Grading Jeremy Zoll After One Season as Twins General Manager

[Russ]

I hope they don't use the Lockout (or potential of) as an excuse to stand idle.  A lot of work to be done and what is the direction.   Not sold on Shelton or the GM.  Improvement needed in Development and Evaluation.

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

I don't know whose call that was. 

Is Athlon Sports a reliable source?  Because they were very forthright in their assessment on June 22:

  https://athlonsports.com/mlb/minnesota-twins/joe-ryan-ryan-jeffers-byron-buxton-mlb-trade-deadline

"Sources tell Athlon Sports that the Twins’ front office would like to move starter Joe Ryan and catcher Ryan Jeffers at the deadline to accelerate the rebuild. However, new owner Tom Pohlad may want to push the envelope and add to the roster due to the weakness of the AL this year."

This matches my perception the entire season: Tom Pohlad came on board and said in multiple ways that the Twins were going for it in 2026.

To blame Zoll for the strategic vision amounts to expecting him to have walked into Tom P's office around mid-July and say "I resign."  That is unrealistic for an executive early in his career without much life savings.

[TheLeviathan]

23 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Is Athlon Sports a reliable source?  Because they were very forthright in their assessment on June 22:

  https://athlonsports.com/mlb/minnesota-twins/joe-ryan-ryan-jeffers-byron-buxton-mlb-trade-deadline

"Sources tell Athlon Sports that the Twins’ front office would like to move starter Joe Ryan and catcher Ryan Jeffers at the deadline to accelerate the rebuild. However, new owner Tom Pohlad may want to push the envelope and add to the roster due to the weakness of the AL this year."

This matches my perception the entire season: Tom Pohlad came on board and said in multiple ways that the Twins were going for it in 2026.

To blame Zoll for the strategic vision amounts to expecting him to have walked into Tom P's office around mid-July and say "I resign."  That is unrealistic for an executive early in his career without much life savings.

Yeah, I keep reading people blaming Zoll and placing the failures at his feet, but the Occam's Razor analysis of the season's decision making all seems to come back to ownership:

*Zoll wasn't given the full reigns of the organization's baseball decisions until well past the point he could've improved the club in any meaningful way.  That timing seems to stem from some sort of strategic disagreement between Falvey and the Pohlads.

*Tom told everyone he could, including random fans with cash they couldn't spend at his ballpark, that he wanted to invest in the team and the fanbase.  

*He openly pushed the team as buyers at the deadline.  We didn't hear much from Zoll, but the guy who cuts his checks made it pretty clear what direction they were going.

*His deadline moves clearly failed....but was there anything he could've actually done that wouldn't have failed?  I don't know, but I struggle to judge him when it seems like he was just a minion to the much larger problem.  

I guess the minion gets an F, but he's not the villain here.

[TopGunn#22]

Of course Zoll's tenure is incomplete.  he's only been the GM for less than a full season.  I also don't think Falvey gets a pass.  Remember, he was allowed the highest payroll ever for a Twins GM in 2023.  Falvey should have fought harder to stave off the fire sale of 2025 in my opinion.

Zoll didn't do badly at the deadline and getting Abreu for Larnach would have been tremendous.  But he's part of the Pohlad regime and unless he WOW'S me this off season, I'd probably be happy to see him go when the Pohlad's finally sell.    

[Riverbrian]

9 hours ago, ashbury said:

Is Athlon Sports a reliable source?  Because they were very forthright in their assessment on June 22:

  https://athlonsports.com/mlb/minnesota-twins/joe-ryan-ryan-jeffers-byron-buxton-mlb-trade-deadline

"Sources tell Athlon Sports that the Twins’ front office would like to move starter Joe Ryan and catcher Ryan Jeffers at the deadline to accelerate the rebuild. However, new owner Tom Pohlad may want to push the envelope and add to the roster due to the weakness of the AL this year."

This matches my perception the entire season: Tom Pohlad came on board and said in multiple ways that the Twins were going for it in 2026.

To blame Zoll for the strategic vision amounts to expecting him to have walked into Tom P's office around mid-July and say "I resign."  That is unrealistic for an executive early in his career without much life savings.

I don't know. Who can you trust these days? 

I have my own assumptions. I assume that Tom Pohlad is clearly in charge. He said as much when he walked in the door and something clearly changed during the off-season. 

Derek Falvey mutually parting ways 13 days before spring training. Who does that? 

Derek Shelton was under the impression and said "this team was going to develop young players" at his introductory press conference. He even used the cliche "I'm not using the word rebuild" which is what you say when you are going through a re-whatever and his message changed direction shortly after. 

