The Table Setter Feb. 1, 2024: Viewing Audience Appreciated

For the entirety of the offseason, everything regarding the Minnesota Twins has funneled through the lens of television uncertainty. With Minnesota’s deal expiring at the conclusion of the 2023 season, the Twins have been and remain without a broadcast home for the upcoming season. While Diamond Sports Holdings continues to work through their future with Bally’s in court, updates have left plenty to be desired.

Amazon recently got involved with the bankruptcy proceedings and threw in some cash to get their hat in the ring. The Athletic’s Evan Drellich penned a sizable update on Wednesday that highlights some key points as to how the season could take shape. It seems the most plausible outcome is that the Twins do a one-year deal with Bally’s and that would cover their television rights.

What happens to streaming options, how MLB disseminates them, to what extent they are available, and the dollar figure handed to Minnesota all remain relatively unanswered. If the Twins can get an additional windfall of cash prior to the season (or even the promise of one within a few months), then it stands to reason that the payroll landscape may again change.

When Cory Provus was announced as taking over in the broadcast boost for Dick Bremer, the most notable comment he made was that blackouts would cease to exist. Bally does not have streaming rights for the Twins, and the league could provide a package through MLB.tv that acts in a similar way to what the San Diego Padres experienced a year ago. The franchise is certainly hoping that, however games are consumed in 2024, a greater number of fans have access to the product.

Beyond the television news from Wednesday, little took place on the free-agent market. The San Diego Padres shelled out $16.5 million to Wandy Peralta on a four-year deal, although Peralta has the right to opt out after any of the first three. At this point, we don't think Minnesota is involved any further into the relief market after picking up Justin Topa in the Jorge Polanco trade.

How do you consume Twins games, and are you hoping there’s a more widely available streaming option for 2024? Has the cable uncertainty altered your plans to cut the cord at all?