URGENT UPDATE: The Minnesota Twins have just fired manager Rocco Baldelli following a disappointing 70-92 season, marking the end of his seven-year tenure. This significant decision was officially announced on Monday, as the team grapples with the fallout from a season that saw them underperform despite high expectations.
Twins president Derek Falvey expressed the emotional weight of the decision, stating, “This is a difficult day because of what Rocco represents to so many people here.” He praised Baldelli for his leadership, noting his “honesty, integrity, and unwavering commitment” to the team.
The Twins, anticipated to be contenders for the American League Central title, faltered dramatically, posting a dismal 23-43 record after the All-Star break. Their struggles culminated in a roster overhaul at the trade deadline, where the team sent away 10 players and slashed $26 million from payroll. This included the departure of key players like shortstop Carlos Correa and closer Jhoan Duran.
Despite some bright spots, such as Byron Buxton‘s health and rookie Luke Keaschall’s consistent production, the team finished with the fourth-worst record in Major League Baseball. Attendance at Target Field plummeted, with just over 1.7 million tickets sold—the lowest since 2000 in a non-pandemic season.
Officials are now looking ahead to how the team will rebuild and regain the trust of frustrated fans, especially as ownership has faced backlash over recent cost-cutting measures. The Pohlad family, who put the franchise up for sale last year, decided to retain control while seeking new investment to alleviate financial strain.
As the Twins transition to a new managerial approach, the impact of Baldelli’s departure reverberates through the organization. Just five years ago, Baldelli was celebrated as the 2019 AL Manager of the Year, leading the Twins to three division titles and breaking an 18-game postseason losing streak earlier this year. However, the team’s recent performance overshadowed those accomplishments.
Fans and analysts alike are now contemplating what this means for the future of the franchise. The Twins’ next steps will be closely monitored as they seek to rebuild and recover from this tumultuous season. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.