how tough the business side of baseball can be.

Could Falvey be a little more forthcoming and honest with the fans; Yes. Does he have to be; No.