Tom Pohlad Is on a Mission to Rebuild Trust. A Critical Juncture Lies Ahead.

[MeleMouth]

General question: can anyone remember the last time a team owned by someone who inherited his money won a league championship?

[NYCTK]

2 minutes ago, MeleMouth said:

General question: can anyone remember the last time a team owned by someone who inherited his money won a league championship?

The Steinbrenner sons have won the ALCS with their daddy's team. But not the World Series. 

[mike8791]

39 minutes ago, MackMan said:

I do like all of these, outside of #3. Do I like Jeffers? Yes. Do I see him with us long-term? No. The reason? We have a plethora of catching options coming up thru the minors right now. Now maybe, we attempt a transition to 1st base for either Jeffers or the prospects coming up. But right now Lackey is showing that he is definitely a potential catcher of the future. Tait is also showing he is starting to turn a corner. With those 2 we could potentially have a really good platoon until one of them shows they're ready for a full-time workload at any level. 

I don't expect Twins to win a bid contest against teams like NYY, but he should make a realistic effort(not window dressing) to keep Jeffers for 2 reasons: 1.) his departure would leave a gaping hole at C; and 2.) it would be an indication to fans that this team is serious about contending next year.  While Lackey and/or Tait might be the future, neither is likely to help the Twins next year or the year after.  Furthermore, it would help erase the egregious error they made at the trade deadline by holding onto Jeffers.

[HarmonK03]

5 minutes ago, MeleMouth said:

General question: can anyone remember the last time a team owned by someone who inherited his money won a league championship?

Talk to the Walton heirs across many sports.

[Mike Sixel]

4 minutes ago, mike8791 said:

I don't expect Twins to win a bid contest against teams like NYY, but he should make a realistic effort(not window dressing) to keep Jeffers for 2 reasons: 1.) his departure would leave a gaping hole at C; and 2.) it would be an indication to fans that this team is serious about contending next year.  While Lackey and/or Tait might be the future, neither is likely to help the Twins next year or the year after.  Furthermore, it would help erase the egregious error they made at the trade deadline by holding onto Jeffers.

If Lackey isn't up in 28 and good, something went horribly wrong. 

But, I agree that signing Jeffers would be an indication they are trying. 

[LastOnePicked]

45 minutes ago, Saxophone Joe said:

Nah. But I'm sure, beyond the attendance numbers, they know full well the general mood of the fanbase is...

I'm angry, but I'm a jerk about the Twins. I know it. I own it,

But I don't get the sense most people are angry about the Twins. Sadly, I think most people don't even care at this point.

[Major League Ready]

22 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

What rebuild, Falvey has never trusted the younger players and always valued the league average at best veterans, see Margot and Gallo as two examples.  After 10 years he was going to change because he basically traded away two assets last year at the trade deadline.

Did you forget he signed Correa, Cruz and Lopez?  He signed Margot and Gallo when the budget dictated those types of players.  You are also forgetting he got great value out of some of those modest price players like Bader / MAT / Santana and Solono.  The trade for Gray was pretty good too and he got Odorizzi for nothing.

I don't think Falvey is the answer but so far Tom Pohlad is a problem.

[LastOnePicked]

40 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

He knows he needs to put a winning team on the field for fans to come back.  My biggest complaint is how is he evaluating Zoll and his performance.  Is he talking to people in baseball that have more knowledge or is he making this decision without any input.  I don't believe Zoll can put together a winning roster even with resources but hopefully he will have a short leash this time.

Perfect point. And a more level-headed post than mine.

[TL]

56 minutes ago, Whammy said:

In my mind there are two very good ways to spend money this offseason.

1) Jeffers QO and hope he takes it. If he doesn't, make him a very competitive 3 year deal
2) Extend the youth. The doom and gloom lockout talk gives the team a unique opportunity here. Several of them got draft signing bonuses in the last couple years and several of them were pretty large, but for players making $800k per season, the fears of a lockout would make the idea of a $5M signing bonus, as part of an extension, even more appealing that it normally would be. 

There's other stuff that could be interesting (extending Pablo for example), but that wouldn't really affect the 2027 books and the Twins don't have as much leverage with something like that than "Point #2" above.

