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Jeremy Zoll's first season as the Twins' general manager offered a few glimpses of what the organization might look like under his leadership, but plenty of questions remain. His trade deadline decisions provided an encouraging starting point, and early indications suggest he could take a more aggressive approach than his predecessor, Derek Falvey. However, one season isn't enough to determine whether Zoll can consistently build a competitive roster.
With his first full offseason approaching, Zoll faces several decisions that could shape the Twins' direction for years to come. How he handles those challenges, works with ownership, and balances short-term competitiveness with the organization's young core will provide a much clearer picture of the general manager he hopes to become.
With that in mind, what grade should Zoll receive after his first season running the Twins?
The Unexpected Promotion
Timing matters when evaluating a new general manager, and Zoll's situation was unusual. He took over for Falvey approximately two weeks before spring training. By then, many of the offseason's top free agents had signed, and the opportunity to reshape the roster was limited.
General managers typically spend months identifying weaknesses, exploring trades, and negotiating with free agents. Zoll inherited a situation in which much of that work had already been completed. Much of Minnesota's roster reflected decisions made during Falvey's tenure. Zoll had limited time to determine which players fit his vision and pursue meaningful additions before the team reported to camp.
It would be unfair to judge him too harshly for the roster's shortcomings or assume every decision during his first season represents his philosophy. He inherited the situation, and his ability to change it was limited. His first season should be viewed as a transition period, rather than a complete representation of his vision for the Twins.
Becoming a Buyer
Zoll's first substantial opportunity to differentiate himself came at the August 3 trade deadline. Minnesota decided to buy, acquiring Jeff Hoffman, Dean Kremer, A.J. Minter, and Tommy Nance to address needs in its pitching staff.
Overall, Zoll generally did well with these moves. Hoffman provided stability to the bullpen’s late innings, Kremer added rotation depth, and Minter and Nance added relief depth. Just as importantly, the Twins made these additions without surrendering their best prospects. Minnesota improved its immediate roster without dramatically compromising its future.
The team's deadline approach can be viewed through multiple lenses, but the front office followed through on its pledge to buy. Rather than moving veterans for future assets, the Twins invested in their existing roster. The long-term value of these moves will depend on player performance, but Zoll addressed multiple needs without paying an excessive prospect cost.
Four acquisitions aren't enough to establish whether he consistently identifies undervalued talent or negotiates favorable trades. Still, the deadline provided an encouraging early indicator. Zoll showed that he was willing to make moves while preserving the organization's most valuable young talent. It's hardly enough to form a firm opinion about his competency in the big chair, but it's something.
Is Zoll More Aggressive Than Falvey?
There is some early evidence suggesting Zoll might be slightly more aggressive than his predecessor. Minnesota's deadline approach provided one indication, while reporting from Aaron Gleeman suggested that people in other front offices who have dealt with the Twins viewed Zoll as more aggressive than Falvey.
However, it's important to consider the circumstances in which each executive operated. Falvey's tenure included a division title and the development of important young players. It also coincided with ownership decisions that complicated the team's ability to maintain a competitive payroll. Following the 2023 division championship, Minnesota reduced payroll, limiting its ability to retain players and pursue established free agents.
A general manager can identify a player who would improve the team, but that doesn't mean ownership will approve the necessary financial commitment. Falvey often operated under circumstances that made aggressive roster construction more difficult.
Zoll may have a different environment under Tom Pohlad, whose willingness to support the front office will help determine how aggressively the Twins pursue improvements. That doesn't automatically make Zoll a better executive than Falvey. It means he could have different opportunities. The coming offseason should provide a better indication of how his approach and ownership's financial commitment work together.
The Offseason Will Tell Us Much More
Zoll's first full offseason will provide his best opportunity yet to shape the roster. Several decisions could reveal his priorities. One possibility is pursuing long-term extensions with members of Minnesota's young core. Extensions can provide players financial security while helping the organization retain important contributors. The challenge is determining which players warrant those commitments and whether ownership will make the necessary investment.
The bullpen is another area to watch. Minnesota has frequently relied on developing relievers and finding inexpensive options rather than consistently committing significant money to established arms. A meaningful investment would demonstrate a willingness to address a persistent roster need.
The Twins could also pursue a power hitter at first base. An established bat would add another run producer, although the organization must weigh the player's cost and contract length against other priorities.
Finally, Zoll could make difficult decisions about remnants of the previous core, including Royce Lewis and Trevor Larnach. Both players are reaching the point in arbitration where it is clear if the club will keep them around. It may be time to move on from both.
Neither player should be moved simply to create change. However, Zoll must be willing to reconsider previous plans if a trade would improve the roster or create opportunities elsewhere. Whether the Twins retain these players or move on, the decisions should reflect Zoll's evaluation of the team's competitive timeline.
At this point, Zoll's grade is incomplete. He inherited the general manager's responsibilities approximately two weeks before spring training, leaving limited opportunities to reshape the roster. His trade deadline performance offered encouraging signs, but one group of acquisitions isn't enough to determine whether he can consistently build a competitive team.
Ownership's role will be equally important. Tom Pohlad must demonstrate whether the organization intends to support a more aggressive approach. The Twins don't need to spend recklessly, but they need a coherent plan connecting payroll, player development, and major-league additions.
For now, Zoll deserves credit for navigating an unusual transition and making reasonable moves at the deadline. However, it would be premature to label him a success (or failure) after a season in which he had so little time to establish his own direction.
The early returns are encouraging, but Zoll's grade remains incomplete. His first full offseason will provide the best opportunity to evaluate his priorities, his relationship with ownership, and his ability to build a competitive roster. The potential lockout may complicate that process, but the most important evidence is still to come.
What grade would you give Zoll for 2026? Leave a comment and start the discussion.
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