Direction changed fairly abruptly so I've always assumed Tom Pohlad. However, I really wish I knew the inner workings of the front office. 

As for the Ragazzo article. Trustworthy or not. The Deadline?

The decision was made in the off-season.

I would have lost more respect for them if they pulled the plug at the deadline when they were in contention. 

You don't go for it, not fail going for it, let your trade value diminish and then pull the plug. If the "Front Office" was that wishy washy and thought it was a good idea to sell at the deadline in contention... I'm not going to be very comfortable with that wishy washiness. If the source was accurate, the "front office" was probably not on board in the off-season. And it was the off-season when the ship sailed. 

However. I really wish I knew the inner workings of the front office so my thoughts were less assumptive.

In the end... its the people who hire the people so it'll come back to Tom Pohlad from all directions. 

[HarmonK03]

Zoll has been a part of this organization for 10 years, he was not hired in January.  And in my opinion he has been an integral part of the front office for at least the last 5 years.  And we have one WC playoff series in that time.  His time with the Dodgers means little to me, he was starting out his career, how much exposure did he really get and understand when he was just a cog in the machine.  He is not some wonder kid or he would have been lured away by another organization.

He helped put the roster together that we went into the season with.  There may have been disagreements on certain moves, but Falvey didn't make every decision himself. And it's not just Zoll, it's the whole front office.  They need an overhaul and I don't think Zoll is the one to lead or to complete it.  Moving on from a couple of assistant GM's means little to me.  

So he was told by his boss that he wanted to be competitive, his job was to find a way to do that.  I don't agree with the decision but this happens in every organization in every sport.  Just recently the Wilfs did this with the Vikings when Cousins contract was up when they said no rebuild.  An experienced leader comes up with a plan and maybe can still go down the path of the rebuild by convincing their bosses they can meet their goals and still develop a winning team.

I want a team that going into a season we know they have a reasonable chance to get to the ALCS and hopefully the World Series.  Not just win the Central and see what happens when the playoffs come.  Tom P. needs to talk to ARod and Lore, they identified a leader for the Wolves and convinced Taylor because he was still the controlling owner to hire Connelly.  We at least feel there is a reasonable chance to get to the conference championship plus more.  Who is Pohlad talking to, is it anyone.  I have a hard time believing if he is that everyone is telling him he has the best man possible for the job in Zoll.  He needs to talk to people around baseball and identify a proven leader and not just necessarily the number 2 or 3 in the Brewers or Rays organization, I want someone who has a proven track record and it's not my job to find him.  I am sure ARod and Lore didn't just google "basketball leader" and came up with Connelly's name, they talked to people.  This is where I am frustrated with Tom P.

[DJL44]

9 hours ago, Brandon said:

I didn't say he was a savior only that he is an upgrade.  He has talent.  But 2 starting pitchers and 3 position players is a good start.  Resign Jeffers and Minter and Bell and need a 1B and another reliever.

So bring back the same team that had a .446 winning percentage in the second half but add two starting pitchers coming off surgery.

[Twins GFP]

17 hours ago, bean5302 said:

The GM is responsible for roster decisions. PERIOD. I know who is responsible.

Here's a job description for the role. https://jobdescription.org/jobs/sports/mlb-general-manager

The GM can solicit the homeless guy on the corner for advice if he wants, but the GM is accountable for the decision and the input he solicits and values. Passing the buck along isn't going to fly with me.

There is no passing the buck from me. All I have been saying is that we do not why some of the decisions are made.

If you do not understand that many times a subordinate (GM) does what the boss (owner) wants and that those decisions can be out of the subordinate's control, than I can't help you. 

[bean5302]

2 minutes ago, Twins GFP said:

There is no passing the buck from me. All I have been saying is that we do not why some of the decisions are made.

If you do not understand that many times a subordinate (GM) does what the boss (owner) wants and that those decisions can be out of the subordinate's control, than I can't help you. 

Oh, so you're implying Tom Pohlad was possibly making all the roster decisions?

I don't care. It's STILL Zoll's responsibility. If Zoll is unable to do his job because he's too meek or Pohlad is too overbearing, it doesn't change anything.

Zoll is still not a good GM. The end result is the same.

Perhaps that's something you don't understand? It doesn't matter what scenario you're handed by executive leadership. A GM is an executive role, and if the GM is unable to sell a vision or plan to the owners, then the GM is not going to be successful.

All the more reason to fire Zoll and put you or me or some homeless guy off the street in charge and save some money.

[Twins GFP]

24 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Oh, so you're implying Tom Pohlad was possibly making all the roster decisions?

I don't care. It's STILL Zoll's responsibility. If Zoll is unable to do his job because he's too meek or Pohlad is too overbearing, it doesn't change anything.

