For Good or Bad, On Field and Off, Twins Franchise Looks Ready to Lean Back Into the 'Twins Way'

[Nick Nelson]

Image courtesy of Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Comparing the Twins team that won a playoff series in 2023 to the last one that did, 21 years earlier in 2002, exposes a sharp contrast. 

That 2002 group of players had come up together, honing their fundamentals and mastering the elements of "small ball" under Tom Kelly's tutelage to earn a distinct reputation, which only intensified when Ron Gardenhire took over. Those Twins gained advantages on the margins, played superior defense, and ran the bases aggressively. (Maybe over-aggressively, with the worst success rate in baseball.)

Back then, and in the decade or so that followed, "The Twins Way" was a grounding set of principles. Now it's little more than a street sign outside of Target Field. 

The 2023 Twins were a hodgepodge of outside additions and graduated prospects from different waves, led by an expensive free-agent mercenary in Carlos Correa. Under Rocco Baldelli, this team aimed to win with strikeouts on the mound and home runs at the plate; defense and baserunning were far from specializations. Rocco's boys weren't laying down a lot of sac bunts.

Another stark difference between these two division-winning clubs: payroll. In 2002, they ranked 26th out of 30 teams at $41 million. No one on that mean was making any serious money. In 2023 the Twins set a franchise record with a $153 million payroll, ranking 17th in the majors. 

Reading between the lines, and in some cases just taking their words at face value, it becomes clear that Twins leadership is longing for a return to the good old days of "The Twins Way" — or at least an evolution of it — on multiple levels.

Getting Back to Fundamentals
At the end of the season, Derek Falvey cast his vision for the next iteration of the Minnesota Twins: “We’re going to be a really good base running team, we’re going to be on the details, we’re going to be leaning into the fundamentals,” he said. “It would be surprising if any manager candidate said that they didn’t care about those things.” 

With all the nostalgia for a different era packed in those words, you might wonder if the Twins thought about dialing up Gardenhire and inquiring about reunion. Or if not Gardy, maybe his favorite student. Sure enough, the Twins have reportedly interviewed Nick Punto for the managerial vacancy, alongside a few other candidates. 

For those who are too young to remember his heyday, Punto featured (arguably too prominently) on the late Metrodome teams, serving as the embodiment of grit and hustle. He was a switch-hitting utilityman who happily handled fast-changing assignments, put the ball in play but hit for zero power, and routinely slid headfirst into first base. MLB's Cut4 once honored him with the "Unnecessary Hustle Award." White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen coined the term "piranha" to describe his ilk.

Under Falvey's leadership, the Twins have gravitated very far from that profile in terms of their identity. But as you look ahead to 2026, you can already see some piranha-esque players written into the plans: Luke Keaschall, Alan Roden and Austin Martin to name a few. You wonder if Minnesota's ultimate managerial choice or offseason player pickups will continue to trend in this direction.

I kind of think so. Because here's the thing: these scrappy hustle type players tend to command a lot less money than the established big sluggers.

A New Norm for Twins Spending?
Whether or not you choose to believe them, the Pohlads have been clear and unflinching in their assertion that their financial state of affairs had become entirely unsustainable. Meeting the demands of a payroll in the $140 million range with reduced revenue streams was pushing them deep into debt, which they brought in minority investors to alleviate. Despite the appearance from the outside that the Twin Cities market should be able to support roughly middle-of-the-pack spending, the Pohlads insist that is not the case. 

Comments about "right-sizing" the payroll, and Tom Pohlad telling the Star Tribune recently that his family has "repeatedly chosen to invest beyond what the Twins’ revenues can support in an effort to field a competitive team," all point to one thing: a new norm for Twins payroll, or more accurately, a return to the old norm. 

No, I don't expect the Twins to go back to a $40 million payroll. But in 2002, when the overall benchmark was much lower, that figure represented 60% of the MLB average. Today the same percentage would equate to about a $100 million payroll — a renewed baseline I suspect they'll fall short of in an all-out rebuild year in 2026.

