Why Torii Hunter is the Perfect Manager for the Minnesota Twins

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Andrew Weber-Imagn Images

After losing 92 games in 2025 and missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons, the Minnesota Twins decided it was time to move on from Rocco Baldelli. Despite overseeing the snapping of a postseason drought and the temptation to direct blame for a roster gutted by midseason trades to the front office, Baldelli’s dismissal wasn’t exactly shocking. The Twins had lost their identity, and perhaps their spark, over the past few years.

Now, a familiar name has surfaced as a potential candidate to bring that spark back. According to The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli, former Twins All-Star Torii Hunter “could be in the mix” for Minnesota’s managerial opening. Hunter, currently a special assistant with the Los Angeles Angels, held a similar role with the Twins from 2019 to 2023 and has recently expressed his interest in managing at the big-league level.

“If the opportunity presents itself, I think that’s something I would definitely look into, a hard consideration,” Hunter told the Orange County Register in August.

While Hunter is also being connected to the Angels’ vacancy, his long history in Minnesota (where he played 12 of his 19 major-league seasons) makes him a natural fit to return to the franchise where his career began. The Angels also appear to be closing in on hiring Albert Pujols instead.

Built-in Patience from the Fans
The Twins probably won’t be very good in 2026. After trading away several veterans and retooling the roster around younger talent, the team appears headed for another transitional year. Typically, that’s when fans start to sour on a new manager before he even gets a chance to build something.

But Hunter’s relationship with Minnesota is different. Fans adored him during his playing days, through the Gold Glove catches, the clubhouse dance parties, and the ever-present smile. He’s the kind of personality who could buy the front office time to get the roster right. His reputation as a leader and entertainer would immediately give him more leeway than most first-year managers.

From an ownership perspective, hiring Hunter would also be a marketing win. The Twins are coming off one of their lowest-attendance seasons in a decade, and bringing back a beloved franchise icon could generate goodwill and excitement during a difficult stretch. A Torii Hunter press conference at Target Field would sell tickets, jerseys, and nostalgia—three things this organization could use right now.

A Proven Voice During Tough Times
Hunter’s career mirrors the type of challenge facing the Twins today. When he debuted in the late 1990s, Minnesota was one of baseball’s laughingstocks. Attendance was plummeting, payroll was slashed, and contraction rumors loomed over the franchise.

But Hunter and a young core that included Corey Koskie, Doug Mientkiewicz, and Jacque Jones changed everything. His fearless defense and infectious energy became symbolic of the early 2000s Twins’ resurgence. That leadership trait is exactly what Minnesota needs again: someone who can connect with young players, keep spirits high, and set a tone of accountability without losing the clubhouse.

If anyone understands how to steer the Twins through dark times and back into relevance, it’s Hunter. He’s done it before.

The Power of Connection
One underrated reason Hunter would thrive as a manager is his ability to connect with players across generations. As someone who played in both the old-school and modern analytics eras, Hunter understands both sides of today’s baseball culture.

He’s charismatic enough to inspire young stars like Brooks Lee and Luke Keaschall, yet respected enough to command a clubhouse filled with veterans. More importantly, Hunter is fluent in the modern player’s mindset. He’s coached, mentored, and worked alongside dozens of players in multiple organizations.

His ability to blend data-driven preparation with emotional intelligence could help bridge the gap between the front office and the players, something the Twins have quietly struggled with in recent years.

The Perfect Fit
The Twins have been at their best when the organization feels unified, and when the energy in the clubhouse matches the optimism in the stands. That connection has been missing.

Hunter represents a bridge between the past and the future, between the franchise’s proudest moments and its next chapter. He’s not just a fan favorite; he’s a leader with deep roots in Minnesota’s baseball identity. Even former Twin Trevor Plouffe thinks Hunter would be a prime candidate.

If the Twins truly want to recapture their spark and rebuild the right way, there may be no better choice than the man who helped save the franchise once before. Hunter could be the perfect person to do it again.

---

Is Hunter the perfect fit for the Twins managerial opening? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

View full article

[LastOnePicked]

Yes to Hunter. Big yes. It gives him the opportunity to advance his career, and he brings an approach to the game that is sorely needed here. And he won't just let the FO or ownership puppeteer him.

