Cody Christie

Image courtesy of © Matt Blewett-Imagn Images In what can only be described as a perfectly Twins moment, Derek Falvey and the front office apparently accidentally sent their entire offseason blueprint to the local beat writers earlier this week. The plan, which reportedly included color-coded spreadsheets, a 37-slide PowerPoint, and a section titled “How to Pretend We’re Spending Money Without Actually Doing It,” was intended to stay in-house until at least December (or forever, depending on how things went). Instead, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic, Betsy Helfand of the Pioneer Press, and Matthew Leach of MLB.com all received the same email from Derek.Falvey@twinsbaseball.biz with the subject line: “CONFIDENTIAL: Operation Moderate Competence 2026.” The Accidental Leak According to multiple sources (and Gleeman’s now-deleted tweet of the PDF), the leaked document outlined the Twins’ offseason priorities as follows: Trade at least one starting-caliber player for a prospect who will debut in 2028. Explore “value signings” of players who peaked during the Obama administration. Pretend to be in on top free agents for leverage purposes. Hire a new hitting coach named “either Dave or Jason, doesn’t matter which.” Consider offering Byron Buxton a lifetime contract, but only if he promises not to slide headfirst ever again. Falvey’s office quickly sent a follow-up email labeled “URGENT: Please Delete Previous Message.” It reportedly contained the same attachment. Reactions from the Beat Gleeman seemed amused by the situation. “Honestly, I just thought it was one of those fan surveys about beer prices again,” he said. “But once I got to the section titled ‘2025 Payroll Targets: The Floor Is Lava’, I knew it was real.” Helfand took a more measured approach. “I’ve covered this team long enough to know that any time you see the word ‘creative solutions’ next to ‘rotation depth’, it’s time to update your offseason bingo card,” she noted. Meanwhile, Leach of MLB.com was reportedly stunned. “They had a bullet point that said, ‘Sign a reliever who throws 94 and hope for the best.’ That’s not a plan, that’s a coping mechanism.” The Wicked Confusion In a hastily arranged press conference, a visibly flustered Falvey attempted to explain the fiasco. “This is… uh, clearly a misunderstanding,” Falvey stammered. “We meant to send out a press release about the upcoming special showing of Wicked at Target Field later this month. Apparently, someone, possibly me, attached the wrong file.” Falvey then added, “That’s what happens when you’re in charge of both baseball and business operations at 1 Twins Way. Sometimes the lines get crossed.” According to sources close to the situation, the intended press release was supposed to promote the Twins’ latest attempt to merge sports and box office smashes, titled ‘Defying Gravity (and Payroll Constraints)’. A Familiar Tune Fans on social media wasted no time mocking the organization. One post read: “Only the Twins could turn a musical into a metaphor for their roster-building: all high notes and no chorus.” Another simply said: “Can’t wait to see the team’s new motto: No bad contracts, just misunderstood lyrics.” While Falvey insisted the leak would not impact the team’s offseason strategy, insiders say several rival executives are already preparing offers for Twins players “expected to be part of next July’s midseason ‘retool.’” Still, Falvey tried to put a positive spin on the debacle. “Look, accidents happen,” he said. “At least this time, it wasn’t another arbitration case gone viral.” For now, the Twins’ offseason plan (part mystery, part musical) remains one of baseball’s great unsung comedies. And as Falvey walked off the podium, a microphone picked up what might go down as his most honest line yet: “At least Wicked has a happy ending.” View full article

Image courtesy of © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The 2025 Minnesota Twins’ 92-loss campaign was filled with disappointment. Still, for every standout like Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan, some players did the opposite, pushing the team further away from contention. Whether it was young hitters struggling to adjust to big-league pitching or relievers imploding in critical spots, the Twins’ roster was riddled with underperformance from top to bottom. The offensive side saw a mix of rookies and young regulars fail to build on the optimism that surrounded the club last spring. DaShawn Keirsey Jr. (-1.2 rWAR) and Brooks Lee (-1.0 rWAR) both received extended playing time but often looked overmatched at the plate. Edouard Julien (-1.0 rWAR) fell out of the team’s long-term plans, and Jose Miranda (-0.3 rWAR) spent much of 2025 underperforming at Triple-A. On the pitching side, the bullpen was supposed to be the team’s strength, and it proved unreliable at times. Jorge Alcala (-0.8 rWAR) and Brooks Kriske (-0.8 rWAR) provided multiple blowups. Even depth arms like Travis Adams (-0.9 rWAR) and Joey Wentz (-0.4 rWAR) couldn’t provide stability when injuries struck. So, with another losing season in the books, it’s time to look back at the players who hurt the team the most in 2025. 5. Travis Adams, RHP 2025 Stats: -0.9 rWAR, -11 RAA, -1.1 WAA 2026 Outlook: Adams entered the season as a late-blooming depth starter, and the Twins decided to go a different route with him and a group of pitchers in the minors. Instead of a traditional starter role, they kept Adams on a regular routine of pitching every four days. The results were mixed in the minors, and he struggled when called up to the Twins. His command issues and inability to finish off hitters kept him from seizing the opportunity. Entering 2026, Adams and the Twins may need to consider shifting him to a one-inning role to maximize his performance. 4. Edouard Julien, IF 2025 Stats: -1.0 rWAR, -7 Rbat, -5 Rfield, -2 Rbaser, -1.5 WAA 2026 Outlook: The Twins hoped Julien would rebound after a sophomore season where he posted a 74 OPS+ in 94 big-league games. However, his bat never reignited the way it did in 2023. Pitchers adjusted, exploiting holes in his swing, while his glove and baserunning continued to cost the team runs. He saw a slight bump in his OPS (+17), but his 76 OPS+ was nearly identical to his 2025 performance. With other infield options, Julien’s role for 2026 looks murky. He’ll need a hot spring and a rediscovery of his plate discipline if he wants to remain in Minnesota’s plans. 3. Brooks Lee, SS/3B 2025 Stats: -1.0 rWAR, -14 Rbat, -17 Rfield, -2.7 WAA 2026 Outlook: It’s hard to gauge Lee's performance during his first 189 games at the big-league level. As a prospect, he was projected as the Twins’ cornerstone infielder of the future. Unfortunately, his bat hasn’t lived up to the numbers he produced in the minor leagues with a 75 OPS+ and an OBP below .280 for his career. The club still believes in his talent because Lee’s approach and contact skills were elite in the minors, but the pressure will be immense heading into 2026. On paper, he’s the team’s Opening Day starting shortstop, but the team will likely need a veteran backup to push him this spring. 2. Jorge Alcala, RHP 2025 Stats: -0.8 rWAR, -12 RAA, -1.3 WAA 2026 Outlook: Alcala’s blowup last year in Texas sent the Twins into a tailspin from which they have yet to recover. After showing flashes of dominance early in his career, Alcala’s 2025 season may have been his breaking point. His velocity returned after shoulder issues, but his command didn’t. Walks and home runs piled up, turning late leads into losses far too often. In June, the Twins traded Alcala to the Red Sox for Andy Lugo. By August, he was selected off waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals. There always seemed to be promise in his arm, but he never put it all together in a Twins uniform. 1. DaShawn Keirsey Jr., OF 2025 Stats: -1.2 rWAR, -12 Rbat, -1.5 WAA 2026 Outlook: Few players had a tougher introduction to the majors than Keirsey Jr. After years of quietly producing in the minors, he earned his shot but couldn’t capitalize. The Twins also didn’t do him any favors as he failed to get regular playing time and struggled when given limited opportunities. His strikeout rate ballooned (37.5%), and his -13 OPS+ was one of MLB’s worst totals. The Twins value his speed and effort, but 2025 showed he might need to get more regular playing time to be successful. Minnesota added multiple outfielders at the trade deadline, like James Outman and Alan Roden, which likely pushes the 28-year-old Keirsey out of their plans. The Twins’ disappointing 2025 wasn’t about one player or one decision; it was a result of a thousand small failures. From top prospects struggling to develop to veterans failing to provide stability, Minnesota’s depth evaporated when it mattered most. As the front office reshapes the roster this winter, it’ll need to decide which of these players still fit into the organization’s future and which belong in the past. Do you agree with the rankings above? Should other players be added to the list? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images RHP Cole Sands Age on Opening Day 2026: 28 years old Service Time: Three years, 17 days 2023 Salary: $723,650 2024 Salary: $749,450 2025 Salary: $778,000 2026 MLB Trade Rumor Estimate: $1.3 million Background: The Minnesota Twins selected Sands in the fifth round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Florida State University, banking on his mix of polish and pitchability translating to professional success. During his time in the minors, Sands developed a reputation as a steady, mid-tier starting pitching prospect. He was never a top name, but consistently productive. His strong numbers in the low minors kept him on the organization’s radar as a potential back-end starter at the big-league level. That projection came into focus when Sands made his MLB debut in 2022, splitting time between the rotation and bullpen. The results were uneven: a 5.87 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, and 3.8 BB/9 across his rookie campaign. While the numbers didn’t jump off the page, his stuff looked sharper in shorter bursts, prompting the Twins to transition him into a full-time relief role the following season. The move paid off. From 2023-24, Sands emerged as one of Minnesota’s most trusted bullpen arms, compiling a 3.39 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 10.8 K/9 with only 2.4 BB/9. He excelled at limiting hard contact and pounding the strike zone, traits that earned him a consistent spot in high-leverage situations. By the end of the 2024 season, he had accumulated 1.3 rWAR and solidified his reputation as a stabilizing force in an otherwise unpredictable relief corps. The 2025 season, however, told two very different stories. Sands opened the season as one of the most trusted members of the Twins bullpen. As the year wore on, and especially following the team’s trade deadline selloff, he became one of the few arms manager Rocco Baldelli could reliably turn to. From August 1 through the end of the season, Sands posted a 3.25 FIP with a 28-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 26 innings. Unfortunately, a brutal five-game stretch in September, during which he allowed ten earned runs in just 5 1/3 innings, skewed his overall numbers. By season’s end, he carried a 4.50 ERA despite peripherals that suggested he was far better than that headline figure. Even with the inflated ERA, Sands remained an above-average strike thrower and continued to suppress hard contact. His FIP, walk rate, and WHIP all remained in line with his breakout 2023–24 seasons, hinting that his downturn was more about poor luck and small sample volatility than real regression. 2025 Stats: 69 G, 4.50 ERA, 3.58 FIP, 1.17 WHIP, 72 IP, 64 K, 21.4 K%, 19 BB, 6.4 BB% Twins Depth at His Position (RH Relievers) 40-Man Roster: Justin Topa, Cody Laweryson, Michael Tonkin, Pierson Ohl, Thomas Hatch Triple-A: Kyle Bischoff, Mike Paredes, Jarret Whorff, John Stankiewicz, Jaylen Nowlin Double-A: Jacob Kisting, Paulshawn Pasqualotto, Xander Hamilton, Logan Whitaker, Matt Gabbert, Ruddy Gomez Summary: Minnesota’s relief depth is functional but not particularly inspiring. Several arms on the 40-man roster could be designated for assignment this winter. While a few intriguing pitchers are developing in the minors, none appear ready to seize a bullpen role on Opening Day 2026. With the bullpen’s instability and lack of proven performers, the Twins can’t afford to part with one of their few dependable right-handers. Why the Twins Should Offer Him Arbitration Over the last two seasons, Sands has provided $18.6 million in value according to FanGraphs WAR, all while earning the league minimum. Even if his first arbitration salary lands slightly north of $1 million, he remains one of the biggest bargains on the roster relative to his production. Sands has proven that he can handle high-leverage innings, and the Twins desperately need reliable arms to stabilize a bullpen that’s been overhauled multiple times in recent seasons. With his strike-throwing ability, late-inning experience, and affordable cost, Sands should be viewed as a potential setup man or even closer candidate for 2026. If Minnesota is serious about staying competitive, retaining Sands is a must. Why the Twins Should Non-Tender Him There’s only one reason to non-tender Sands: if the team knows something we don’t. Perhaps the Twins have internal concerns about his health or declining metrics that aren’t visible in surface stats. To be clear, there is no sign of this from the Twins. Otherwise, moving on from him would make little sense. He’s young, cost-controlled, and capable of handling leverage innings, which are traits the Twins bullpen sorely lacks. Unless there’s a hidden red flag, Sands should be viewed as part of the solution, not a problem to cut loose. Projection: This feels like one of the easiest arbitration decisions the Twins will make this offseason. Tendering Sands a contract is a no-brainer. He’s underpaid relative to his production, still improving, and represents the type of steady, affordable bullpen arm every contending team needs. With few proven right-handers behind him, Minnesota can’t afford to let one of its most dependable relievers go. What should the Twins do with Sands? Is he an easy arbitration decision? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Every fall, baseball’s MVP conversation stirs debates across the league, and this year’s American League race is no different. The top of the ballot seems destined to be a battle between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, two stars who carried their teams in very different ways. Judge was once again a machine, leading the league in both versions of WAR and serving as the offensive engine behind another dominant Yankees campaign. But Raleigh’s case might be just as compelling. He produced one of the greatest offensive seasons ever by both a catcher and a switch-hitter, all while helping guide the Mariners’ pitching staff to an AL West title. It’s rare to see a backstop enter the MVP discussion this seriously, but Raleigh’s combination of power, leadership, and workload makes him the biggest challenger to Judge’s throne. Still, when looking beyond those two, there’s no shortage of elite talent in the mix. A Deep Field of MVP Contenders Many MVP races have a handful of stars who could win in almost any other season, and this year is that kind of abundant harvest. Bobby Witt Jr. continues to look like a future MVP. His blend of speed, power, and defense makes him a perennial top-five candidate. José Ramírez remains one of baseball’s most underappreciated superstars, quietly leading the Guardians back to the top of the AL Central. On the pitching side, Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet deserve recognition for being the best starters in the American League this year. Both were dominant, reliable, and essential to their teams’ competitiveness. And in Seattle, Julio Rodríguez did Julio things, posting another dynamic season while sharing the spotlight (and the lineup) with Raleigh. That brings us to Byron Buxton, whose 2025 campaign was one of the brightest individual seasons in a dark year for the Minnesota Twins. Buxton’s Case: MVP Numbers, Mediocre Team Despite Minnesota’s struggles, Buxton quietly put together a season worthy of serious down-ballot MVP consideration. He put himself on the national stage by competing in the Home Run Derby in front of his hometown fans in Atlanta. He played in 140 games, a notable achievement considering his injury history, and reminded everyone just how dynamic he can be when healthy. Buxton finished 8th in the AL in Offensive WAR, 5th in slugging percentage, 5th in OPS, 7th in runs scored, 8th in home runs, and 5th in Adjusted OPS+. His Offensive Win Percentage ranked 4th, and he was the most efficient base stealer in the league, going a perfect 24-for-24. Add in a top-10 finish in Win Probability Added (9th), and the