In fairness, it's definitely possible to win under such constraints, with the right baseball leadership. The Twins in 2002 were proof enough. The Rays have been doing it for many years. More relevantly: the Cleveland Guardians had a $100 million payroll this year and rallied to reach the postseason while the Twins floundered and underperformed. Cleveland has been a model of low-budget success, fueled by player development and savvy acquisitions. They aren't high-priced or high-powered, but they win on aggressiveness, cohesion and fundamentals. 

Despite coming from that organization, Falvey has led Minnesota far astray from such characteristics. Everything I'm seeing now leads me to believe he's now looking to lead them back. For better or worse.

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[Doctor Wu]

Sure enough, the Twins have reportedly interviewed Nick Punto for the managerial vacancy, alongside a few other candidates. 

Wait ... what? Any sources for this speculation?

[Cory Engelhardt]

5 minutes ago, Doctor Wu said:

Sure enough, the Twins have reportedly interviewed Nick Punto for the managerial vacancy, alongside a few other candidates. 

Wait ... what? Any sources for this speculation?

Dan Hayes reported it in the athletic yesterday.

[Cory Engelhardt]

I don't hate the idea at all of having a starting outfield next year of Martin and Buxton and Rodan. The range there should be a huge improvement over 2025's outfield defense that included Larnach and Wallner. It also gives room for when Rodriguez (if healthy) and Jenkins are ready to debut, and both should also be better defenders than Larnach or Wallner were in terms of range.

 

[Riverbrian]

Here's what I'd like to know. 

Why did Falvey and Lavine think that money wouldn't be a concern? They made a lot of roster decisions that suggest they thought money wouldn't be a concern. 

There is absolutely nothing in the history of Minnesota Twins budgets that would lead a new front office... just coming into a job... to believe that money wouldn't be a concern in Minnesota. 

They staffed the roster like they could go to 160 million, 170... 180? Just keep increasing as needed. 

They are not idiots... Why did they have that impression? 

I understand course correction. What I don't understand is the impression in the first place.

Minnesota has never been a "mid-market" team. We all know this. They had to know this.

What made them think they could free agent sign their way to glory?

[CRF]

Well...it could be worse...the Pohlad's might not sell the team and keep us in terminal mediocrity. Oh, wait...never mind. 

[Nashvilletwin]

Perhaps the “Twins Way” (or the “Brewers Way” by which the current successful incarnation is known) is just a euphemism for the only reasonable strategy small/mid-market teams can employ in an attempt to create competitive advantage under the current economic framework of Major League Baseball.

In other words, the “Twins Way” is what smart owners and executives of teams like the Twins utilize if they actually want to win.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist or a bunch of high priced consultants to figure that out - even a baseball experienced challenged nephew can probably see that once he takes his head out of the sand.

[Patzky]

14 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I don't hate the idea at all of having a starting outfield next year of Martin and Buxton and Rodan. The range there should be a huge improvement over 2025's outfield defense that included Larnach and Wallner. It also gives room for when Rodriguez (if healthy) and Jenkins are ready to debut, and both should also be better defenders than Larnach or Wallner were in terms of range.

 

Agreed. Our Roden intro was cut short, spring training will give us a better look. Larnach is all but gone and that's ok. Is Wallner productive enough to DH or 1B? Another Santana type signing would indicate the team's wishes.

[Cory Engelhardt]

Just now, Patzky said:

Agreed. Our Roden intro was cut short, spring training will give us a better look. Larnach is all but gone and that's ok. Is Wallner productive enough to DH or 1B? Another Santana type signing would indicate the team's wishes.

Wallner is so tough to gauge for me. He has real power yes, but he needs either a change of scenery or a real focus on everything hitting wise so that he truly isn't 3 outcomes only. But even how the article is written, I'm not certain a 3 outcomes player is a fit on this team right now. If they can move him for a starting catcher or a good prospect of some kind, I'd be open to it.

