Jeremy Zoll Steps Forward as Twins Turn the Page

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of Twins Daily

The Minnesota Twins officially turned the page on their front office leadership on Friday. Derek Falvey and the organization agreed to mutually part ways, ending an era defined by significant highs and lows. In his place, Jeremy Zoll has been elevated to lead baseball operations, while Tom Pohlad will take on interim oversight of the business side.

For those who have followed the Twins closely over the last several seasons, Zoll’s promotion feels less like a surprise and more like a continuation. His fingerprints have been all over the organization’s player development gains, and his rise reflects a belief that the next phase of competitiveness will come from within.

Zoll’s Professional Climb
Zoll joined the Twins in 2018, arriving from the Los Angeles Dodgers with a reputation as a sharp development mind and a strong collaborator. Prior to that, he began his career with the Los Angeles Angels in scouting and development roles, giving him early exposure to multiple organizational philosophies. Those experiences helped shape a well-rounded approach that blends traditional evaluation with modern infrastructure.

His time with the Dodgers proved formative. Working within one of baseball’s most respected farm systems, Zoll was involved in individualized player plans, experimental development programs, and close coordination with research and development staff. That background translated smoothly to Minnesota, where the farm system needed both clarity and cohesion.

Zoll initially served as the Twins' Director of Minor League Operations, then spent five seasons as an Assistant General Manager. He's entering his ninth year with the Twins, steadily gaining responsibility and trust along the way. His promotion to General Manager in November of 2024 when Thad Levine left the team signaled that the organization valued continuity and internal growth.

Rebuilding the Pipeline
When Zoll arrived, the Twins' farm system lacked a consistent identity. Development processes varied by level, and the path from draft day to Target Field was not always clear. Zoll helped change that. Alongside leaders like Dr Chris Camp, he emphasized performance science, clearer communication, and stronger alignment between coaching staffs and analysts.

The result has been a steady stream of impact talent reaching the major leagues. Royce Lewis, Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, and Matt Wallner were all high draft picks who matriculated to the big-leagues with varied levels of success. On the pitching side, arms like Bailey Ober, David Festa, and Zebby Matthews highlight the organization’s ability to find value beyond the top rounds of the draft. For a franchise that cannot rely on aggressive spending, those wins matter.

Zoll’s influence has not been limited to names on a prospect list. He helped modernize how the Twins teach mechanics, manage workloads, and tailor development plans to individual players. Biomechanics, video analysis, and data-driven feedback are now standard tools throughout the system, not add-ons.

A Philosophy That Fits the Market
Zoll’s background positions him well for the realities of the Twins' payroll structure. His approach prioritizes depth, flexibility, and internal options, thereby reducing the need for costly external fixes. He's been active on the fringes of the Twins roster over the last two offseasons, with success stories that include Harrison Bader and Danny Coulombe. 

After last season’s trade deadline selloff, ironically orchestrated by Falvey, the Twins have one of baseball’s highest-ranked minor league systems. Minnesota’s top prospects, like Walker Jenkins, Kaelen Culpepper, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Connor Prielipp, are all on the cusp of the big leagues with a chance to impact 2026 and beyond. However, it will be multiple years before fans know if last season’s trade deadline was successful for the organization.

Equally important is his collaborative style. Player development, analytics, medical, and coaching staffs are expected to operate as one ecosystem. That mindset is likely to define how baseball operations function moving forward.

Turning the Page
Falvey’s departure marks a clear transition point, but it does not signal a teardown of philosophy. Instead, the Twins are doubling down on an identity that has slowly taken shape over the past several seasons. Zoll represents that identity perhaps more clearly than anyone else in the organization.

This is a bet on continuity, development, and patience. It is also a bet that the next competitive Twins core will be built largely by the people already in-house. As Zoll takes the reins, the direction is clear even if the outcomes remain uncertain.