numbers paint a picture of one of baseball’s most impactful all-around hitters. His combination of power and speed (35 home runs and 24 stolen bases) put him in rare company for a Twins player. The last Twin to combine that kind of pop and athleticism for a full season was Kirby Puckett, who mixed power, defense, and flair in ways Buxton continues to echo. Unfortunately for Buxton, MVP voters often punish players on non-contending teams. The Twins’ 92-loss season makes it unlikely he’ll climb higher than the back end of the top 10, even if the numbers suggest he should. He has an incentive in his contract that will pay him $3 million if he finishes in the top 10, so he (and the Twins) will watch the voting carefully. A Realistic Spot on the Ballot Buxton’s 2025 production should be good enough to earn him a top-10 finish, but he’ll probably show up in the 7–10 range on most ballots and be left off entirely by a few voters focusing on playoff teams. Still, that kind of recognition would trigger one of the performance incentives in his contract, a small but deserved reward for a player who finally stayed healthy and played like the superstar Twins fans have long envisioned. My Hypothetical AL MVP Ballot: Aaron Judge Cal Raleigh José Ramírez Bobby Witt Jr. Tarik Skubal George Springer Garrett Crochet Byron Buxton Julio Rodríguez Corey Seager If nothing else, Buxton’s place on this list serves as a reminder that even in a disappointing team season, individual greatness still shines through. For Twins fans, it’s a glimpse of what could be possible if a healthy Buxton leads a winning roster again in 2026. How would your ballot look for the AL MVP? Does Judge or Raleigh get the top spot? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / Imagn Images For much of the past decade, the Minnesota Twins took pride in being a small-market success story, a team that could win without spending like the Yankees or Dodgers. But after a disastrous 2025 campaign and a fire sale that gutted much of the roster, the franchise is starting to flirt with an uncomfortable comparison: the Pittsburgh Pirates of the American League. Like the Pirates, the Twins are slipping into a pattern that prioritizes financial flexibility over on-field competitiveness. In the most recent Gleeman and the Geek podcast, Aaron and John discussed the connections between the Pirates and Twins. The warning signs are hard to miss, from payroll slashing to dwindling attendance and an organizational model that risks turning the club into a developmental stopover for stars of other teams. Payroll Problems and Profit Priorities The Pirates have long been one of baseball’s poster children for maximizing ownership profits while minimizing payroll. Last season, Pittsburgh’s Opening Day payroll was a meager $87 million, ranking near the bottom of Major League Baseball. Only the Miami Marlins and Oakland Athletics spent less. Minnesota hasn’t reached those depths yet, but the direction is eerily familiar. The Twins’ 2025 payroll averaged around $136 million, ranking 20th in MLB. After the team’s late-season sell-off, that number dipped closer to $120 million, and early indicators suggest that the front office could trim even more heading into 2026. A payroll in the $100 million range would put the Twins dangerously close to the Pirates’ operating zone. For years, ownership has sold the narrative that spending efficiency, not spending limits, is the goal. But at some point, it’s fair for fans to wonder if the Twins are still trying to win or simply trying to make the balance sheet look better. Empty Seats in Beautiful Ballparks PNC Park and Target Field are often celebrated as two of the most beautiful venues in baseball. Both parks sit along scenic backdrops, one with the Pittsburgh skyline, the other overlooking downtown Minneapolis. But lately, the view from the stands has come with a lot more empty seats. Minnesota entered 2025 hoping to top two million fans in attendance for the season, but the reality was far bleaker. The Twins finished with 1.77 million total fans, averaging just under 22,000 per game. That marks one of the franchise’s lowest totals since Target Field opened in 2010. Meanwhile, the Pirates drew 1.52 million fans to PNC Park, averaging about 18,800 per game. The gap between the two clubs’ attendance figures has nearly evaporated. With season ticket renewals expected to drop for 2026, the Twins could soon find themselves right next to Pittsburgh on the attendance charts, a place no ownership group wants to be. Minnesota’s ownership touted that Target Field was built to keep the team competitive and financially stable. But like in Pittsburgh, a sparkling ballpark doesn’t mean much when the product on the field fails to inspire confidence. Fans can only be sold on skyline views and craft beer for so long before apathy takes over. From Contenders to a “Quad-A” Club In Pittsburgh, the model has been clear for decades: draft and develop elite talent, utilize it for a few years, and then watch those players become stars elsewhere. Gerrit Cole became a Yankee ace. Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows were traded away. Now, Paul Skenes appears to be the next great Pirate who may eventually find himself in a different uniform once the price tag becomes too high. Minnesota’s recent moves echo that same troubling trend. The 2025 trade deadline saw the front office flip established talent for prospects, signaling a potential reset rather than a retool. And with rumors swirling that players like Joe Ryan, Ryan Jeffers, and Pablo López could be on the block this winter, it’s fair to ask whether the Twins are becoming a “Quad-A” franchise, one that grooms top talent just long enough for richer clubs to reap the benefits. It’s a path the Pirates have walked for years, one that trades long-term competitiveness for short-term cost control. The Twins were supposed to be different. They had modern analytics, a player-friendly culture, and a new stadium built on promises of sustained contention. But as payroll shrinks, attendance falls, and key players are dangled in trade rumors, those promises feel increasingly hollow. The Slippery Slope No one expects the Twins to spend like the Dodgers or Phillies. But there’s a big difference between fiscal responsibility and competitive apathy. The Pirates have shown how quickly a team can slip into irrelevance when ownership treats baseball like a business first and a sport second. If the Twins continue to cut payroll, lose stars, and alienate their fan base, they won’t just resemble the Pirates. They’ll become them. And for a franchise that once prided itself on doing more with less, that would be the ultimate failure. Are the Twins the Pirates of the American League? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images OF Trevor Larnach Age on Opening Day 2026: 29 Service Time: Four years, 14 days 2023 Salary: $733,650 2024 Salary: $740,000 2025 Salary: $2.1 million 2026 MLB Trade Rumor Estimate: $4.7 million Background: When the Minnesota Twins selected Larnach out of Oregon State University with the 20th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, they believed they were adding a cornerstone bat to their future lineup. Larnach had just helped lead the Beavers to a College World Series championship, showcasing his polished left-handed swing and advanced approach at the plate. By the time he debuted in 2021, he was one of the organization’s most highly regarded prospects, a consensus top-100 player in baseball who projected to hit for both average and power. His early big-league years, however, have been a roller coaster. Over his first four seasons in the majors, Larnach hit .236/.323/.403 (.726) with a 102 OPS+, showing flashes of the middle-of-the-order bat the Twins envisioned but never sustaining that success for long stretches. There were times when his power and patience carried the offense, but just as often, he’d drift into prolonged slumps where he struggled to make consistent contact. For a player whose defense has graded as below average in the corner outfield, being merely a slightly above-average hitter wasn’t enough to cement his place as an everyday regular. Still, his 2024 season offered hope. Larnach was worth $11.6 million in value that year, according to FanGraphs, posting 1.4 fWAR with a 116 OPS+ in 112 games. He looked like he had finally turned the corner. But then came 2025, and with it, another regression. Across 142 games, Larnach hit .250/.323/.404 (.727) with a 99 OPS+, and his defense dipped further to -4 Outs Above Average. He still hit the ball hard, ranking in the 70th percentile in Average Exit Velocity and above the 60th percentile in Hard Hit%, Squared Up%, and Walk Rate. The Twins tried to protect him by limiting exposure to left-handed pitching, giving him just over 100 plate appearances against southpaws, but he still posted an OPS 150 points lower in those matchups. However, the overall results didn’t match the quality of contact. FanGraphs valued his overall contribution at $1.8 million this season. 