Based on his words I have to think he’s intending to add at least $25MM to payroll and maybe more. If not then credibility is burned and he knows that.

They should also make the decision to free up money by parting with Lewis, Larnach, Ober, Bell, Caratini. Ideally through trades (except for Bell who is a FA). That frees up another ~$30MM.

They can take that money and reinvest  into the above outline (Jeffers + long term extensions for some young players) as well as acquire higher priced players through free agency or trades. 

 

 

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

First...The level of mindless vitriol from a subset of Twins "fans" is nauseating. 

Second, and on topic. He's said, and done, a lot of good things since taking over. He clearly recognizes there's been a huge erosion of trust in ownership and management. His team acted correctly at the deadline. 

It's a bit unfair, since the FA class is thin, but I'm willing to give them a chance to prove it. 

Let's see what the opening day roster looks like, whenever that is.

But if the free agent class is thin, and he's going to 'prove' to the fans that he's serious about spending money, then it seems his actual goal is to attract fans with hoopla, not win championships with smart roster construction.

I've probably been more critical of him than necessary, but these things are all just so easy for him to say. The payroll is an embarrassment, obviously it has to go up, and in fact, the chances are the league is going to FORCE the Twins to raise their spending. I struggle giving a pat on the back for something that was inevitable whether he actually wanted to do it or not.

And honestly, the timing of his promotion and all this talk about turning over a new leaf just doesn't add up for me. They got the new ownership investors at the end of the 2025 season. Are we seriously supposed to believe that the investors didn't discuss WHICH Pohlad would be fronting this operation during negotiations? And are we to actually believe they didn't talk about what kind of payroll and operational costs they were on board with? Surely they did, yet they didn't announce Tom taking over until mid December, well after meaningful free agency had started. Then in Tom's first big interview on January 31st, he notably said the team would 'be competitive' but curiously didn't mention increasing payroll, while Dante Bichette, Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker were still unsigned. Then only after the season started and the payroll was locked in did he talk about increasing payroll, which obviously could then only be done for fairly trivial amounts via trade. 

They knew a new CBA was two years out, which means they at least had a good idea that payroll would have to increase by the 2027 season. YET THEY WAITED A FULL SEASON TO DO IT. If they had been serious, wouldn't they have committed to raising it prior to 2026? Maybe at least sign Pete Alonso instead of Josh Bell? Waiting to talk about spending big until after it was too late and pinning the blame on Joe Pohald and Derek Falvey has always seemed a bit performative to me.

[nicksaviking]

10 minutes ago, TL said:

Based on his words I have to think he’s intending to add at least $25MM to payroll and maybe more. If not then credibility is burned and he knows that.

They should also make the decision to free up money by parting with Lewis, Larnach, Ober, Bell, Caratini. Ideally through trades (except for Bell who is a FA). That frees up another ~$30MM.

They can take that money and reinvest  into the above outline (Jeffers + long term extensions for some young players) as well as acquire higher priced players through free agency or trades. 

 

 

They need to free up roster spots, but they shouldn't have to free up payroll. They're over 50M under what they were at in 2023.

And 25M isn't going to get you a very good free agent this year. Or probably ever again. You'll hit on someone once in awhile, but 25M isn't a middle of the order bat or top of the rotation arm any longer. At least not if you aspire to be a contending team.

[NYCTK]

9 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Dante Bichette

Man wasn't that great in his playing days, so not sure how helpful he'd be at the age of 62. 

[The Great Hambino]

I think it's very up in the air that a solid cap and floor result from this CBA, and I'm very skeptical that it will be implemented immediately even if it goes through. 

But even if there's a delayed implementation of one, it will create a whole new subset of the trade market: teams above the cap unloading payroll on teams below it, and paying the price in prospect capital to do so.  You can see examples of it in other capped sports such as Brock Osweiler and a third round pick in exchange for a sixth, or recently the Wolves moving down in the draft for the ability to unload Julius Randle and his contract.

There isn't a direct corollary in MLB since you're not trading draft picks, but I could imagine a similar thing happening with prospects.  For example, what kind of prospect haul could the Twins get from the Yankees for taking on the contract of, say, Carlos Rodon to help them get under the cap.  Maybe the Twins throw in a Mikulski or two to get it to qualify as a trade.