[TwinsDr2021]

Not to nit pik but Nick Punto wasn't even on the Twins until 2004, and only played 38 games that year. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

7 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Not to nit pik but Nick Punto wasn't even on the Twins until 2004, and only played 38 games that year. 

I read this and just started chanting to myself PICK NITS! PICK NITS! It sounded funnier in my head than it looks written down.

I need more coffee 

[TwinsDr2021]

26 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I don't hate the idea at all of having a starting outfield next year of Martin and Buxton and Rodan. 

 

You don't think that would be one of the worst offensive outfields in the Majors (and not young)? And with the question marks in the infield (lewis, Lee, and Luke) seems like a recipe for disaster, IMO both are depth players not starters. 

IMO one of the Twins top prospects has to be on the opening day roster, Jenkins, Culpepper or Erod (or maybe GG), there is no reason Martin and Roden need to be given a chance.

[LeatherAntenna]

34 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I don't hate the idea at all of having a starting outfield next year of Martin and Buxton and Rodan. The range there should be a huge improvement over 2025's outfield defense that included Larnach and Wallner. It also gives room for when Rodriguez (if healthy) and Jenkins are ready to debut, and both should also be better defenders than Larnach or Wallner were in terms of range.

 

What becomes of Wallner?

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 minute ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

You don't think that would be one of the worst offensive outfields in the Majors (and not young)? And with the question marks in the infield (lewis, Lee, and Luke) seems like a recipe for disaster, IMO both are depth players not starters. 

IMO one of the Twins top prospects has to be on the opening day roster, Jenkins, Culpepper or Erod (or maybe GG), there is no reason Martin and Roden need to be given a chance.

I don't know that they can't help win at least for a time. They both (Martin and Rodan at least comparing his AAA numbers) have speed on the bases and make contact. It's not crazy to think that they wouldn't be a detriment

[Cory Engelhardt]

2 minutes ago, LeatherAntenna said:

What becomes of Wallner?

I do not know. Maybe he is the DH? Maybe he is traded? I do think he would bring back something interesting if they were to entertain that idea.

[Whitey333]

It will be interesting to see who they hire as manager.  Im suggesting it will be a Baldelli clone.  Someone that takes orders from Falvey and doesn't rock the boat.  Im prepared for a payroll next season in the 85-95 million range.  We will navigate toward being thr Pittsburgh Pirates of the American League.  Perennial doormat, low payroll, and always trading players for prospects.  Always in that vicious cycle.  I hope im wrong but we could be ok in for some bad baseball for a long time.

[mikelink45]

11 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

It will be interesting to see who they hire as manager.  Im suggesting it will be a Baldelli clone.  Someone that takes orders from Falvey and doesn't rock the boat.  Im prepared for a payroll next season in the 85-95 million range.  We will navigate toward being thr Pittsburgh Pirates of the American League.  Perennial doormat, low payroll, and always trading players for prospects.  Always in that vicious cycle.  I hope im wrong but we could be ok in for some bad baseball for a long time.

We have already navigated there.  Our first big move - a DFA from the Pirates.

[mikelink45]

Some plan would help - some consistent strategy - not changing the formula every year.  Figure out what kind of team you want to be and move that way.  But based on the players we have and project where is that high level of defense coming from?

[mnfireman]

17 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I read this and just started chanting to myself PICK NITS! PICK NITS! It sounded funnier in my head than it looks written down.

I need more coffee 

I had to write (read: cursive) the word awkward at work the other day; it looked really awkward...

[mnfireman]

16 minutes ago, LeatherAntenna said:

What becomes of Wallner?

I would try him at 1B, the organization does not have one in the system, and we know the team isn't pursuing the Polar Bear....