Zoll is still not a good GM. The end result is the same.

Perhaps that's something you don't understand? It doesn't matter what scenario you're handed by executive leadership. A GM is an executive role, and if the GM is unable to sell a vision or plan to the owners, then the GM is not going to be successful.

All the more reason to fire Zoll and put you or me or some homeless guy off the street in charge and save some money.

I recommend reading some of the comments on this thread from @ashbury and @Riverbrian for some perspective. I know your hatred towards Zoll (for whatever reason) won't change, but owners do actually have a say in business operations.

[Woof Bronzer]

6 minutes ago, Twins GFP said:

 but owners do actually have a say in business operations.

Especially when that owner is CEO and describes himself as "very hands-on,"

[Major League Ready]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

Oh, so you're implying Tom Pohlad was possibly making all the roster decisions?

I don't care. It's STILL Zoll's responsibility. If Zoll is unable to do his job because he's too meek or Pohlad is too overbearing, it doesn't change anything.

Zoll is still not a good GM. The end result is the same.

Perhaps that's something you don't understand? It doesn't matter what scenario you're handed by executive leadership. A GM is an executive role, and if the GM is unable to sell a vision or plan to the owners, then the GM is not going to be successful.

All the more reason to fire Zoll and put you or me or some homeless guy off the street in charge and save some money.

Falvey had a different idea and apparently stood his ground.  Zoll could have done the same and then we would be talking about the next guy willing to take that job.  This owner, despite knowing jack s#i! about building a baseball team, demanded a direction be taken.  Had he backed that up with spending, perhaps there would have been somewhat of a case.  There only other option would have been to empty the farm system to bolster a bad team which would have been even dumber than reversing course in the middle of a rebuild.  

If your boss insists on an incompetent plan, the person executing it may or may not be incompetent, but the root of the problem is the owner insisting on a really bad plan.  

[Vanimal46]

2026 Roster Management: F. We entered the 2026 season with a bullpen that was going to be a disaster from day 1, and an IF defense that was going to hinder the pitching staff. Keeping Alex Jackson around and not using him for months after the trade deadline was insanity. 

Minor League Development: D. I strongly disagree with the pitching strategy in the minor leagues. We're developing the vast majority of pitchers for a role that does not exist in MLB. 

The only positive things I've read in this thread so far is the willingness to give him another year. If the leash is 1 more year, then we might as well pull the plug now. Because GMs on the hot seat can cause damage to the organization while they try to save their job. 

Do we think Zoll can lead the Twins out of this mediocre purgatory we've been in for the last 5 years? I do not. 

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

11 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

Yeah, I keep reading people blaming Zoll and placing the failures at his feet, but the Occam's Razor analysis of the season's decision making all seems to come back to ownership:

*Zoll wasn't given the full reigns of the organization's baseball decisions until well past the point he could've improved the club in any meaningful way.  That timing seems to stem from some sort of strategic disagreement between Falvey and the Pohlads.

*Tom told everyone he could, including random fans with cash they couldn't spend at his ballpark, that he wanted to invest in the team and the fanbase.  

*He openly pushed the team as buyers at the deadline.  We didn't hear much from Zoll, but the guy who cuts his checks made it pretty clear what direction they were going.

*His deadline moves clearly failed....but was there anything he could've actually done that wouldn't have failed?  I don't know, but I struggle to judge him when it seems like he was just a minion to the much larger problem.  

I guess the minion gets an F, but he's not the villain here.

This. I blame Tommy boy for the direction, but Zoll executed it. Maybe he did it in such a way to cause minimal damage while still making his boss happy?

[TheLeviathan]

8 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

This. I blame Tommy boy for the direction, but Zoll executed it. Maybe he did it in such a way to cause minimal damage while still making his boss happy?

That would be kinda crazy and hilarious.  Zoll: "Buying at the deadline would be unwise"  Pohlad" "Do it!!!!!!!!"  Zoll: "K"  Then he goes out and does it with at minimal an impact as possible to what he thinks is actually a good plan.

[Brandon]

4 hours ago, DJL44 said:

So bring back the same team that had a .446 winning percentage in the second half but add two starting pitchers coming off surgery.

And complete seasons from three rookies and bring in a 1B and RP or 2.  Maybe a bench guy and depth but we are a lot closer to competitive than you give the team credit for.  The bullpen improved throughout the season from awful to solid.  Bringing in another reliever or two should make it a top 5 pen with a top 3 offense and a top 5-7 rotation should produce a winning season.

