Could One of These High-Demand Bench Coaches Become the Twins' Next Manager?

[Cody Schoenmann]

Image courtesy of © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Look, it's hard to build a strong case that the Twins' open managerial job is one of the league's most appealing. There's confusion about the direction of ownership and the front office. Still, there are only so many of these gigs, and the Twins take great pride in making their uniformed personnel feel appreciated and supported. Though they'll have to make a good impression on someone to land their own top target, it's worth at least listing out and considering the hottest available names on the market.

Ryan Flaherty
Jumping between three organizations as a utility player from 2012 to 2019, Flaherty quickly entered the coaching ranks, becoming a scout and development coach for the San Diego Padres immediately after retiring. The 39-year-old would stay in San Diego as the club's bench coach from 2020 through 2023 before taking the same position with the Chicago Cubs in 2024.

Flaherty developed into manager Craig Counsell's right-hand man over the last two seasons, and with the club demonstrating significant growth and success in 2025, the former major-leaguer has become arguably the top young candidate for a first-time managerial job. With a similar profile to what Baldelli held when hired by the Derek Falvey-led Twins front office before the 2019 season, Flaherty would provide a similar presence.

Like any new manager, Flaherty would likely gut the Twins' current coaching staff and bring along his preferred bench coach, hitting and pitching coach, and assistants. The former utility could poach fellow members of Chicago's coaching staff, such as highly touted third base coach Quintin Berry and assistant pitching coach Casey Jacobson, promoting them to elevated roles with Minnesota. While we are in the speculation phase of the hiring process, Flaherty is a name to monitor as interviews approach.

George Lombard
Last week, Twins Daily's finest Tom Froemming published a YouTube video, declaring Lombard as his preferred pick as Minnesota's next manager. Froemming's pro-Lombard propaganda was effective, and I am firmly convinced that the current Detroit Tigers' bench coach would be an excellent managerial hire for Minnesota. However, there's a real risk that the 50-year-old bench coach could accept an offer from a more attractive managerial opening, especially considering his extensive ties to the similarly skipperless Atlanta Braves.

Regardless, if Minnesota is lucky enough to net an interview with Lombard, they would be wise to make a significant effort in recruiting him. Referred to as a "hard-ass" who understands how to connect with players while holding them accountable, Lombard's strict approach would likely be embraced by much of Twins Territory, given how much the fan base soured on Baldelli's passive, hands-off public persona.

Like Flaherty, Lombard would likely bring a notable number of his current staff members with him to Minnesota, which would be a welcome development given how well Detroit performed for most of the 2025 season. Given his extensive connections throughout the league, there is reason to believe the Tigers' bench coach would assemble a well-versed staff comprising coaches and assistants from various organizations and levels. Lombard is arguably the most desirable candidate.

Craig Albernaz
The first non-former major leaguer listed, Albernaz has emerged as one of the more alluring recent candidates, reportedly turning down managerial offers from the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins last offseason. The 42-year-old gained popularity and buzz while serving as Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt's second-in-command the prior two seasons, guiding the club to consecutive AL Central titles.

After losing in the Wild Card round to the previously mentioned Tigers, the Guardians' bench coach (unlike Flaherty and Lombard) could immediately interview for Minnesota's managerial opening. Given the high-demand nature of the associate manager's (yes, he is technically an associate manager, not a bench coach; my apologies for the lack of pedantry) services, it wouldn't be surprising if Albernaz soon interviews with Minnesota.

Albernaz could receive an offer from a more attractive organization like Baltimore or San Francisco, no longer making him an option for the Twins. Yet, if Twins decision-makers proactively pursue Albernaz, there is reason to believe he could become Minnesota's next manager, especially given his familiarity with winning in the AL Central.

Like Lombard, Albernaz is known for his strict yet approachable nature. He has also been celebrated as one of the more skilled player development coaches at the major-league level. Albernaz could be perceived as the top candidate to become the Twins' next manager. Like Flaherty, Albernaz is employed by one of the more analytically inclined organizations in baseball. In return, the 42-year-old could help guide the club in implementing more modern, advanced concepts on the field, with the long-term goal of returning to postseason contender status following two consecutive disappointing seasons under the now-exiled Baldelli.

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Who ya got? If not one of these highly visible options, where would you turn if you were the Twins? Join the discussion below.

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[jorgenswest]

All seem promising

[SteveLV]

Any and/or all of the above!

Anyone in the college coaching ranks on the radar?