What are your initial thoughts on Zoll’s promotion and Falvey’s exit? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[tony&rodney]

The present is always a good time to think positive and work towards success. Zoll has been a part of the organization long enough to see the strengths and weaknesses of the system. Perhaps he can use the best of the current system with practices from a few clubs that have stretched their thin financial assets into winning baseball. The Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians, and Tampa Bay Rays are the posters for well run consistently competitive teams. Hopefully, Zoll can steal a thing or two from those guys.

[jmlease1]

Zoll is a pretty smart guy and quite talented, and I think it was a good idea to split off the business side from the baseball side again...but the Twins have still bungled this again.

If you're going to drop your top guy, you do it at the end of the season and before you hire a new manager. Don't let the old boss hire such an important position, even if you're going to promote from within.

Regarding Zoll...maybe he's the right fit? Twins have failed to successfully translate enough of their top talent to consistent MLB players in recent years, especially on the position side. Maybe Zoll can fix that, but it's not like he got here yesterday, so is he the solution or was he part of the problem. Time will tell?

Hopefully Tom Pohlad hires someone smart, forward-thinking, and creative to run business operations and turn things around there. The Twins have utterly botched that side of the house, even more than the baseball side, over the past 2 decades. They've botched media deals, failed to grow their fan base (which isn't just about the on-field product, sad to say), screwed up the finances...the list is almost endless on the failures on the business side. They've literally got one success on that side of ledge: getting Target Field built (and with a public subsidy). That is simply not good enough. But the Pohlad track record doesn't suggest they're going to bring in a real leader to drive the train there.

[terrydactyls]

Only at Twins Daily do the Twins have "one of baseball's highest-ranked minor league systems".  The latest rankings (published just a few days ago) have them roughly in the middle of the pack (17th by Kieth Law).  And most of the seven players you mentioned as proof of his success with minor league players arrived in the big leagues because of injuries or the Great Sell-off of 2025.  Only Ober could be considered a "success".  Otherwise:

• Lewis:  one good season
• Lee:  there isn't any other shortstop
• Keuschell:  small sample size
• Wallner:  all hit, no field - and the hitting isn't that great
• Matthews and Festa:   major league ERAs over 6.00

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Do the Twins have psychologists available for the players who actually play the game in the minors and the majors? Each player is the "man in the arena",  to quote Theodore Roosevelt. The player whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who errs, but keeps trying, who knows high achievement and crushing fails. And if he fails at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

The present is always a good time to think positive and work towards success. Zoll has been a part of the organization long enough to see the strengths and weaknesses of the system. Perhaps he can use the best of the current system with practices from a few clubs that have stretched their thin financial assets into winning baseball. The Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians, and Tampa Bay Rays are the posters for well run consistently competitive teams. Hopefully, Zoll can steal a thing or two from those guys.

He should start with stealing a couple of their young players.

[Chembry]

48 minutes ago, terrydactyls said:

Only at Twins Daily do the Twins have "one of baseball's highest-ranked minor league systems".  The latest rankings (published just a few days ago) have them roughly in the middle of the pack (17th by Kieth Law).  And most of the seven players you mentioned as proof of his success with minor league players arrived in the big leagues because of injuries or the Great Sell-off of 2025.  Only Ober could be considered a "success".  Otherwise:

• Lewis:  one good season
• Lee:  there isn't any other shortstop
• Keuschell:  small sample size
• Wallner:  all hit, no field - and the hitting isn't that great
• Matthews and Festa:   major league ERAs over 6.00

I am guessing you didn’t read Law’s rationale.  The only reason they are ranked low is health, not talent. His rationale is valid, but we are not devoid of talent.  Here is a quote from the ranking:

"The Twins would be much higher if they could just keep their best guys healthy. Two of their top three prospects have missed time every year with injuries, but I still see so much offensive potential in Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez that I just can’t quit them."

Link to article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6998285/2026/01/29/top-farm-systems-mlb-brewers-dodgers-mariners/?source=athletic_thewindup_newsletter&campaign=16602299&userId=28424238
 

ESPN has the system ranked 8th.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/47684217/2026-mlb-prospect-rankings-farm-systems-kiley-mcdaniel-brewers-guardians-pirates-dodgers-mets

[CRF]

It doesn't matter how smart a guy Zoll is, he'll only be able to do what ownership/Tommy-Boy lets him do...which won't be very much. Until the Pohlads sell, nothing will change.  