[DJL44]

38 minutes ago, Brandon said:

And complete seasons from three rookies and bring in a 1B and RP or 2.  Maybe a bench guy and depth but we are a lot closer to competitive than you give the team credit for.  The bullpen improved throughout the season from awful to solid.  Bringing in another reliever or two should make it a top 5 pen with a top 3 offense and a top 5-7 rotation should produce a winning season.

They’re a .475 winning percentage team. By “winning season” is the goal a .506 WP like the Pirates or .600 like an actual contender? It sounds like you want to add 5 more wins. I think they need to add 20.

Bringing in 2 more relievers could make it a top 15 bullpen. It’s currently below average.

To get to a top 3 offense they will need to add an All-Star first baseman. The rookies aren’t going to be enough. They were 80 runs away from top 3 this year.

[Brandon]

Those 80 + runs were from Topa, 19, Lawrence, 12, Garcia 10, Sands 11, Acton 10, Voth 5, Lawyerson 12, Woods Richardson 41, = 120 runs all in 125 innings.  Those pitchers are almost all gone.  Replaced by Hoffman, Morris, Gomez, and others. 

Add in the rookies improvements to the offense and a good 1B upgrade which adds 30-50 more runs to the differential and BAM!  A 95 win team. Or 175 run differential improvement not counting Lopez and Abels improvements.

[Brandon]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

They’re a .475 winning percentage team. By “winning season” is the goal a .506 WP like the Pirates or .600 like an actual contender? It sounds like you want to add 5 more wins. I think they need to add 20.

Bringing in 2 more relievers could make it a top 15 bullpen. It’s currently below average.

To get to a top 3 offense they will need to add an All-Star first baseman. The rookies aren’t going to be enough. They were 80 runs away from top 3 this year.

Be literate and read the stats sometime.  The Twins were tied for 2nd in the AL in runs scored with 739.  They were tied with the Yankees.   League average was 704  The Twins were 5th in doubles, tied for second in triples and 6th in HRs.  Only tied for 10th in Stolen bases.

Add our 4 pitchers we acquired at the trade deadline.  45 earned runs in 121.67 innings a 3.33 ERA over a full season as well.  

The Twins at the end of the season were different then the Twins at the beginning of the season and I suspect with what I suggested for the off-season will add more impact and make the team a winner 🏆 

[bean5302]

6 hours ago, Twins GFP said:

I recommend reading some of the comments on this thread from @ashbury and @Riverbrian for some perspective. I know your hatred towards Zoll (for whatever reason) won't change, but owners do actually have a say in business operations.

Asking me to read the comments as if repeating your exact position without reading mine has value.

Version 1) Tom Pohlad calls the shots at the deadline and Jeremy Zoll is just getting the coffee. Result. Zoll is a terrible GM because he was unable to present a vision or strategy or in any meaningful way contribute to the ownership strategy. i.e. why didn't Zoll get the guys that were truly needed to carry out an attempt to be competitive in the playoffs? Why did Zoll stand pat after being given the reins in January? The Twins needed more than just bullpen reinforcements and a #5-6 starter you definitely wouldn't want on the mound come playoff time.

Version 2) Jeremy Zoll called the shots. Result. Zoll is a terrible GM because he didn't make good decisions all year long.

It doesn't matter if Tom told Zoll his job was scrubbing toilets and that every single significant decision being made was going to be made by Tom.

[ashbury]

5 hours ago, Brandon said:

And complete seasons from three rookies 

All three rookies (assuming you mean WJ, KC and ER) lost time to injuries in 2026, right when we needed them and they could have been called up.  They lose time every year.  Why do you assume we'll suddenly get 162 games from any of them?

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Brandon said:

Be literate and read the stats sometime.  The Twins were tied for 2nd in the AL in runs scored with 739.  They were tied with the Yankees.   League average was 704  

And 10th in MLB. You said top 3 offense, not top 3 in just the American League. The Twins had an OPS+ of 101, 1% above league average. If their RISP luck doesn’t repeat in 2027 they would score 10-15 fewer runs given the same slash line.

1 hour ago, Brandon said:

Add our 4 pitchers we acquired at the trade deadline.  45 earned runs in 121.67 innings a 3.33 ERA over a full season as well.  

The team had a 4.46 ERA in the second half, which was an improvement from the 4.62 they posted in the first half. The relievers had a second half ERA of 4.08, down from the 5.19 of the first half. A 4.08 ERA from relievers would have been good enough for 14th in MLB. The starting pitching ERA was 4.43, 15th in MLB.

The offense is quite average. The bullpen needs to add someone as good as Minter to get back to average. The defense could improve to average if they improve at 2B and C. The starting pitching was average and the main move is replacing Ober (1.8 WAR) with Lopez. 
 

I can see that .506 winning percentage but this team needs to add a few All-Stars to hit 90 wins.