To say the Twins need a culture change is an understatement. After winning a postseason series for the first time in 21 years during the 2023 campaign, the Twins failed to make the playoffs in 2024 after projections gave them a better than 90% chance of making the postseason in August, then finished the 2025 season with the second-worst win-loss record (70-92) in the American League after finishing late July 10 players from their active roster had been traded. President of baseball operations Derek Falvey fired manager Rocco Baldelli at the end of the 2025 regular season, signaling to fans that the organization wants to make a culture change.
However, firing Rocco Baldelli alone won’t be enough to get the Twins back into the playoffs. Various roster moves will also have to be made. But while a manager may have limited influence over on-field results, he still plays a big role in shaping the atmosphere of a clubhouse, which can lead to greater success. The Twins have to take care of it whoever they hire as their new manager fits well with the current core of the team.
What qualities should Twins look for in a new manager?
Most importantly, the Twins need to make sure they don’t just hire a “yes man” as their next skipper. While there is no credible evidence that Baldelli did everything the front office said, many media members and fans came away with the feeling that most of his management decisions were made in conjunction with the front office, which has become a common trend in Major League Baseball today. Managers must work with the front office, but it may be beneficial for Falvey to hire someone who makes their own decisions and occasionally provides front office advice. After all, Falvey isn’t the manager; he is the president of baseball (and business operations).
Someone the Twins should consider hiring as their next manager is the legendary Joe Maddon. as suggested by SHOES North Judd Zulgad. Maddon, who led the Cubs to their first World Series victory in 108 years in 2016, would likely be willing to work with Falvey as Twins manager, but he would also fight for the decisions he believes are right, rather than just blindly following the front office’s orders. There are many other managerial candidates the Twins should consider as well, and it’s virtually unknown who is a yes man and who isn’t, but Minnesota should keep that in mind during the recruiting process.
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