The 2025 season for the Minnesota Twins was undoubtedly one of the most tumultuous chapters in recent franchise history, and it all started with a grim warning—opening with four consecutive losses. This initial setback foreshadowed a difficult year, as the team finished with over 90 losses—the first time since 2016 that such a poor record was recorded. But what truly marked this season was the series of bold and often controversial decisions that signaled a major turning point for a team that had been consistently competitive in recent years but failed to make a significant postseason run. With changes in leadership at the executive and managerial levels, the Twins' direction shifted rapidly, igniting passionate debate among fans and analysts alike.
Let’s dive into the key storylines that defined this chaotic season:
A Shift in Ownership and Management
Throughout 2024, the ownership saga took a dramatic turn. In late 2024, Chicago-based billionaire Justin Ishbia considered purchasing the Twins. However, after months of speculation, he withdrew his bid—opting instead to increase his investment in the Chicago White Sox, a direct rival. The Pohlad family, who have owned the Twins since 1984, continued to entertain offers, but Ishbia’s withdrawal seemed to mark the end of a potential change in ownership, and the team remained firmly under the Pohlad family's control.
In March 2025, a significant change occurred within the organization’s leadership. Dave St. Peter, who had been the team’s president for 22 years and with the organization for 35 years, announced his departure from the role—transitioning into an advisory capacity. St. Peter’s journey from an intern in 1990 to the team's head executive is a classic “storybook” tale, and his leadership was deeply valued by many. His successor, Derek Falvey, was promoted to simultaneously serve as president of baseball operations—his role since 2016—and oversee the team’s business operations. Falvey spoke highly of St. Peter, emphasizing his passion for the Twins and remarking, “Nobody not named Pohlad cares about the Minnesota Twins more than Dave St. Peter.”
Rebirth of Hope: A 13-Game Winning Streak
The season’s early months painted a bleak picture, with the Twins starting 4-18 through March and April. But the narrative shifted dramatically in May when the team embarked on an impressive 13-game winning streak, revitalizing their postseason hopes. This surge was sparked notably by Kody Clemens’ clutch three-run homer at Fenway Park, an emotional highlight witnessed by his father, former Red Sox ace Roger Clemens.
Despite setbacks such as losing stars Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton to concussions, the team’s starting pitchers held the line during this winning stretch. Remarkably, this run echoed a similar slow start in 2024 that culminated in a 12-game winning streak, showcasing resilience and potential.
Byron Buxton’s Standout Performance
Amid the season’s chaos, Byron Buxton remained a consistent bright spot. Making his second All-Star appearance, Buxton finished just shy of the MVP top-10 rankings, but he made a career-high 35 home runs across 126 games—his most extensive season since 2017. A particularly memorable moment came on July 12, when Buxton hit his first career cycle during a game against the Pirates, scooping singles, triples, doubles, and finally homering in a single game. That same day, fans received special memorabilia in the form of a “Buck Truck” bobblehead, commemorating his achievement.
The Playoff Dream Fades
Before the All-Star break, the Twins lingered just below .500 and lagged behind the Detroit Tigers in division standings but still clung to potential Wild Card playoff prospects. However, their momentum was derailed early in the second half. A disastrous game against the Colorado Rockies, involving poor pitching from Chris Paddack and a series of costly hits, set the tone for their decline. The subsequent losses to the Los Angeles Dodgers further dashed their chances, with the team unable to recover during a difficult road trip.
The July Trade Deadline – A Tumultuous Selloff
The trade deadline, typically a moment for postseason push or strategic rebuilding, for the Twins turned into a wholesale selloff. Multiple key players, including Paddack and reliever Griffin Jax, were traded away in a move to cut payroll. The most shocking was the trading of star shortstop Carlos Correa and closer Jhoan Duran, just before the deadline, in an effort to reduce financial burdens. That day’s game before the trade saw confusion and frustration, with players like Willi Castro and Jax visibly upset, highlighting the turmoil in the clubhouse.
Ownership Reassessment and No Sale
Contrary to widespread expectations, the Pohlad family announced shortly after the deadline that they would retain ownership of the Twins rather than selling the franchise. Instead, they planned to bring in a group of limited partners, including notable local figures like the Glick family, George Hicks, and Wild owner Craig Leipold, aiming to manage the team’s considerable debt burden. This decision disappointed many fans, who had hoped for a complete ownership change.
Leadership Changes: Baldelli’s Departure and Shelton’s Arrival
In late September, following the season’s conclusion and back-to-back fourth-place finishes, Twins’ manager Rocco Baldelli was dismissed. Despite leading the team to three playoff appearances in seven seasons, the late-season collapses in 2024 and 2025 prompted this drastic step. The organization stated it was time for a new voice and direction.
A little over a month later, Derek Shelton, previously the bench coach and a former finalist for the managerial role, was appointed as the new manager. Shelton, who previously managed the Pirates with a 306-440 record, was eager for a fresh start, hoping to restore stability and success.
A New Chapter Begins with Tom Pohlad
Finally, in December 2025, the ownership landscape shifted once more as Tom Pohlad was introduced as the new executive chairman of the Twins—the role previously held by his brother Joe since late 2022. Tom is expected to be officially approved as the organization’s Control Person, taking over from his uncle Jim, and to lead the team’s strategic direction. His entrance comes at a time of low fan morale and widespread frustration with the team’s direction. During his introductory press conference, Pohlad emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and renewing energy within the organization.
So, what's next for the Twins?
This season’s saga raises critical questions about ownership stability, team management, and the impact of bold decisions in sports. Do you think these radical changes will eventually pay off, or are they a sign of deeper issues within the franchise? Share your thoughts below—are you convinced the Twins are on the right path, or do you believe this chaos might undermine their future? The debate is open.