2025 Stats: 142 G, 567 PA, .250/.323/.404 (.727), 17 HR, 24 2B, 1 3B, 60 RBI, 9.3 BB%, 21.5 K% Twins Depth at His Position (Corner Outfield) Matt Wallner - 40-man roster Austin Martin - 40-man roster James Outman - 40-man roster Carson McCusker - 40-man roster Alan Roden - 40-man roster Emmanuel Rodriguez - 40-man roster Triple-A: Walker Jenkins, Gabriel Gonzalez, Kala'i Rosario, Kyler Fedko Double-A: Hendry Mendez, Maddux Houghton, Kyle Hess Summary: The corner outfield is one of the deepest areas in the organization. With Rodriguez and Jenkins both projected as future franchise-building blocks, the Twins may soon have to make tough roster calls. Several other players already occupy 40-man spots, meaning Larnach could become expendable if the team needs space for younger, higher-upside talent. Why the Twins Should Offer Him Arbitration There’s still a compelling case for keeping Larnach around. The front office, led by Derek Falvey, clearly saw long-term potential when they invested a first-round pick in him. Sometimes, front offices are reluctant to cut ties with players they developed and believed in. More importantly, Larnach has shown that he can be an above-average offensive contributor when things click. During the second half of 2024, while the Twins’ season was unraveling, he was one of the lone bright spots by slashing .272/.368/.443 (.811) with six home runs and nine doubles. That kind of production over a full season would make him a clear everyday player, and the Twins could reasonably hope he finds that form again. At 28 years old, there’s still time for Larnach to carve out a steady MLB role, even if it’s as a platoon bat or bench contributor with pop from the left side. Why the Twins Should Non-Tender Him But this front office will also have to make financially motivated decisions this winter. The Twins are expected to trim payroll after a disappointing 92-loss season, and Larnach’s projected arbitration salary could make him a casualty. According to MLB Trade Rumors, he’s in line for the third-highest arbitration salary on the roster behind Ryan Jeffers and Joe Ryan. When weighed against his uneven production and defensive shortcomings, the value may not be there. The Twins also have multiple younger and cheaper outfield options who can fill similar roles. Add in the looming arrivals of Jenkins and Rodriguez, and it becomes harder to justify Larnach’s cost when the team has bigger holes elsewhere, particularly in the infield and pitching staff. If the Twins want to free up resources for offseason additions, non-tendering Larnach could be an unfortunate but practical move. Projection Currently, it seems more likely that Larnach will be non-tendered this winter. The Twins’ outfield logjam and financial constraints make him a natural roster casualty. Still, the front office has shown patience with homegrown talent before. If Falvey and company believe Larnach can rediscover his 2024 form, they might give him one final opportunity to prove he belongs. Whether that chance comes in Minnesota (or somewhere else) remains to be seen. What should the Twins do with Larnach? Is he an easy DFA decision? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Matt Blewett-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins entered this season with dreams of young stars leading the next competitive core. Some of those dreams became reality, as second baseman Luke Keaschall emerged as one of the most exciting rookies in baseball. In 49 games, he hit .302/.382/.445 (good for a 128 OPS+) and 14 stolen bases. His aggressive play, quick bat, and sparkplug energy became a rare bright spot in a long and disappointing year. But as Twins fans have learned over the past decade, “exciting” and “durable” don’t always go hand in hand—perhaps, alas, an unfortunate turn of phrase. Keaschall’s latest setback, a thumb surgery scheduled for this winter after injuring himself sliding into second base, feels like déjà vu. Minnesota’s history of promising prospects being derailed by injuries has become one of the defining storylines of the organization’s modern era. To fully understand why Keaschall’s health concerns feel so familiar, it’s worth revisiting the trail of talented, injury-prone stars who came before him. Byron Buxton: The Five-Tool Superstar Buxton was supposed to be the next face of the franchise, a five-tool phenom who could do it all. When healthy, he has lived up to that billing, including the 2025 campaign, where Twins Daily named him MVP. The problem, of course, has been staying on the field. From wrist and knee issues to hip, shoulder, and concussion problems, Buxton’s injury history reads like a medical file instead of a résumé. He’s played over 100 games for the second consecutive season, and it feels like a victory, but the inconsistency has limited his ability to anchor the Twins’ lineup fully. Royce Lewis: Star Potential If anyone embodies resilience, it’s Royce Lewis. The former No. 1 overall pick has torn his ACL twice, missed full seasons of development, and struggled to establish himself as one of the team’s top hitters. In 2025, he played 106 games and posted a career-low 83 OPS+. His 2023 postseason heroics gave fans a glimpse of his superstar potential. Still, even this season, injuries crept back in; hamstring tightness and other lower-body issues kept him from staying in the lineup consistently. When he’s healthy, Lewis has shown flashes of his full potential. But that phrase—when he’s healthy—has haunted him since draft day. Alex Kirilloff: Pushed to Retirement Kirilloff’s swing had always been his calling card, and it’s why the Twins drafted him with a first-round pick. His wrists and spine, unfortunately, have been his undoing. After multiple surgeries and recurring pain, Kirilloff was forced to retire last winter. For many years, evaluators believed his bat would be penciled into the middle of the Twins’ lineup, but now he is selling real estate in Florida instead of impacting the roster. Austin Martin: Derailed by Delays Martin’s development path was already winding when he arrived from Toronto in the José Berríos trade, but a series of soft-tissue injuries only made things worse. He’s shown flashes of the on-base skills that made him a top draft pick. He ended the year on a high note, hitting .282/.374/.365 with a 106 OPS+ and 11 steals. The Twins hope he can carve out a role in 2026, but it’s been a long, uneven climb. The Next Wave: Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez Even the next generation hasn’t been immune. Walker Jenkins, the team’s prized 2023 first-round pick, has dealt with multiple injuries in his first two professional seasons. Still, the Twins were aggressive with him and pushed him to Triple-A before he turned 21. Emmanuel Rodriguez, one of the system’s most dynamic outfielders, has also battled lower-body issues that kept him off the field for long stretches in the minors. Both have superstar ceilings, but the first step is staying on the diamond. Keaschall: The Spark Plug That brings us back to Keaschall. His rookie season was everything fans hoped for: energy, athleticism, a contact-first approach, and sneaky power. He looked like the kind of player who could shift a clubhouse’s culture, a relentless competitor who played the game at full speed. However, that full-speed mentality comes at a cost. After Tommy John surgery last year, Keaschall broke his forearm early this season, only to return and reestablish himself before his latest thumb injury. Three significant injuries in less than two years would be a concern for any player, let alone one whose game depends so heavily on aggression and athleticism. The Twins love Keaschall’s makeup, and believe his style will help define their next winning team. Still, there’s a quiet anxiety around whether his body can keep up with the way he plays. Fans have seen this movie before, and they know how quickly a promise can turn to frustration when health becomes the storyline. A Hopeful but Cautious Future Keaschall could absolutely be part of the Twins’ long-term core. His instincts, leadership, and contact ability make him an ideal fit for a lineup looking to rediscover its identity. But Minnesota’s front office and training staff have to find a way to rewrite the script to keep this next generation of stars on the field, instead of in the training room. The Twins are starting to shift their reputation to drafting and developing athletic, high-upside talent. To make the most of that philosophy, they’ll need one thing above all else: durability. Keaschall might be the next great Twin—or the next great “what if.” Are you worried about injuries impacting the next generation of Twins' top prospects? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Brad Rempel-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins are once again at a crossroads. Following a 92-loss season and another October spent watching from home, the organization announced that Rocco Baldelli would not return as manager in 2026. It marked the team’s fourth playoff miss in the past five seasons and a sobering reminder that the momentum from their 2023 postseason breakthrough quickly evaporated (even if it was tied to ownership cutting payroll). Not all of the team’s shortcomings can be directly attributed to Baldelli. The roster struggled with inconsistency on both sides of the ball, and injuries once again depleted the core's depth. Still, after back-to-back disappointing seasons, it was clear someone had to take the fall for a club that underperformed relative to expectations. President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey acknowledged the problematic nature of the decision but emphasized that the change was part of a broader evaluation of the organization. Now, the attention turns toward the next voice to lead the dugout. Minnesota’s search is expected to cast a wide net, with both internal candidates and external names being considered. Among the early possibilities is a familiar face behind the plate. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, former Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki is reportedly in the running for the Twins’ managerial vacancy. Suzuki, 42, currently serves as a special advisor in the Los Angeles Angels’ front office and is also believed to be under consideration for the San Francisco Giants’ open job. The Angels themselves are searching for a new manager, making Suzuki’s name one of the most talked-about in early offseason circles. Suzuki has yet to manage or coach at the professional level, but his baseball résumé commands respect. During his 16-year Major League career, he played for the Oakland Athletics, Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves, Angels, and Twins, where he earned his lone All-Star selection in 2014. That season, Suzuki slashed .288/.345/.383 (.727) with 34 doubles and a 105 OPS+, providing leadership and stability for a young Twins pitching staff. After retiring following the 2022 campaign, Suzuki transitioned immediately into a front office role with the Angels, While Suzuki lacks on-field coaching experience, his long tenure as a catcher could make him an appealing candidate in today’s game. Catchers are often viewed as natural leaders, tasked with managing pitching staffs, reading opposing hitters, and maintaining clubhouse communication. Suzuki’s reputation as a respected, steady presence during his playing days fits the mold of several recent managerial hires across the league. It’s worth noting that Stephen Vogt, last year’s American League Manager of the Year, made a similarly rapid transition. Vogt retired in 2022, spent a single season as a coach with the Seattle Mariners, and then took over the Cleveland Guardians' job, leading them to back-to-back postseason appearances. For a Twins front office that values communication and collaboration, Suzuki could represent an intriguing blend of player perspective and modern analytical understanding. What exactly are the Twins looking for in their next manager? Falvey cautioned against narrowing the search too tightly. Still, the organization’s direction will undoubtedly play a role in determining the right fit. With payroll questions lingering and an uncertain competitive window, candidates will want to know whether they’re inheriting a team poised to contend or one headed for a transition phase. In that sense, Suzuki might check more boxes than his résumé initially suggests. He is a bridge between eras, a veteran of both the “old school” clubhouse and the modern analytics-driven environment. He is connected across multiple organizations, respected by players, and familiar to Twins fans who remember his calm presence during some transitional years in the mid-2010s. The Twins are looking for a new voice, and while Suzuki’s may not be the loudest, it could be precisely the kind of leadership tone Minnesota needs right now. Should the Twins try to hire Suzuki before another team makes their move? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Jerry Lai (Santana) and Jesse Johnson (Lewis)-Imagn Images When it comes to October baseball, it’s been a rough couple of decades for Minnesota Twins fans. The postseason heartbreaks are well-documented: a multi-decade losing streak, a revolving door of Yankees villains, and plenty of “what-ifs” scattered along the way. But despite the pain, there have been moments (short bursts of brilliance) where individual Twins players delivered performances worthy of postseason lore. From one pitcher’s dominance in the mid-2000s to a rookie’s instant legend moment in 2023, these are the playoff performances that stood above the rest in the 21st century. 8. Joe Mays – 2002 AL Championship Series (0.35 WPA) 13 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 12 H, 3 K, 0 BB Mays isn’t usually a name that comes up in franchise “best-of” discussions, but in 2002, he was everything the Twins could have hoped for in the ALCS. Against a powerful Angels lineup, Mays threw strikes, avoided walks, and kept his team in games they had no business being in. He didn’t overpower anyone, but his efficiency was surgical. Unfortunately, the Twins’ offense went cold, and Anaheim went on to win the World Series, but Mays’s effort deserves a spotlight. 7. Kenta Maeda – 2020 AL Wild Card Series, Game 1 (0.29 WPA) 5 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 5 K, 3 BB In the strange, fanless 2020 postseason, Maeda gave Twins fans a brief moment of optimism. He blanked the Houston Astros over five innings, flashing the elite command that made him a Cy Young finalist that season. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn’t close it out, and the Twins dropped both games of the short series. Still, Maeda’s effort stands out as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise bleak October stretch. 6. Torii Hunter – 2004 AL Division Series (0.34 WPA) 6-for-17 (.353), 1 HR, 1 2B Hunter had his share of memorable moments in October, and the 2004 ALDS was one of them. His bat showed up in a big way, highlighted by clutch hits that briefly gave the Twins life against the Yankees. Hunter’s energy and emotion were contagious, and he provided a rare offensive spark in a lineup that too often went quiet in the postseason. While the series ended in heartbreak, Hunter’s performance cemented him in Twins lore. 5. Johan Santana – 2006 AL Division Series, Game 1 (0.16 WPA) 8 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 8 K, 1 BB Santana did everything he could in the 2006 ALDS opener against the Athletics, but the Twins’ bats never showed up. Santana’s outing (two earned runs over eight innings) was vintage dominance that deserved better support. It wasn’t his fault the series spiraled from there, and this performance serves as a reminder of how often Santana’s brilliance was squandered by lackluster offense (see below for even more evidence). 4. Pablo López – 2023 AL Division Series, Game 2 (0.26 WPA) 7 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 7 K, 1 BB After nearly two decades of postseason futility, López helped usher in a new era of hope. His seven shutout innings against the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the 2023 ALDS were a masterclass in poise and precision. Armed with his changeup and confidence, López gave the Twins their first road postseason win in over a decade. Even though the Twins eventually fell short in the series, López’s performance reminded fans what a legitimate frontline starter looks like on the October stage. 