[The Great Hambino]

I think the marketing aspect of a move like this is getting overstated here.  Who is coming to Target Field that otherwise wouldn't be just to watch Torii Hunter manage?  Molitor was adored during his playing days too.  That didn't keep the turnstiles humming when he was leading the team to 103 losses.

And where exactly has he demonstrated this ability to "blend data-driven preparation with emotional intelligence"?  It's a mighty big leap to think he can, or even desires to, deftly blend old-school and modern analytics just because he happened to play at a time when modern analytics were starting to get mainstream attention.  Can he pull it off?  Who knows, but managers with much more experience coaching than Hunter that also played in the same time period as Hunter haven't been able to.  But we're just supposed to assume he can because ... he made lots of diving catches?  He has an infectious smile?  The Angels organization is such a model franchise to learn under?  I'm not buying it

And what were the circumstances under which he left the Twins in 2023?  He knew as well as anyone the kind of dumpster fire the Angels organization has become.  Either he left the Twins willingly for the Angels (with the caveat that I suppose there could have been some sort of promotion - extra special assistant?), or the Twins were done with his services.  All this doesn't add up to "the perfect manager" to me.  The perfect manager would be a manager, or at least someone with actual coaching bona fides.

[terrydactyls]

Torii would be an excellent choice so that will never happen.

[USAFChief]

Torii Hunter is my second favorite Twins player ever. 

But I don't think that qualifies him to manage.

 

[DJL44]

As excellent of a choice as Alan Trammell was for the Tigers, although Trammell had more previous coaching experience. Trammell's teams won 38% of their games. After leading his first team to a 43-119 record he did get them back up above 70 wins the next two seasons. When they fired Trammell and brought in Jim Leyland, they went to the World Series the following season.

The supporting argument for "Torii Hunter is the perfect manager for the Twins" seems to be "because I'm a fan of Torii Hunter". Maybe he's the perfect manager because it won't be his reputation that is tarnished if the rebuild fails. Falvey will get fired and everyone will still like Torii.

[DJL44]

According to a google search, these are Torii Hunter quotes:

"Spring training is for getting to know your teammates and forming a chemistry. I don't like it."

"I attribute being a good center fielder to many things, but being outside with friends as a kid, running around and racing, that was a big part of it."

"I want to hit the ball and I want to get at-bats. The results really don't matter to me."

"I wouldn't play in Minnesota unless my career was at an end and I had to go to Minnesota to play the game."

Then there's this doozy:

 

"People see dark faces out there, and the perception is that they're African-American. They're not us. They're impostors." source: - "Torii Hunter, Detroit Tigers Right Fielder, Says Gay Teammate Would Make Him ‘Uncomfortable’". www.huffingtonpost.com.

[NYCTK]

32 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

According to a google search, these are Torii Hunter quotes:

"Spring training is for getting to know your teammates and forming a chemistry. I don't like it."

"I attribute being a good center fielder to many things, but being outside with friends as a kid, running around and racing, that was a big part of it."

"I want to hit the ball and I want to get at-bats. The results really don't matter to me."

"I wouldn't play in Minnesota unless my career was at an end and I had to go to Minnesota to play the game."

Then there's this doozy:

 

"People see dark faces out there, and the perception is that they're African-American. They're not us. They're impostors." source: - "Torii Hunter, Detroit Tigers Right Fielder, Says Gay Teammate Would Make Him ‘Uncomfortable’". www.huffingtonpost.com.

Torii Hunter as manager would be difficult and make me uncomfortable. 

[Sjoski]

If we are judging by quotes...isn't Justin M. the top candidate?

"I love Minnesota, and I’d love to play my whole career here."–Justin Morneau

Maybe TD is saving the Morneau as manager idea for a slow news day. 😀

 

[CRF]

No

[Parfigliano]

24 minutes ago, CRF said:

No

Double no.

[Doctor Gast]

It's nice that a manager candidate has experience. But if that experience is in 100% analytics focus, I'd rather they have no experience but a lot of baseball smarts. Baldelli didn't have experience, but he did well because of good players, and most of all, had very good bench coaches in Sheldon & Bell. After they were gone, the problems started.. 