[CRF]

I'd be ok with any of those three guys, but I sure wouldn't trust Falvey to make a smart hire like one of them. 

[Greglw3]

I’d choose Joe Maddon, arguably the most effective manager and strategist in MLB over the last 30 years (only Francona and Leyland in his class and neither a likely candidate). It would have to come with a promise from Falvey that he would give Maddon full reign in decision making.

Maddon’s formidable abilities as a manager who runs a game extremely well, and as a tactician would be a big improvement over Rocco’s often head scratching decisions.

A Google search got me this:

Joe Maddon has a strong case for the Baseball Hall of Fame, primarily due to his 2008 World Series win with the Chicago Cubs after a 108-year drought, two World Series appearances, three Manager of the Year awards, and success turning around the Tampa Bay Rays

[SteveLV]

Love Maddon, but does he want to coach here????

[Nashvilletwin]

The opportunity is not as bad as many people are making it out to be.  For someone who can see the potential, it actually might be one of the better openings. Why?

1. No pressure to win immediately. ‘28 will be the first time when expectations should increase. Also, with those low near term expectations comes the opportunity to beat them (and look successful).

2. Even if Lopez, Ryan and Buxton are not moved, there is still an abundance of young developable talent (including possibly a #1-3 pick this year) with which to build a solid core in 2-3 years.  If all or some of those veterans are traded (none of them will be here in ‘28 anyway) then the possibility of building a  competitive core over that timeframe would likely go up a lot more.

3. The ownership situation cuts both ways. Sure, the Pohlads will likely look to sell, but if they do and the new owner is looking to spend more, then that could be huge upside for a manager who has proven his abilities over the next 2-3 years.  Conversely, if the Pohlads keep the club, well, you’d have to be pretty bad at your job to get fired by them in the near term.

4. Falvey may be gone.  Falvey actually might be the biggest sticking point to the Twins getting their guy. Maybe it’s possible for our preferred candidate to actually have a say over who is the GM as part of the negotiations - which would be a huge attraction to taking the job. It’s possible that many excellent candidates may be turned off by the prospect of reporting to Falvey.

5. The Twins might just be that plain canvas on which a confident, capable and ambitious manager can really show what they can do. It just might be the job opening that attracts just that type of candidate. 

[Nashvilletwin]

14 minutes ago, Greglw3 said:

I’d choose Joe Maddon, arguably the most effective manager and strategist in MLB over the last 30 years (only Francona and Leyland in his class and neither a likely candidate). It would have to come with a promise from Falvey that he would give Maddon full reign in decision making.

Maddon’s formidable abilities as a manager who runs a game extremely well, and as a tactician would be a big improvement over Rocco’s often head scratching decisions.

A Google search got me this:

Joe Maddon has a strong case for the Baseball Hall of Fame, primarily due to his 2008 World Series win with the Chicago Cubs after a 108-year drought, two World Series appearances, three Manager of the Year awards, and success turning around the Tampa Bay Rays

Yep, we are probably looking for the next Francona, Maddon, Leyland type.  Someone who projects in those molds would be ideal. 

[Doctor Gast]

IMO, all MLB teams work with some analytics, but IMO, CLE isn't driven to make analytical decisions; they are more fundamentally sound. much like MIL. This is what'd make Abernathy more attractive to me. I don't know if Rickie Weeks Jr, would be interested in managing the Twins, but sitting under MIL's Murphy would be awesome & I'd love to poach some of MIL's catching & pitching coaches.

[DJL44]

I'm pretty sure the Twins aren't going to out-bid any other team on salary so the manager they get will be hired because no other team offered.

[Woof Bronzer]

10 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

The opportunity is not as bad as many people are making it out to be.  For someone who can see the potential, it actually might be one of the better openings. Why?

 

There are 30 MLB manager jobs on earth.  The Twins tend to extend their managers a fair amount of leash, and they've been pretty clear that the next couple years will have nothing to do with trying to win so there won't be a demand for results.  And there is absolutely zero media pressure in this market (did any journalist in town ever actually suggest Baldelli should go?).  It's actually a pretty good gig if you set aside the Pohlad/Falvey stuff.  Plenty of talented people will be interested.

[Woof Bronzer]

17 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Yep, we are probably looking for the next Francona, Maddon, Leyland type.  Someone who projects in those molds would be ideal. 

I can't imagine those 3 having any interest in meeting every afternoon with Derek Falvey to hear how long today's pitcher should go.  