3. A.J. Pierzynski – 2002 AL Division Series (0.44 WPA) 7-for-16 (.438), 1 HR, 1 3B Few Twins players embodied the scrappy early-2000s teams like Pierzynski. In the 2002 ALDS against the Oakland Athletics, Pierzynski was relentless, smacking extra-base hits, driving in runs, and getting under opponents’ skin in classic fashion. His home run in Game 5 helped clinch Minnesota’s first postseason series win since 1991. This was a defining performance, in a series that reintroduced the Twins to October baseball. It was the kind of gritty, emotional energy that fans still miss. Little did fans know that it would be the team’s last winning playoff series until 2023. 2. Royce Lewis – 2023 AL Wild Card Series, Game 1 (0.24 WPA) 2-for-3, 2 HR, 3 RBI, BB The streak was over, and the team’s electric rookie made sure of it. In his first-ever playoff game, Lewis launched two home runs (one to left, one to right), ending Minnesota’s multi-decade postseason losing streak. The Target Field crowd was electric, the moment was cinematic, and Lewis instantly etched his name into Twins lore. Few performances in team history have meant more, emotionally. 1. Johan Santana – 2004 AL Division Series (0.67 WPA) 12 IP, 1 ER, 14 H, 12 K, 4 BB This was the peak of Santana’s powers, and the numbers prove it. In 2004, Santana had just earned his first Cy Young Award and entered the postseason as the most dominant pitcher in baseball. He delivered eight shutout innings in Game 1 against the Yankees, silencing the Bronx crowd and reminding everyone that the Twins could hang with the giants. He followed it up with another gutsy effort in Game 4, on short rest. Even though Minnesota’s bullpen let the series slip away, Santana’s performance remains one of the most impressive playoff showings in franchise history. When Twins fans talk about what “ace” energy looks like, this is it. When you sort through the rubble of the Twins’ modern postseason history, these performances stand out like small fires on a cold night. They didn’t lead to championships (or even series wins, in most cases), but they showed that Minnesota has still had its share of October heroes. From Santana’s sustained excellence to Lewis’s breakout moment, these games prove that even amid decades of frustration, greatness has still felt comfortable in a Twins uniform. It just hasn’t stayed long enough. Would you add any other performances to this list? How would you rank these performances? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of TwinsCentric, LLC Minnesota Twins fans are no strangers to patience. They’ve endured rebuilds, payroll freezes, postseason collapses, and front-office overhauls. But as the franchise stumbles through another disappointing stretch, ownership has stepped forward with a series of public comments meant to reassure. For many, those words feel like echoes of the past. “The Sun’s Going to Come Up Tomorrow” Joe Pohlad compared the current state of the franchise to parenting: “When your kid’s having a hard time, you try not to have them focus on the moment itself but realize the sun’s going to come up tomorrow.” It’s an optimistic, human response, but for fans, the problem is that tomorrow keeps looking like yesterday. The Twins have missed the playoffs in consecutive years and lost 92 games this season. A fan base that hasn’t seen a World Series title since 1991 is tired of hearing that “things will get better.” The sun always rises, but so far, the horizon doesn’t look much different. Confidence in the “Right Pieces” Pohlad doubled down on his optimism: “I am overwhelmingly confident about Twins baseball. I’m confident because we have got all the right [pieces] … And we have the resources that we’re ready to invest when needed.” Fans have heard versions of this before. Every ownership group in sports claims they’ll spend when the time is right, yet Minnesota continues to hover around the middle of the pack in payroll. “The right pieces” are hard to identify on a roster riddled with injuries, regression, and depth concerns. Until ownership matches words with aggressive action, confidence will remain a tough sell. “The Goal is Not to Compete. The Goal is to Win a World Series.” This is the line fans want to hear most. But for a franchise that hasn’t advanced past the ALDS since 2002, there’s a gulf between intention and execution. Competing has been the organizational mantra for years: stay relevant, fight for a division title, and hope to catch fire in October. That model has yielded plenty of division banners but little else. The Pohlads say they’re aiming higher, but fans wonder if their definition of “winning a World Series” is the same as theirs. Building “a true winner” requires risks, and Minnesota has often played it safe. Owning the Frustration “At some point you gotta look at yourself and be like, ‘You know what? We’ve gotta try something different,’” Pohlad admitted. That acknowledgment might be the most important quote of all. Fans are already living in frustration. Ownership openly admitting that the same old approach won’t cut it anymore could signal change. The trade deadline sell-off this summer was one such pivot, moving veterans to restock the farm system. Firing Rocco Baldelli signals another major change, but the current roster might be the bigger problem. While ownership pointed to long-term stability, many fans saw it as waving the white flag. Patience, once again, was the ask. Terry Ryan’s Perspective Even Terry Ryan, the former GM, weighed in: “A year and a half or two years ago, they were darn near a model franchise … But it wasn’t working. They turned around and did something good [at the trade deadline]. They might have gone further than fans hoped they would. But that attitude might change here in the next 12 months.” Ryan’s comments frame the Twins as a team at a crossroads. The club is still respected around baseball, but struggling to maintain credibility with their own fan base. His suggestion that attitudes may shift next year is hopeful, though it relies heavily on trust, something in short supply right now. “Totally Justified” Fan Frustration Tom Pohlad was more direct than Joe: “It’s been 34 years since the World Series … That’s unacceptable. The fans are totally justified to think it’s unacceptable.” That admission resonates. Ownership rarely calls out its own failures so bluntly. But it also begs the obvious question: If everyone agrees the results are unacceptable, what will actually change? Fans don’t want apologies—they want a plan. Where Words Meet Action At their core, the Pohlads’ comments sound like the right things: accountability, optimism, and a commitment to winning. But Twins fans have learned that rhetoric rarely translates to trophies. The next 12 months will determine if this is another chapter of “wait and see” or if the franchise truly embraces risk and ambition. Until then, frustration will linger, even if ownership insists the sun will rise tomorrow. The Twins are entering a critical stretch. With the roster in transition, a new manager coming in, and resources allegedly ready to be deployed, ownership’s actions this offseason will speak louder than any press conference. If Joe and Tom Pohlad want to convince a skeptical fan base, they’ll need to pair their words with bold moves: investing in the roster, extending young talent, and showing urgency instead of waiting for things to click. Because while fans may understand that building a champion takes time, 34 years of waiting has drained nearly all the patience left in Twins Territory. 2026 won’t just be another season because it will be the litmus test of whether the Pohlads’ vision is more than just talk. How do you view the recent comments by Twins ownership? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Thieres Rabelo The 2025 Minnesota Twins season did not go as planned. A year that started with postseason expectations ended in frustration as the team stumbled to the finish line. Even so, there were individual bright spots that gave fans reasons to stay invested, and that’s what makes TwinsDaily’s annual Team MVP voting so interesting. With the front office already pivoting toward reshaping the roster for 2026, this vote provided an opportunity to acknowledge the few players who carried their weight in a turbulent season. From emerging young contributors to established stars who managed to stay healthy, the ballot reflected both the hope and the frustration of Twins Territory. Before diving into the top three, let’s tip the cap to a few guys who received votes and played meaningful roles this season: Honorable Mentions Luke Keaschall — In his rookie campaign, Keaschall hit .302/.382/.445 (.827) with a 128 OPS+ and 14 stolen bases in 182 at-bats. Pablo López — Despite being limited by injury, López made 14 starts and posted a stellar 2.74 ERA, striking out 73 in 75 2/3 innings. Harrison Bader — The Twins acquired Bader on a one-year deal, and in 271 at-bats, he slashed .258/.339/.439 (.778) with 12 homers and ten steals before being dealt. Kody Clemens — Clemens chipped in as a versatile bench option and had some key moments during the team’s 13-game winning streak. Overall, he posted a 96 OPS+ and was a team leader. All four made valuable contributions and earned recognition in the voting, but none secured a spot in the top three. 3. Ryan Jeffers Jeffers secured third place in the MVP vote, and for good reason. Offensively, he put up a solid line of .266/.356/.397 (.752) with a 108 OPS+ over 119 games. His fWAR ranked second on the team, but his rWAR ranked 11th on the team behind Brock Stewart and Danny Coulombe. Defensive metrics continue to paint him in a poor light, but he’s still one of baseball’s best offensive catchers. On the offensive side, he made significant gains in Chase% (-10%), Whiff% (-2.5%), and BB% (+3.9%), with all three categories ranking in the 72nd percentile or higher. While his overall totals lacked the eye-catching peaks of the other two players on this list, his balanced contributions on both sides of the game made him a worthy third-place finisher. 2. Joe Ryan Ryan’s second-place finish was anchored in another season of pitching dominance. Ryan logged an impressive 3.42 ERA with a 125 ERA+ and 10.2 K/9. He continued to be a horse in the rotation and earned an All-Star nod in 2025, a testament to his status among the staff. His fWAR (3.1) and rWAR (4.5) were second only to Buxton among Twins in the 2025 vote. He finished in the AL’s top-10 in WAR for Pitchers (6th), ERA (10th), BB/9 (6th), K/9 (3rd), and K/BB (5th). He has a chance to get down-ballot votes for AL Cy Young, and it’s not hard to imagine his numbers being even better if he hadn’t struggled over the season’s final two months. In a down year for the club, his dependability held tremendous value, but he just fell short of being the team’s top overall player. 1. Byron Buxton (Unanimous Selection) Not even a healthy, thriving Buxton could save the Minnesota Twins from their demise in 2025. Amid the chaos of a 92-loss season, the 31-year-old center fielder authored one of the finest individual performances of his career. Buxton slugged a career-high 35 home runs in a career-high 542 plate appearances, and he went a perfect 24-for-24 stealing bases, a dazzling combination of power and speed that made him one of the most dynamic players in baseball. After finally breaking the triple-digit games barrier in 2024 (102 games, his first time doing so in seven years), he upped the mark again in 2025 with 126 games played, setting career bests nearly across the board: hits, total bases, homers, triples, RBIs, runs, walks, and Win Probability Added. It wasn’t just statistical accumulation, either. Buxton produced highlight moments that stuck with fans all year. Chief among them? Hitting for the cycle on his bobblehead day was a storybook accomplishment that felt ripped straight out of a marketing department dream. Advanced metrics backed up his dominance. Buxton delivered 5.0 Wins Above Replacement (per FanGraphs), another career high that not only led the Twins but also ranked No. 9 among American League position players. To put it in perspective, that’s the highest fWAR by a Twins center fielder since Kirby Puckett’s 5.9 in 1992. The fact that Buxton was the unanimous team MVP selection tells you all you need to know. In a season where nearly everything else went wrong for the Twins, he stood tall as the one constant. His year won’t erase the sting of 92 losses, but it did remind Twins Territory what peak Buxton looks like and why he remains the most indispensable player in the organization. 2025 may go down as one of the most challenging stretches in recent Twins history. Still, the MVP vote underscored an overarching theme: when the chips were down, Buxton continued to perform at the highest level of his career. Jeffers deserves credit for being the most consistent two-way contributor, and Ryan once again proved why he’s the anchor of this rotation. How would your team MVP ballot look? Leave your rankings in the comments and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins made headlines this September by dismissing Rocco Baldelli after seven seasons at the helm. A disappointing 70–92 record, combined with a midseason sell-off and a second straight year missing the playoffs, left leadership convinced it was time for a change. “This game is ultimately measured by results,” Derek Falvey said, announcing the decision, “and over the past two seasons we did not reach the goals we set.” However, Baldelli’s dismissal occurred during a rare offseason in Major League Baseball, when the managerial carousel is exceptionally crowded. Seven other franchises (Atlanta, plus the Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Angels, and Colorado Rockies) are also seeking new leadership in the dugout. For Minnesota, this means the search for their next skipper won’t occur in isolation. With so many teams looking for managers, the Twins might not get their first choice among top candidates. Here’s how the eight current openings stack up, with each job’s pros, cons, 2025 context, and future outlook. 1. Atlanta (2025 Record: 76-86) Previous manager: Brian Snitker Farm system rank: 28 Pros: The roster remains loaded with elite talent like Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Spencer Strider. An organizational culture of winning and stability. A chance to contend immediately. Cons: Expectations are sky-high; anything short of a deep postseason run is a failure. The farm system is thin, leaving few reinforcements. Following Snitker, a beloved figure, will be challenging. Outlook: This vacancy is the most desirable. With a proven core and steady leadership, this is a chance to manage one of baseball’s premier clubs. 2. Texas Rangers (2025 Record: 81-81) Previous manager: Bruce Bochy Farm system rank: 26 Pros: Core players like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Wyatt Langford remain. Ownership has shown a willingness to spend aggressively. Bochy’s success in 2023 demonstrated that the roster can compete at the highest level. Cons: Rotation depth is an issue, with injuries hampering progress. The farm system is weak, limiting internal fixes. Pressure to rebound quickly. Outlook: Texas is only a few pieces away from returning to October. The next manager inherits both opportunity and responsibility. 3. San Francisco Giants (2025 Record: 81-81) Previous manager: Bob Melvin Farm system rank: 18 Pros: Buster Posey, now leading baseball operations, gets to select his first manager. The farm system is mid-tier but includes several near-ready arms. A large market and dedicated fan base. Cons: Have missed out on superstar players in free agency. Tough division with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. A restless fan base is tired of mediocrity. Outlook: A solid, middle-of-the-pack job that offers stability and resources. The challenge will be creating a new identity for the club. 4. Baltimore Orioles (2025 Record: 75-87) Previous manager: Brandon Hyde (interim: Tony Mansolino) Farm system rank: 15 Pros: A young core remains, featuring talent like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday. The farm system continues to provide depth. Potential to rebound quickly if players take steps forward. Cons: Competing annually with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays is a daunting task. Expectations have grown since the rebuild, and patience may be in short supply. Early-season struggles in 2025 revealed lingering weaknesses. Outlook: Not the powerhouse many envisioned, but still a respectable position, with tools for success if the right leader emerges. 5. Minnesota Twins (2025 Record: 70-92) Previous manager: Rocco Baldelli Farm system rank: 2 Pros: One of the best farm systems in baseball, with prospects ready to make an impact. The fan base has demonstrated the ability to support the team when a consistent winning product is on the field. Opportunity to guide the next wave of Twins talent. Cons: Recent struggles have eroded confidence in the core of the roster. Payroll limitations restrict flexibility compared to bigger-market clubs. New manager’s job security may be tied to the future of Derek Falvey and the front office. Outlook: A high-risk, high-reward opportunity. If the farm system delivers, this could be one of the fastest turnarounds in baseball. 