I'm not necessarily advocating for that trade specifically, but something like that could be another avenue to raise payroll to compliance while also beefing up their prospect pool.  Even if it creates a backlog temporarily, it could give them more ammo to trade for cheaper, controllable talent.   Be creative and proactive and leverage the new rules to your advantage

[LastOnePicked]

9 minutes ago, NYCTK said:

Man wasn't that great in his playing days, so not sure how helpful he'd be at the age of 62. 

Affordable past-his-prime veteran? I can't believe the Twins didn't sign him.

[CRF]

Talk is cheap. Not as cheap as the Pohlad's...but cheap. I'll believe it when I see it. 

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

Go look at the free agent list, and tell me how they add ten wins.... And which young players you aren't keeping or playing. 

1. Signing David Bednar to be our Closer. Hoffman gets the 8th inning. 

2. Resigning Jeffers is possible. A 4yr/$70M +/- contract should get it done. If he decides he doesnt want to play here anymore, sign Tyler Stephenson. Slightly above average offensively and a HUGE upgrade over Caratini. 

3. Sign Michael King to lead our starting rotation. Taj, Ryan, Prielipp, and hopefully Pablo round out a pretty good rotation. 

4. I'd look into Brandon Lowe and see if he's interested in playing 1B for us. Hes a good defender and can bat cleanup. If we could make a trade, I'd try to get Willson Contreras to play 1B. He has a bigger bat. 

A better BP from the start, an upgraded rotation, solidify the C position, and finding a good cleanup hitter to play 1B. These moves would add 10 wins.

A full season without Lewis, Larnach, Outman, Sim, etc dragging us down is sure to be addition by subtraction. 

[HerbieFan]

If you want to write an article on this site and get a ton of clicks and comments, put the name "Pohlad" in the title!...lol

Step one...3 year contract for Jeffers.  By year three he may age out of catcher and could transition to 1B when Lackey (hopefully) moves in at catcher.

[MeleMouth]

1 hour ago, HarmonK03 said:

Talk to the Walton heirs across many sports.

The only person related to the Waltons I can find who has won a championship is Stan Kroenke, who first made a lot of money in real estate before his wife inherited her fortune. 

[twinssporto]

2 hours ago, USAFChief said:

The level of mindless vitriol from a subset of Twins "fans" is nauseating. 

Second, and on topic. He's said, and done, a lot of good things since taking over. He clearly recognizes there's been a huge erosion of trust in ownership and management. His team acted correctly at the deadline. 

This is spot on. I understand the frustration with Twins ownership, but I think Tom Pohlad deserves the opportunity to establish his own record. Sharing a last name doesn’t mean sharing the same leadership style or priorities as his brother.

Having owned and operated several businesses, I know meaningful change takes more than a new person at the top. It takes clear direction, difficult decisions, and follow-through. My impression is that Tom is sincere and taking steps in the right direction. Ultimately, his actions will determine whether that confidence is justified.

I’m also putting my money where my mouth is: I bought season tickets for 2027. First time in 7 years, actually. Fingers crossed that any lockout is short. I'm excited that the young guys have been promoted and more excited to watch them play next year.

This team has real talent, both on the mound and in the field. There are needs to address, and this offseason will tell us plenty about ownership’s commitment. But let’s give Tom a chance to demonstrate that commitment before reaching for the pitchforks.

Accountability is fair. A verdict before he’s had a reasonable chance to lead is premature.

[Cory Engelhardt]

2 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

They did the opposite of rebuilding trust this year. I don't trust organizations that do the opposite of what they should do. This ownership group is meddling and unrealistic, and it cost them great prospects. 

Go look at the free agent list, and tell me how they add ten wins.... And which young players you aren't keeping or playing. 

It can't be JUST free agency. A good trade or two, along with health from Pablo and Abel, as well as full seasons with better defense overall from Jenkins and Rodriguez and Culpepper among others compared to what was on field for the majority of this season.

 

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, Cory Engelhardt said:

It can't be JUST free agency. A good trade or two, along with health from Pablo and Abel, as well as full seasons with better defense overall from Jenkins and Rodriguez and Culpepper among others compared to what was on field for the majority of this season.

