Twins Manager Search Heats Up, as Angels Hire Familiar Name

The Minnesota Twins’ managerial search continues to unfold, after the club parted ways with Rocco Baldelli following two straight disappointing seasons. While the Twins evaluate potential replacements, other teams around baseball are finalizing their own hires, narrowing the field of possible candidates.

Angels Find Their Man
The Los Angeles Angels have officially named Kurt Suzuki as their next manager, ending weeks of speculation about the team’s direction. Suzuki, a former MLB catcher and 2022 retiree, had been working as a special assistant in the Angels’ front office before landing the top job.

The move came after a whirlwind few days that saw Albert Pujols emerge as the early favorite. However, according to multiple reports, Pujols and the Angels could not reach an agreement on contract terms or coaching staff decisions. That opened the door for Suzuki, who had also interviewed with the San Francisco Giants earlier this month.

While Suzuki has no prior coaching or managerial experience, the Angels believe his leadership qualities and familiarity with the organization make him an ideal fit. Interestingly, former Twins skipper Baldelli was also linked to the opening before Suzuki was officially hired. Baldelli’s availability could make him an appealing option for another team looking to fill a managerial vacancy. 

Torii Hunter Steps Aside
Twins legend Torii Hunter has reportedly withdrawn his name from consideration for Minnesota’s managerial job. According to SKOR North’s Declan Goff, Hunter "did have a conversation with Twins brass about the position," but Hunter "told the Twins he wasn't interested in managing the team." Goff went on to say he isn't sure Hunter's conversation with the Twins was a formal interview, and that he's assuming the talks happened before the Angels hired Suzuki.

Hunter, who spent 12 of his 19 big-league seasons in Minnesota, remains one of the most beloved players in franchise history. His mix of charisma, defensive brilliance, and leadership made him a fan favorite during his two stints with the Twins. While his name generated buzz among fans hoping for a reunion in the dugout, Hunter prefers a different position at this time.

Hunter also interviewed for the Angels’ vacancy before Suzuki was hired, suggesting that teams see his leadership potential, even if he isn’t quite ready to make the leap into managing. For the Twins, his decision to step aside means their search will focus elsewhere, potentially toward more experienced or analytically inclined candidates.

Scott Servais Enters the Conversation
One name that has emerged as a serious possibility is former Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais. According to La Velle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune, Servais is expected to interview for the Twins’ managerial opening. He's the most experienced candidate linked to Minnesota’s search so far.

Servais managed the Mariners for eight full seasons, guiding the team to its first playoff appearance in 21 years in 2022. His tenure included several competitive seasons, though Seattle’s inconsistent performance and offensive struggles ultimately led to his dismissal in 2024. After parting ways with the Mariners, Servais joined the San Diego Padres’ front office as a special assistant.

Given his track record of stabilizing a mid-market club and developing young talent, Servais could be a natural fit for the Twins. Minnesota has a strong foundation of young players like Brooks Lee, Luke Keaschall, and (eventually) Walker Jenkins, so the front office may prefer a veteran leader who has managed similar roster transitions.

What Comes Next
The Twins’ search for their next manager appears to be narrowing, though the timeline remains uncertain. With Suzuki off the board and Hunter stepping aside, Minnesota’s front office will likely focus on experienced candidates like Servais or other options around the league.

Whoever takes over will inherit a team with postseason aspirations but plenty of questions. The next manager must find a way to spark a talented but inconsistent roster, and guide the Twins back to the top of the AL Central.

What do you make of the latest news and notes surrounding the team’s managerial opening? Leave a comment below and join the discussion.