Minnesota Twins Move On from Manager Rocco Baldelli

The Minnesota Twins have decided to part ways with manager Rocco Baldelli after seven seasons at the helm. Under Baldelli’s leadership, the team clinched three American League Central titles, but recent back-to-back disappointing seasons led to this change.

“It’s a tough day, given what Rocco means to so many around here,” said Twins President Derek Falby. “He brought integrity and dedication to our players and staff. I hold a great deal of respect and appreciation for his commitment to the team.”

Expectations were high for Minnesota this season, yet they ended up with a 70-92 record. The situation worsened at the trade deadline when the Twins became major sellers, trading notable players like Carlos Correa and Harrison Bader, while also losing closer Joan Duran to the Philadelphia Phillies.

In total, the team made ten trades, which resulted in a salary reduction of $26 million. After the deadline, Minnesota struggled, recording just 19 wins against 35 losses, marking their worst finish since 2016.

Baldelli, who won the 2019 AL Manager of the Year Award, had an impressive start to his tenure by leading the team to a postseason victory in 2023, finally breaking an 18-game playoff losing streak.

Over his seven years, Baldelli achieved a record of 527 wins against 505 losses.

The Twins are facing additional issues beyond performance. Since 2000, attendance has dropped to its lowest point outside of the pandemic, with only around 1.7 million tickets sold at Target Field this year. Fans have voiced their dissatisfaction with ownership, especially as the Pohlad family made cost-cutting moves after the 2023 season and initially put the franchise up for sale. However, they later decided to maintain majority ownership while seeking new investors.

“Rocco has been much more than just a manager over the last seven years,” Falby noted. “He was a trusted partner in our efforts to position this club for success.”