[LA Vikes Fan]

1 hour ago, Greglw3 said:

I’d choose Joe Maddon, arguably the most effective manager and strategist in MLB over the last 30 years (only Francona and Leyland in his class and neither a likely candidate). It would have to come with a promise from Falvey that he would give Maddon full reign in decision making.

Maddon’s formidable abilities as a manager who runs a game extremely well, and as a tactician would be a big improvement over Rocco’s often head scratching decisions.

A Google search got me this:

Joe Maddon has a strong case for the Baseball Hall of Fame, primarily due to his 2008 World Series win with the Chicago Cubs after a 108-year drought, two World Series appearances, three Manager of the Year awards, and success turning around the Tampa Bay Rays

I love me some Joe Maddon but it's hard to see why a 71-year-old guy would want to manage a team that may be a few years away from contending, and it's equally hard to see why we would hire someone at the end of their career for a team that requires development time. Maddon might be a great hire for a team on the cusp of true title contention to get them over the hump but that's not the Twins. Also, let's not forget that his last three years with the Angels did not go very well. I don't see him as a good choice.

[The Great Hambino]

3 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

4. Falvey may be gone.  Falvey actually might be the biggest sticking point to the Twins getting their guy. Maybe it’s possible for our preferred candidate to actually have a say over who is the GM as part of the negotiations - which would be a huge attraction to taking the job. It’s possible that many excellent candidates may be turned off by the prospect of reporting to Falvey.

That could be a double-edged sword, as there's a decent chance a new GM would want their own guy.  And I don't think it's realistic to think a manager would get to help pick their own boss

[rdehring]

Would like any of this trio to become the Twins next manager.  How can you not like Lombard, who is a 'hard ass' who can both connect with players AND hold them accountable.  Reminds me of a coach in another sport from back in my younger days.  Except he had an 'i' at the end of his name.

[JADBP]

3 hours ago, Greglw3 said:

I’d choose Joe Maddon, arguably the most effective manager and strategist in MLB over the last 30 years (only Francona and Leyland in his class and neither a likely candidate). It would have to come with a promise from Falvey that he would give Maddon full reign in decision making.

Maddon’s formidable abilities as a manager who runs a game extremely well, and as a tactician would be a big improvement over Rocco’s often head scratching decisions.

A Google search got me this:

Joe Maddon has a strong case for the Baseball Hall of Fame, primarily due to his 2008 World Series win with the Chicago Cubs after a 108-year drought, two World Series appearances, three Manager of the Year awards, and success turning around the Tampa Bay Rays

I too love Madden as a choice too but are you convinced he’d come out of retirement???  For the Twins???  He’s got the magic touch.  

[JADBP]

10 minutes ago, rdehring said:

Would like any of this trio to become the Twins next manager.  How can you not like Lombard, who is a 'hard ass' who can both connect with players AND hold them accountable.  Reminds me of a coach in another sport from back in my younger days.  Except he had an 'i' at the end of his name.

Holding individual players does not mean you have to be a “hard ass.”  It means you you set expectations and give them all the training, coaching, and tools they need to succeed and then again doubling down on the support.  When they fail you try again to insure they are living up to their talent level.  If they don’t, you move on to the next person.   It doesn’t mean a drill sergeant approach.  

Hopefully any new coach would plant a guy at 2B and say this is your home.  Become the best possible 2Bman you can possibly be!  Or SS or 1B or whatever.   Instead of a team of 30 utility guys!!!!! That was inane!  
 

And hopefully a new coach would have BP every day!!!! Extra instruction for those that need it. Did you know that Kirby was the first in to the clubhouse every day and took more BP than anyone else in the team?  I  gonna go out on a limb and say it helped….

[Bodie]

4 hours ago, Greglw3 said:

I’d choose Joe Maddon, arguably the most effective manager and strategist in MLB over the last 30 years (only Francona and Leyland in his class and neither a likely candidate). It would have to come with a promise from Falvey that he would give Maddon full reign in decision making.

Maddon’s formidable abilities as a manager who runs a game extremely well, and as a tactician would be a big improvement over Rocco’s often head scratching decisions.

A Google search got me this:

Joe Maddon has a strong case for the Baseball Hall of Fame, primarily due to his 2008 World Series win with the Chicago Cubs after a 108-year drought, two World Series appearances, three Manager of the Year awards, and success turning around the Tampa Bay Rays

Leyland- I'll cover his Camel bill if he is The One.  At Minnesota prices!