[Fatbat]

Zoll might be the guy. Jury is out and better times are ahead. (It can’t be worse than 2025) Hopefully our next few drafts  produce many more mlb player along with a few super stars... 

[ashbury]

In any normal version of reality, the Pohlads would have found a suitable buyer last year, decided that the price they were receiving was what the market would bear, and closed the deal.

The new owners would have thanked Derek Falvey for his years of service to the franchise, but stated that they wanted to see the team move in a new direction, and brought in their own person for the big chair.

The new PBO (of whatever title) would have thanked Rocco Baldelli for his years of service to the franchise, but stated that a new atmosphere was needed in the dugout and in the clubhouse, and brought in their own person to manage the team.

The Twins, naturally, have performed these steps in precisely the opposite order.

[arby58]

2 hours ago, terrydactyls said:

Only at Twins Daily do the Twins have "one of baseball's highest-ranked minor league systems".  The latest rankings (published just a few days ago) have them roughly in the middle of the pack (17th by Kieth Law). 

Law is the most pessimistic of the rankings I have seen. Others rank much higher (if not among the highest-ranked):

ESPN, Kiley McDaniel (1/29/26) has the Twins 8th. One thing that is pretty common in these rankings is Milwaukee (1), Cleveland (2), and Detroit (6) rank better.

Bleacher Report (9/26.25, after September callups) has the Twins 7th. The Tigers (5) and Brewers (6) are ahead, with Cleveland next in line after the Twins (8th).

Frangraphs 2025 update had the Twins 12th, with Milwaukee 4th, Cleveland 5th, and Detroit 9th.

Prospects 1500 had the Twins 9th, with Milwaukee 1, Detroit 3, and Cleveland 7.

I'm sure there are others, but Law is the only one I pulled from with them in the bottom half of the rankings.

[AceWrigley]

Want to know if the Twins are dealing? Better call Zoll.

[killercarewoliva]

The talk of trades of any of us starting pitchers maybe they like it playing for Minnesota, but do you want to stay with a team that has such pitiful relief pictures. they could be in the lead by four or five runs in the 5th or sixth inning and they don't get a win that's going to happen all season. this is where the ownership knew they were selling off. any chance of a wedding season to pay off bills. this means they don't have the credibility to be owners. we are overgrown with outfielders but since no real good ones are left to sign. is it that somebody that needs an outfielder that could give up some relief fishing. they may not need so much? but the money is not going to be put up for it. nobody should show up the whole season really. I've been a follower of this organization since 1964. never seen anything this bad even when you consider the 103 lost season.

[killercarewoliva]

what is the dipping a toe badge?

[bean5302]

Somebody has to run things. Zoll's being given the keys because there isn't anybody else, I'd wager. It'll be interesting to see what he does. 

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, killercarewoliva said:

what is the dipping a toe badge?

A welcome to a new member.

Welcome, new member! 😁

[nicksaviking]

4 hours ago, ashbury said:

In any normal version of reality, the Pohlads would have found a suitable buyer last year, decided that the price they were receiving was what the market would bear, and closed the deal.

The new owners would have thanked Derek Falvey for his years of service to the franchise, but stated that they wanted to see the team move in a new direction, and brought in their own person for the big chair.

The new PBO (of whatever title) would have thanked Rocco Baldelli for his years of service to the franchise, but stated that a new atmosphere was needed in the dugout and in the clubhouse, and brought in their own person to manage the team.

The Twins, naturally, have performed these steps in precisely the opposite order.

Disagree. A smart business person wouldn’t have wasted company time with TWO firings, he or she would have canned Falvey and Baldelli over the same Zoom call.

