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When news broke last year that the Pohlad family was exploring a sale, the goal was to have a new owner in place early in the 2025 season. However, those plans have been derailed, mainly due to Justin Ishbia withdrawing from consideration as a potential buyer. With Ishbia out of the picture, the team doesn't have a clear frontrunner (at least one who has been publicly identified), leading to uncertainty about when and to whom the team will ultimately be sold.
According to the Star-Tribune, the sale is now expected to take at least another six months, pushing the timeline well beyond Opening Day and possibly into late summer or early fall.
“A source with direct knowledge of the process said the Twins still believe a sale could be completed within that six-month time frame,” reported La Velle E. Neal III. “That sounds more ambitious to me with each passing day. That’s why I’m predicting this to be final by August or September.”
Pohlad Family’s Position
Despite the delays, the Pohlads remain motivated sellers. The family has owned the franchise since 1984, when Carl Pohlad purchased the team for $44 million. Under their stewardship, the Twins have won two World Series titles (1987 and 1991) and have remained a competitive small- to mid-market club. However, the next generation of the family is looking to step away from ownership, prioritizing other business ventures.
There have been whispers that the Pohlads could reconsider their decision to sell altogether. Similar situations have occurred with other Major League Baseball franchises in recent years, most notably with the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels. Both teams were put on the market, only for ownership to ultimately decide against selling. While such a scenario remains possible for the Twins, the prevailing belief is that the Pohlads still intend to complete the sale. The process is just taking longer than they had hoped.
How the Delayed Sale Impacts the Twins' 2025 Season
One of the significant ramifications of the prolonged sale process is how it might affect the team’s financial decisions, particularly regarding midseason moves. When an ownership group is in transition, it's not uncommon for financial conservatism to take precedence over aggressive spending. The Twins were able to add a small amount to the payroll late this winter, but if the sale drags on, they might not have the same privilege this summer.
The team has legitimate playoff aspirations, especially with a relatively weak AL Central division. However, a lack of financial commitment from ownership at the deadline could leave the roster vulnerable if injuries arise, or if additional reinforcements are needed for any other reason.
What’s Next?
With Ishbia out of the picture, speculation continues regarding who could purchase the team. A high-profile buyer or ownership group with deep pockets could significantly alter the franchise’s trajectory. While historically operating as a mid-market team, the Twins could see a shift in financial strategy under new ownership, potentially leading to a more aggressive approach in free agency and player acquisitions. On the other hand, of course, being bought by a group akin to the Pohlads could lead the team in the same direction they're already trending under the family's leadership.
MLB franchise sales have become increasingly complex, with valuations soaring in recent years. The Twins are expected to command a price well north of $1 billion, which limits the pool of potential buyers. Regardless of who emerges as the eventual buyer, the delay means that for at least the 2025 season, the Pohlads remain at the helm. That stability can be a double-edged sword. While it means continuity in the front office and baseball operations, it also brings uncertainty about the team’s seriousness about contending.
The Bigger Picture
For Twins fans, the drawn-out sale process creates frustration. Many were hopeful that a new ownership group would bring fresh energy and a more significant financial commitment to competing at the highest level. Instead, they are left waiting as the process drags on.
At this point, all signs indicate that the Twins will have the same ownership group in place for the entirety of the 2025 season. Whether that significantly impacts how the team operates remains to be seen. If the Twins find themselves in the thick of a playoff race come July, the financial decisions made at that point will speak volumes about how the ownership situation truly impacts the team.
For now, the waiting game continues. While the Pohlads still appear motivated to sell, Twins Territory must remain patient as the process unfolds.
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