6. Washington Nationals (2025 Record: 66-96) Previous manager: Dave Martinez (interim: Miguel Cairo) Farm system rank: 23 Pros: New leadership direction with a reset after Mike Rizzo’s departure. Some young major-league talent is already in place, including James Wood, MacKenzie Gore and CJ Abrams. Lower short-term expectations than some of the other open positions. Cons: Six straight losing seasons. The farm system has lagged despite years of rebuilding. Still overshadowed by their 2019 title run. Outlook: Patience will be key. This job is a long-term project more than an immediate opportunity. 7. Los Angeles Angels (2025 Record: 72-90) Previous manager: Ron Washington (interim: Ray Montgomery) Farm system rank: 27 Pros: A chance to reset a franchise badly in need of a new direction. Southern California lifestyle, with the ability to pencil Mike Trout into the lineup on a daily basis. Expectations are very low after a decade of losing seasons. Cons: The farm system is barren. Organizational instability has derailed managers repeatedly. A franchise still struggling to move on from the Shohei Ohtani era. Outlook: History suggests limited patience for managers, but the Angels desperately need stability. A long-term rebuild awaits. 8. Colorado Rockies (43-119) Previous manager: Bud Black (interim: Warren Schaeffer) Farm system rank: 24 Pros: A new general manager will arrive alongside the current manager, offering a fresh start. Expectations are nonexistent after a historically bad season. Hitting at Coors Field will always produce some fun offensive numbers. Cons: Organizational instability. Thin farm system and constant pitching struggles. The worst record in franchise history sets a very low baseline. Outlook: This is the most challenging job available. The Rockies will need a manager with patience and a thick skin, because quick success is unlikely. For the Twins, the challenge is not just finding the right voice to replace Baldelli, but doing so in a year when seven other teams are also searching for a replacement. Top candidates may have their pick of opportunities, and jobs like Atlanta or Texas offer quicker paths to postseason baseball. Minnesota’s pitch will hinge on its elite farm system and the chance to build something sustainable. Whether that is enough to land their preferred candidate remains to be seen. How would you rank the top available managerial jobs? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © RVR Photos-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins have officially parted ways with Rocco Baldelli, and with the managerial seat now empty, fans everywhere are suddenly experts on what it takes to run a clubhouse. Forget years of baseball operations experience, minor league development know-how, or cutting-edge analytics. What Twins fans really want in their next manager can be boiled down into one very scientific, absolutely flawless guide. Step One: Hire a Fan Favorite Player If you’ve ever taken batting practice in a Metrodome dome dog costume or been immortalized in a Target Field bobblehead, congratulations: you’re already qualified to manage the Minnesota Twins. Forget tactical bullpen management; all you need to do is be a name fans recognize from the good old days. Torii Hunter has publicly said he wants to manage. He also has the added bonus of smiling more in one week than Baldelli did in six seasons. Hunter’s résumé might be light on tactical acumen, but does it matter? Fans just want him sprinting out of the dugout, waving his arms in protest after every borderline strike call. That’s leadership. Lew Ford has managed in independent ball, and if you can herd 37 guys who haven’t been paid in weeks and still convince them to run out grounders, you’re basically overqualified for MLB. Or better yet, just lock in a lifetime deal with a universally beloved fan favorite. It doesn’t even matter who: Michael Cuddyer, Johan Santana, Mike Redmond. Whoever makes you most nostalgic for 2006 gets the job. Cuddyer's already a contracted special assistant to the front office! You're halfway home. Step Two: Bring Back a Living Legend If a fan favorite player isn’t available, the backup plan is obvious: drag a legend out of retirement. Why reinvent the wheel? Tom Kelly is a crisp 75 years young. He already knows how to win in Minnesota (granted, it was before the entire roster was born), and after Bruce Bochy led Texas to the World Series, Twins fans are convinced age is just a number. Besides, Kelly would never use the word “load management” unironically, which fans would find refreshing after years of Baldelli’s “scheduled rest” charts. If TK can’t be coaxed back, maybe the Twins can call up Ron Gardenhire and see if he’s interested in returning with his RonCo Brand Grit™. Even if he doesn’t win, at least the postgame interviews will be more entertaining. Step Three: Non-Negotiable Fan Traits Every good fan-sourced managerial search needs a checklist. Here are the must-haves that no CV (not you, Christian Vázquez... although you know what—) should overlook: Pull the Starter After Exactly 105 Pitches. Not 104, not 106. 105 is the new magic number. It’s time to get back to the Jack Morris era. Bunt More. Modern baseball hates bunting. Fans love it. The new manager should bunt in every inning, no exceptions. Sacrifice bunts with two outs? Why not? Bunt for a double now and then. It'll be fine. Get Thrown Out Once a Week. Baldelli was tossed only sparingly in six years. That’s not nearly enough fire. The new skipper needs to storm the field like it’s a WWE Royal Rumble. The fans will crowdfund a set of wrestling shorts and boots, in fact. Call Up the Hot Prospect Immediately. Doesn’t matter if he’s 19 years old or currently playing in Rookie ball. If a prospect homers twice in Wichita, he should be leading off in Minneapolis by Friday. Never Lose a Postseason Game. This one is non-negotiable. Fans have been through enough. Step Four: The Job Posting (According to Twins Territory) Now Hiring: Minnesota Twins Manager Location: Minneapolis, MN Compensation: $2 million annually plus free Caribou Coffee and a lifetime supply of Dome Dogs (Yes, they are left over from the 2009 Playoffs) Minimum Qualifications: Must have once hit a walk-off at the Metrodome OR at least high-fived Joe Mauer. Experience with baseball optional; “played MLB The Show on Rookie Mode” preferred. Ability to wave arms furiously while yelling “C’MON BLUE!” required. Must own at least one pair of stirrups and an authentic Starter jacket. Familiarity with bunting, even in absurd scenarios (bases empty, two outs, down by 10). Preferred Experience: Previous independent league managerial experience (bonus points if your team bus broke down on I-94 and you still got the guys to the game on time). Played in the 2002 ALCS or can convincingly pretend you did. Willingness to pull a starter the second he gives up a single to right field, no questions asked. Step Five: Fan Poll Results The Twins Daily Department of Very Serious Research™ surveyed 10,000 Minnesotans (and three Wisconsinites who accidentally wandered over). Here are the official results: Nicest Autograph: Cuddyer (45%) narrowly beat out Hunter (42%). Redmond received 1%, as voters called his scribble “hard to read, looks like a doctor’s note.” Most Likely to Bunt With the Bases Loaded: Kelly (91%). The other 9% thought it might be Nick Punto, if he’s available. (And he is. In fact, he's a coach on the Padres staff.) Most “Managerial” Jawline: Santana (65%), because fans felt “he’d look good in slow-motion camera shots.” Fan Write-In Candidate: Justin Morneau (12%)—though half of those ballots were accidentally cast for “Justin Moreno,” a dentist in Eagan. At the end of the day, the Twins could hire a seasoned baseball lifer, a former star, or just someone who knows how to toss a rally sausage on the dugout rail. Whoever it is, fans won’t be satisfied unless the new manager both delivers a World Series and makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy about the early 2000s. Because in Minnesota, winning is nice, but a healthy dose of nostalgia, bunting, and good dugout theatrics is the real dream. View full article