[rv78]

My first thought is........... the more things change, the more they stay the same. Carl first turns things over to Joe, then Tom. Levine leaves and his job goes to Falvey. Falvey gets the axe and his job goes to Zoll. Rocco gone, they hire Shelton. Seems like a lot of in-house connection that signals change but very little changes other than names. They will have to prove me wrong before I believe any of these changes will make a difference.

[Russ]

Interesting article with a lot of positives.  Whether your farm system is ranked 8th or 28th, the Twins have been the past couple of years in the weakest division in MLB. When players come up from these "pipelines" it is generally a deer in the headlights.  How does this change for the better and when?

[JD-TWINS]

22 hours ago, Chembry said:

 

I am guessing you didn’t read Law’s rationale.  The only reason they are ranked low is health, not talent. His rationale is valid, but we are not devoid of talent.  Here is a quote from the ranking:

"The Twins would be much higher if they could just keep their best guys healthy. Two of their top three prospects have missed time every year with injuries, but I still see so much offensive potential in Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez that I just can’t quit them."

Link to article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6998285/2026/01/29/top-farm-systems-mlb-brewers-dodgers-mariners/?source=athletic_thewindup_newsletter&campaign=16602299&userId=28424238
 

ESPN has the system ranked 8th.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/47684217/2026-mlb-prospect-rankings-farm-systems-kiley-mcdaniel-brewers-guardians-pirates-dodgers-mets

They were ranked 21st and not 17th in a rankings list I saw with that “health comment.” I have no way to gauge where the Twins are relative to others. I assume, based on Top 100 list guys in the system that they are probably around 10-15 and not poor but not that exciting. Translating at the MLB level is all that matters - where the system is ranked is just some generally subjective conversation piece.

[Coach JT]

Falvey and Levine had no plan . We are a small market team that needs to be built on speed and excellent fielding. We had no left handed starter for the past 2 plays years and he had no plan to address. Please Twins stop the competitive rebuild and call up the prospects and let’s enjoy seeing them develop. Have a plan and hire a man who actually understands Left and Right handed pitchers . 

[USAFChief]

2 hours ago, rv78 said:

My first thought is........... the more things change, the more they stay the same. Carl first turns things over to Joe, then Tom. Levine leaves and his job goes to Falvey. Falvey gets the axe and his job goes to Zoll. Rocco gone, they hire Shelton. Seems like a lot of in-house connection that signals change but very little changes other than names. They will have to prove me wrong before I believe any of these changes will make a difference.

Nitpic. When Carl passed, Jim Pohlad took over managing the Twins, not Joe. Joe took control in 2022 from Jim.

[mikelink45]

There are a lot of assumptions based on ?????

Wait and see I remember when Falvey and Lavine were going to lead us to the promised land.

I don't know anything about Zoll and what he will do so no judgement or expectations for me.

[arby58]

On 1/31/2026 at 11:57 AM, arby58 said:

Law is the most pessimistic of the rankings I have seen. Others rank much higher (if not among the highest-ranked):

ESPN, Kiley McDaniel (1/29/26) has the Twins 8th. One thing that is pretty common in these rankings is Milwaukee (1), Cleveland (2), and Detroit (6) rank better.

Bleacher Report (9/26.25, after September callups) has the Twins 7th. The Tigers (5) and Brewers (6) are ahead, with Cleveland next in line after the Twins (8th).

Frangraphs 2025 update had the Twins 12th, with Milwaukee 4th, Cleveland 5th, and Detroit 9th.

Prospects 1500 had the Twins 9th, with Milwaukee 1, Detroit 3, and Cleveland 7.

I'm sure there are others, but Law is the only one I pulled from with them in the bottom half of the rankings.

Also, Baseball Prospectus is out with their rankings, and they place the Twins 8th (again ranking above htem are the Brewers at 3, Tigers at 6 and Guardians at 7). Their comment:
"

8. Minnesota Twins

Strengths: The Twins have a strong quartet of bats at the top and above-average depth
Weaknesses: The pitching is a bit behind the hitting

The Twins have generally been a boringly above-average system and this year is no exception. Their top prospects are on the cusp of the majors though, and they don’t have as much depth as usual behind them.