I agree with all the reasons stated that the Twins lack what Hunter could fill. Another point that Twins lack is fundamentals. Hunter's good friend, Ron Washington (former Twin) is famous for his fundamental success with his time in OAK, TEX, ATL & could have done the same in LAA if given more time. Wash could be instrumental in Hunter's success. Hunter has a lot of contacts that could bring back good coaches to MN.

Hunter will have a lot less to work with than Baldelli did. But IMO, what Hunter is lacking, he's open to learn & could become a good manager. The biggest hurdle is putting Falvey in place.

 

[Bodie]

43 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

It's nice that a manager candidate has experience. But if that experience is in 100% analytics focus, I'd rather they have no experience but a lot of baseball smarts. Baldelli didn't have experience, but he did well because of good players, and most of all, had very good bench coaches in Sheldon & Bell. After they were gone, the problems started.. 

I agree with all the reasons stated that the Twins lack what Hunter could fill. Another point that Twins lack is fundamentals. Hunter's good friend, Ron Washington (former Twin) is famous for his fundamental success with his time in OAK, TEX, ATL & could have done the same in LAA if given more time. Wash could be instrumental in Hunter's success. Hunter has a lot of contacts that could bring back good coaches to MN.

Hunter will have a lot less to work with than Baldelli did. But IMO, what Hunter is lacking, he's open to learn & could become a good manager. The biggest hurdle is putting Falvey in place.

 

A rookie manager with no experience will not be "putting Falvey in place."

 

No matter that Derrick should have ended up tossed out with the 2024 Christmas tree...

[weitz41]

If we go with the tear, it down narrative. I can't see Torii as a good fit. I doubt he's patient enough to deal with what we may see next season. Better off getting someone who's been there before. My pick is Brandon Hyde. I believe he was one of the guys they considered before hiring Rocco.

[Permanent Twins Fan]

4 hours ago, USAFChief said:

Torii Hunter is my second favorite Twins player ever. 

But I don't think that qualifies him to manage.

Who's number one? La Tortuga?

[strumdatjag]

Ted Williams was a great player.  I’m sure appointing him as a manager was thought to be a great marketing ploy.  But he was a lousy manager and killed the second Senators franchise.   
How many multi-year all-star players in the last ten years became great managers?

no no no - Sorry Torii.  

[Richie the Rally Goat]

20 minutes ago, Permanent Twins Fan said:

Who's number one? La Tortuga?

I’ll bet he would retire from the Venezuelan league to manage the Twins

[ashbury]

4 hours ago, Sjoski said:

If we are judging by quotes...isn't Justin M. the top candidate?

"I love Minnesota, and I’d love to play my whole career here."–Justin Morneau

Cut to the chase and just promote Byron Buxton to player-manager, then.

[Permanent Twins Fan]

30 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Cut to the chase and just promote Byron Buxton to player-manager, then.

Or hire Royce, and then the Twins will never slump.

[PatPfund]

 I loved Torii as a player, but no. Managing is a lot of work; there are tons of details to organize, staff and players to personally manage, and you get ripped for stuff all the time. You not only have to do that stuff well to last, but you sure had better like/love it. Nothing in Torii's playing career or in his life after he retired shows any interest in hard baseball work other than the chance to drop in very part-time as a 'special coach'. Even his quote  about having to look into it if something came up and giving an opportunity hard consideration is about the weakest/waffley statement of interest in a major job I've ever heard. It's like it is some team's job to come to him as a zero-experience candidate, and try to convince him to get off his couch. Hard pass.

[Mike Sixel]

7 hours ago, DJL44 said:

According to a google search, these are Torii Hunter quotes:

"Spring training is for getting to know your teammates and forming a chemistry. I don't like it."

"I attribute being a good center fielder to many things, but being outside with friends as a kid, running around and racing, that was a big part of it."

"I want to hit the ball and I want to get at-bats. The results really don't matter to me."

"I wouldn't play in Minnesota unless my career was at an end and I had to go to Minnesota to play the game."

Then there's this doozy:

 

"People see dark faces out there, and the perception is that they're African-American. They're not us. They're impostors." source: - "Torii Hunter, Detroit Tigers Right Fielder, Says Gay Teammate Would Make Him ‘Uncomfortable’". www.huffingtonpost.com.