 

Great. Which great propsects are you willing to trade to add expensive veterans?

[MeleMouth]

1 hour ago, LastOnePicked said:

I'm angry, but I'm a jerk about the Twins. I know it. I own it,

But I don't get the sense most people are angry about the Twins. Sadly, I think most people don't even care at this point.

Of the 30 teams in MLB, the Twins' relative ticket sales in 2026 were 26th in the league, the lowest they have been in the 21st Century. Whether it's because of anger, frustration, or being tired with a team that is usually not good and without a clear plan to become good, that shows a fan base is turned off. Nice words aren't going to bring them back.

[Cory Engelhardt]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Great. Which great propsects are you willing to trade to add expensive veterans?

I wouldn't trade anyone that's debuted or Lackey. If they are getting a SS back I am open on Houston. Basically any pitching prospect. Tait.

What is the expensive veteran you are wanting to trade for?

[Vanimal46]

If Tom Pohlad really wants to earn trust back and capture the attention of casuals who have long given up on following the team…

Go sign Skubal for $40+ million a year. Go trade for Pete Alonso who can mash 40 HRs a year. Sign Jeffers to a 5 year deal - that’s what it’s going to take to win the FA bid. 

It will be really interesting to see if Tom meddles with Zoll’s contract negotiations. He can’t afford another offseason of being “in the mix” signing top talent. We know Zoll has limits like Falvey. Will Tom say screw it we’re giving Jeffers the 5th year to win the bid?

[USAFChief]

5 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Great. Which great propsects are you willing to trade to add expensive veterans?

"Great prospects."

Yeah, you're objective. 

[NYCTK]

1 minute ago, twinssporto said:

This is spot on. I understand the frustration with Twins ownership, but I think Tom Pohlad deserves the opportunity to establish his own record. Sharing a last name doesn’t mean sharing the same leadership style or priorities as his brother.

Why are you guys under the impression that ownership has changed philosophy just because the figurehead of the ownership group has changed? 

Joe Pohlad is much maligned here, and rightfully so, but people need to realize HE didn't cut the Twins payroll after 2023...the Pohlads did. 

Do we really think Tom has power over his uncles? 

5 minutes ago, twinssporto said:

But let’s give Tom a chance to demonstrate that commitment before reaching for the pitchforks.

What do you mean? He already failed spectacularly in year 1!

No Half Measures Tom took half measures and the team stunk all the same. 

[Vanimal46]

What I’m afraid of is another offseason where we retain current players like Jeffers and Bell. Then sign a Brady Singer type of SP for $10-12 million. That’s not going to move the needle for casuals who have long checked out of this organization. 

[MeleMouth]

1 hour ago, NYCTK said:

The Steinbrenner sons have won the ALCS with their daddy's team. But not the World Series. 

So even the people who inherited what was once the top team in sports with huge built-in advantages. haven't won a championship.

[Cory Engelhardt]

4 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

What I’m afraid of is another offseason where we retain current players like Jeffers and Bell. Then sign a Brady Singer type of SP for $10-12 million. That’s not going to move the needle for casuals who have long checked out of this organization. 

Agreed. Have to sign guys that will help.

My optimistic hope for free agency would be a closer (Cory Provus mentioned he thinks they like Aroldis Chapman?) and then someone like Freddy Peralta I think would be GREAT here) along with trading for or signing a good defensive catcher that controls the run game. Then after that, be on the lookout for a trade for a hitter, really at any position, who can be a middle of the order type bat. But adding those players to getting full seasons from Jenkins and Culpepper and Rodriguez and Keaschall and Lee would be exciting in my opinion. 

 

[Major League Ready]

7 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

It can't be JUST free agency. A good trade or two, along with health from Pablo and Abel, as well as full seasons with better defense overall from Jenkins and Rodriguez and Culpepper among others compared to what was on field for the majority of this season.

 

People keep saying this but take a look at the roster of successful modest revenue teams.  Trading for established players has a miniscule role in building contenders among teams in the bottom half of revenue.  Milwaukee, Tampa, and Cleveland have a sum total of zero players that produced 1.5 WAR that were acquired via trade as an established player.