The Minnesota Twins are entering a period of high change. After a 77-85 season, the team faces new leadership in the front office and several big choices regarding player pay. This winter looks much busier than the last one.
New Leadership and Ownership Stability
The front office looks different than it did last year. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Tom Pohlad took control of the team from his brother, Joe. This move follows the exit of longtime baseball operations president Derek Falvey in January. The team also lost GM Thad Levine about a year after that. Even Assistant GM Daniel Adler and the Twins reached a mutual agreement to part ways. It is a lot of movement for one group. I do not like seeing a revolving door in the front office. You need steady hands to build a winning club, not a series of exits.
The owners also changed their plans recently. MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Pohlad family looked into selling the team but chose to stay. Instead, they brought in new minority owners to help run things. This might bring the stability the team needs after the 2025 deadline trade period when they moved 11 players.
Big Money and Long Term Deals
The Twins have a lot of money tied up in players for years to come. I look at the work, not just the name on the back of the jersey. Some of these deals are massive. A few key numbers to watch include:
- Byron Buxton is set to earn $30MM through 2028, with extra money possible based on his stats.
- Pablo López has a deal worth $21.5MM through 2027.
- Victor Caratini is under contract for $10MM through 2027.
- Jeff Hoffman has a $7.25MM deal through 2027, though the Blue Jays are paying part of his $11MM salary.
The team also owes $20MM to the Astros for the 2025 Carlos Correa trade. That is $10MM due in 2027 and $10MM in 2028. When you add it all up, the team has $88.775MM in long-term commitments through 2028. That is a lot of weight on the books. You cannot just spend money and hope for the best. You have to make sure the talent matches the check.
Tough Decisions on the Roster
The front office has some hard choices to make regarding player options and arbitration. Some players might stay, and some might go. For example, the team must decide on a $13MM mutual option for Joe Ryan. They also have a $10MM mutual option for Josh Bell. These are the types of moves that define a season. If you decline an option, you might lose a good piece for nothing.
The team also faces many players who are up for arbitration. These players are looking for raises. Some projected salaries include:
- Bailey Ober at $6.9MM.
- Dean Kremer at $6.5MM.
- Trevor Larnach at $6.3MM.
- Joe Ryan at $9.6MM.
I see names like Anthony Banda, Bailey Ober, Royce Lewis, and Cole Sands on the list of non-tender candidates.
