A New Direction for Minnesota
The Minnesota Twins have officially parted ways with manager Rocco Baldelli, ending his seven-season tenure with the club. The team announced the decision on Monday, September 29, 2025, following a tumultuous season that concluded with a disappointing 70-92 record, the fourth-worst in the major leagues.
In a statement, Twins President of Baseball & Business Operations, Derek Falvey, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision while emphasizing the need for a change. “This game is ultimately measured by results, and over the past two seasons, we did not reach the goals we set,” Falvey said. “After discussions with ownership, we determined that this is the right moment for a change in voice and direction.”
A Tenure of Highs and Lows
Hired in October 2018, Baldelli’s time in Minnesota was marked by significant achievements. He leaves as the third-winningest manager in franchise history with an overall record of 527-505. His leadership produced notable successes, including:
- Three AL Central Division Titles: The Twins captured the division crown in 2019, 2020, and 2023.
- Manager of the Year: Baldelli was named the American League Manager of the Year in his first season in 2019, a year the team won 101 games.
- Historic Playoff Victory: In 2023, he guided the Twins to a Wild Card Series win over the Toronto Blue Jays, snapping an 18-game postseason losing streak and securing the club’s first playoff series victory since 2002.
“Over the past seven years, Rocco has been much more than our manager,” Falvey stated. “He has been a trusted partner and teammate to me in leading this organization… He led with honesty, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our players and staff.”
The Path to Dismissal
Despite the 2023 playoff breakthrough, the team’s fortunes took a sharp downturn. The decline began when ownership mandated a payroll reduction of approximately $30 million ahead of the 2024 season, a move that limited the front office’s ability to maintain the roster’s depth. The 2024 season ended on a sour note, and the struggles carried into 2025.
The 2025 season was a story of collapse. After a slow 7-15 start, the team was further derailed by significant injuries to key pitchers. This prompted a massive selloff at the July 31 trade deadline, where the team traded 10 players from its major league roster, including its five best relievers. Following the deadline, the Twins stumbled to a 19-35 record over the final two months, among the worst in baseball during that stretch. As reported by digitaltrendstoday.com, the team’s combined record over its last 201 games stands at a dismal 82-119.
The on-field struggles were mirrored by declining attendance at Target Field, which fell to its lowest level for a non-pandemic season since 2000, reflecting widespread fan frustration with both the team’s performance and ownership’s cost-cutting measures.
Looking Ahead
The Twins have already initiated their search for a new manager who will be tasked with revitalizing the team. Club Executive Chair Joe Pohlad expressed gratitude for Baldelli’s contributions, stating, “He led with professionalism and care for both his players and our organization, and we are grateful for the way Rocco represented the Twins.” The new manager, in collaboration with Falvey and General Manager Jeremy Zoll, will be responsible for shaping the 2026 coaching staff and steering the franchise back toward contention.