[Bodie]

43 minutes ago, JADBP said:

Holding individual players does not mean you have to be a “hard ass.”  It means you you set expectations and give them all the training, coaching, and tools they need to succeed and then again doubling down on the support.  When they fail you try again to insure they are living up to their talent level.  If they don’t, you move on to the next person.   It doesn’t mean a drill sergeant approach.  

Hopefully any new coach would plant a guy at 2B and say this is your home.  Become the best possible 2Bman you can possibly be!  Or SS or 1B or whatever.   Instead of a team of 30 utility guys!!!!! That was inane!  
 

And hopefully a new coach would have BP every day!!!! Extra instruction for those that need it. Did you know that Kirby was the first in to the clubhouse every day and took more BP than anyone else in the team?  I  gonna go out on a limb and say it helped….

Little birdie tells me Falvey lays 100% of the blame for his glaucoma on overuse/abuse of his eyes.  Specifically batting practice in sunlight. 

[DocBauer]

Funny, I could have sworn last week I read another OP where someone listed Flaherty and Albernaz as interesting options. Who was that again?

Oh yeah! It was me! LOL

But seriously, I do think they fit the profile of what the Twins need. They've got experience, are young, and would be coming from organizations that are doing things well right now. 

But I keep going back in my head to George Lombard as an ideal choice. He is only 50yo, has been in MLB since he was 18. I mean talk about being "plugged in" to modern baseball, he's got a son playing baseball in MILB. He would bring a reputation of both being more hardline, but also with a good, open personality as well. And he's young enough to relate to players, as well as young enough to be around 6-10yrs if things go well. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Depicted, Cody’s current transformative state:

[Riverbrian]

I called the front office and offered my services.

You know... To be the... umm... leader of the committee to select a major league manager group assembly panel. 

I exceeded the legal duration of voice mail length and never got to finish my thoughts. 

 

[Permanent Twins Fan]

George Lombard sounds interesting. I also like Ryan Flaherty.  Someone who has been the second behind Counsel has definitely learned from one of the best. I hope that whoever takes over as the Twins manager will continue the aggressiveness that the Twins showed at the end of the year. 

[S Bart]

12 hours ago, Greglw3 said:

I’d choose Joe Maddon, arguably the most effective manager and strategist in MLB over the last 30 years (only Francona and Leyland in his class and neither a likely candidate). It would have to come with a promise from Falvey that he would give Maddon full reign in decision making.

Maddon’s formidable abilities as a manager who runs a game extremely well, and as a tactician would be a big improvement over Rocco’s often head scratching decisions.

A Google search got me this:

Joe Maddon has a strong case for the Baseball Hall of Fame, primarily due to his 2008 World Series win with the Chicago Cubs after a 108-year drought, two World Series appearances, three Manager of the Year awards, and success turning around the Tampa Bay Rays

I respect Joe M., but he will be 72 shortly. I worry that it might be a repeat of the Tony La Russa White Sox experiment.

[S Bart]

4 hours ago, Permanent Twins Fan said:

George Lombard sounds interesting. I also like Ryan Flaherty.  Someone who has been the second behind Counsel has definitely learned from one of the best. I hope that whoever takes over as the Twins manager will continue the aggressiveness that the Twins showed at the end of the year. 

...and what about Twins bench coach and former SD manager Tingler....naahhh..never mind.

[S Bart]

It should be noted that the Pohlad regime has never hired a person in this role who managed previously at the MLB level..Miller, Kelly, Gardy, Molitor, and Baldelli...first time for each one...

[S Bart]

12 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Yep, we are probably looking for the next Francona, Maddon, Leyland type.  Someone who projects in those molds would be ideal. 

LEYLAND will be 81 next year. I just commented on Maddon....if you want old school experience...well, Bob Lillis managed the Cardinals in the 1970's...he is 95 and might be interested ;)

[rv78]

I was going to take the job, but managing under Falvey and reporting to Falvey isn't in my DNA so I'll be looking elsewhere. Says almost every worthwhile candidate out there.

[kmwerfamily]

Ricky Weeks as Manager, Mike Maddux as pitching coach would be a nice combination.

[Whitey333]

Im sure Falvey will pick a new manager thus cheap.  Also he will be someone thaimt is prepared to be molded in Falveys image.  Fans will be disappointed as nothing will change, just get worse under Falvey.