They last one is awful. But not surprising. 

[dxpavelka]

Why are we overlooking OTHER guys with no experience as a coach and / or minor league manager?  Kent Hrbek checks the fan favorite box.  How about Nick Punto?  Sure, Kirby's dead but, hey, why not?  

[Jeff K]

I agree with most of the responses that Torii is a no.  That said, I think he would bring leadership from management that has been sorely missing.  I seem to recall him putting Justin Morneau in his place when he wasn't working hard enough as a rookie.  Regardless of who the Twins hire, they need leadership attributes that have been missing and a focus on fundamentals.

[Trov]

I used to not be a fan of the hiring retired players straight to manager at big leagues, without some coaching or minor league time, but there has been some decent success lately.  I think Torrii could be an interesting choice.  He was a guy that learned as he got older.  He started his career as a top notch athlete with no fear and could man CF with the best of them.  As he aged though he learned to have more value with the bat.  

I think he could be that good hybrid between full analytics, like Rocco seemed to be, and no analytics like Gardy was.  I would not hate the hire if he really wanted the job. 

[DJL44]

12 hours ago, strumdatjag said:

Ted Williams was a great player.  I’m sure appointing him as a manager was thought to be a great marketing ploy.  But he was a lousy manager and killed the second Senators franchise.   
How many multi-year all-star players in the last ten years became great managers?

no no no - Sorry Torii.  

I have read some history of Ted Williams as a manager. Those Senators teams did improve their hitting, but probably because that's all Ted wanted to spend time on in practice. Great hitting coach but neglected everything else.

[Sparky55]

I think it would be a great hire. But since this ownership has no idea how to market this team I doubt it will happen.

[jmlease1]

12 hours ago, strumdatjag said:

Ted Williams was a great player.  I’m sure appointing him as a manager was thought to be a great marketing ploy.  But he was a lousy manager and killed the second Senators franchise.   
How many multi-year all-star players in the last ten years became great managers?

no no no - Sorry Torii.  

It's a real issue. While it does happen that great players can also be good/great managers, but often the skillsets are too different and the all-star player can't translate the things that made them great for other (lesser) talents. Many can't explain how they did something: they just did it.

Now, some players who were thought of as great leaders can be CEO type managers who work the clubhouse and the media and leave the tactical and skills prep to their coaches. I think you see this in the NBA a fair amount, but the great players still flame out a lot too. For every Jason Kidd there's an Isiah Thomas.

Molitor was manager of the year...but also got fired and never took another managerial job. YMMV on whether he worked out as manager? But that's a hall of famer who took a managerial job in the last decade.

I think most great players aren't interested in the grind of managing, along with the travel, once they're in retirement.

[Otaknam]

Whoever they hire as manager has to wonder how much longer Falvey, who has lorded over what has become a dumpster fire, will keep his job. The new guy would need a four year contract to accept the job under these circumstances. I doubt this will be Hunter, and they will go with Shelton or someone with actual managerial experience. 

[Killer Rod Tony]

13 hours ago, Permanent Twins Fan said:

Who's number one? La Tortuga?

That would be Kirby Puckett. That name should be no offense to Kirby Harmon Killebrew and right up there just a smidgen below that is a tie between Rodney Carew and Tony Oliva. Younger people are not aware that much of the names I just mentioned. Torii Hunter would be definitely well there's a lot of guys that we look up to. Some would probably say Joe Mauer good guy. Modern day player I'm partial to Justin Morneau because he reminds me of my own son who is 43 at the moment.

[BillyBallLives]

18 hours ago, DJL44 said:

"Torii Hunter, Detroit Tigers Right Fielder, Says Gay Teammate Would Make Him ‘Uncomfortable’".

Hunter later clarified his comments, stating that he was not opposed to gay players in baseball but was expressing his personal feelings about the situation.

Torii Hunter spoke honestly about his personal feelings, the last time I checked, freedom of speech means he gets to do that. Feeling uncomfortable doesn’t make someone a bigot, and Hunter made it clear he’s not opposed to gay players.

I'm not saying he should be a the Twins next manage either.