[tarheeltwinsfan]

29 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

It will be interesting to see who they hire as manager.  Im suggesting it will be a Baldelli clone.  Someone that takes orders from Falvey and doesn't rock the boat.  Im prepared for a payroll next season in the 85-95 million range.  We will navigate toward being thr Pittsburgh Pirates of the American League.  Perennial doormat, low payroll, and always trading players for prospects.  Always in that vicious cycle.  I hope im wrong but we could be ok in for some bad baseball for a long time.

Gloom, despair, excessive misery. If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.  

[Rod Carews Birthday]

28 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I do not know. Maybe he is the DH? Maybe he is traded? I do think he would bring back something interesting if they were to entertain that idea.

If you think Wallner would bring back something interesting, doesn’t that make him more important to have on the team than Martin and/or Roden, because they are basically roster filler, not starters. They may be useful, but not in a prominent role.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

I fear that the team is engaging in some nostalgic fantasy.  The team wasn’t any better back then than they are now, and in many ways worse.  Having those kinds of players on the team was largely a function of not being able to afford actual good players.  Let’s not go that direction again.  

[Cory Engelhardt]

2 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

If you think Wallner would bring back something interesting, doesn’t that make him more important to have on the team than Martin and/or Roden, because they are basically roster filler, not starters. They may be useful, but not in a prominent role.

Different teams can have different needs. Teams pay for power don't they?

And I'm not saying one player is better than the other or not. But I can totally see Rodan being a better fit for this team than I can Wallner in the same role.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

Just now, Cory Engelhardt said:

Different teams can have different needs. Teams pay for power don't they?

And I'm not saying one player is better than the other or not. But I can totally see Rodan being a better fit for this team than I can Wallner in the same role.

Why do you feel that way?  Wallner is pretty much our only power hitter besides Buxton.  You can say that you want more team speed and defense, but someone in the lineup has to be able to hit the ball out of the park. 

[IndianaTwin]

44 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Not to nit pik but Nick Punto wasn't even on the Twins until 2004, and only played 38 games that year. 

I was going to say, "Not to nit pick, but did Punto actually have a heydey?"

But then I looked and saw he actually had a year with a bWAR of 3.8 and had 6.7 over a three-year period. It was a fairly mild hey and not much longer than a day, but I stand corrected.  

 

[mluebker]

“Reading between the lines, and in some cases just taking their words at face value, it becomes clear that Twins leadership is longing for a return to the good old days of ‘The Twins Way’ — or at least an evolution of it — on multiple levels.”

That would be a whole lot better plan than whatever it was they thought they were doing for the past few years. 

[shimrod]

37 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

I'm prepared for a payroll next season in the 85-95 million range. 

I'm prepared for a payroll much lower than that. And that's ok. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

3 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

Why do you feel that way?  Wallner is pretty much our only power hitter besides Buxton.  You can say that you want more team speed and defense, but someone in the lineup has to be able to hit the ball out of the park. 

I do think they'll need to add a couple of bats at minimum this offseason. My hope is one of them is a 1B or DH that is capable of that too. It likely could be via trade in some cases. But they will need to add some bats one way or the other.

They don't have zero power as a team, but I do agree the one thing THIS lineup truly has missed is Nelson Cruz. They were so much better an offense with an actual middle of the order type bat.

If they do keep Wallner, I would play him an awful lot more at DH next year than in the field. But is he the right choice for DH? I don't know.

[TwinsDr2021]

43 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I don't know that they can't help win at least for a time. They both (Martin and Rodan at least comparing his AAA numbers) have speed on the bases and make contact. It's not crazy to think that they wouldn't be a detriment

I don't see either of them being anything but replacement level players and at their age, they should be moved to the back of the line, behind players that could become more than replacement level. Rostering replacement level players and playing them has been this teams problem. One of them can start but the other spot should be given to a rookie (or a young guy they got in a trade over the winter) If ERod is the player than give Martin a shot at the other spot, if it is GG then give Roden a short.