The Minnesota Twins sacked manager Rocco Baldelli on Monday, a day after a dismal 70-92 season landed them fourth in the AL Central. Baldelli, 44, exits with a 527-505 record over seven years, including three division titles and a 2019 AL Manager of the Year award.
A brutal 2024 late-season skid (12-27 over the final 39 games) and a 2025 plagued by injuries to starters like Pablo López and a gutted bullpen after trading 10 players, including closer Jhoan Duran, sealed his fate. The Twins went 19-35 post-deadline, one of the worst marks in MLB.
“Rocco’s leadership was exceptional, but results drive this game,” said president of baseball operations Derek Falvey. Owner Joe Pohlad added, “We respect Rocco deeply, but it’s time for a new direction.” Baldelli thanked the organization, saying, “I’m proud of our accomplishments, though I wish we’d achieved more.”
The Twins now hunt for a new manager as Baldelli, a proven players’ coach, is likely to draw interest elsewhere.
