• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Twins At Crossroads: Team Sale, Media Shifts, and Rising Competition

One of MLB’s most consistently successful and well-regarded franchises faces an offseason quite unlike any other. 

Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Twins are facing a triple dose of uncertainty this offseason due to an impending franchise sale combined with rising turbulence in the regional sports media business and sharply improved competition within their division.

The club already had plenty of questions to answer after an ugly 7–18 finish to the 2024 season spoiled what had looked for months like a surefire playoff campaign, instead ending in a fourth-place finish with an 82–80 record. Amplifying those questions is a recent decision to part ways with the bankrupt Diamond Sports Group and instead have the Twins’ local games produced and distributed by Major League Baseball

Just days later, the Pohlad family that owns the Twins made the surprising decision to put the club up for sale, ending a four-decade run that had become one of MLB’s longest-tenured ownership groups. 

So it came as little surprise that Derek Falvey, Twins president of baseball operations, acknowledges that dealmaking this offseason to reshape the roster carries some unique challenges—even as he attempts to keep things “pretty much business as usual.”

“My job is to continue to try and build the team the best we can and make decisions that are hopefully in the short-term and long-term interest of the team,” Falvey said at MLB GM meetings happening this week in San Antonio. 

Money Matters

The Twins’ 2025 payroll is expected to be about $130 million, right in line with the club’s 2024 spending. The number is down from 2023’s $156.1 million—which happened before the club returned to DSG this past season at a reduced rights fee and then parted ways with the FanDuel Sports Network parent company. 

The club, however, is already moving toward that $130 million figure with nearly $97 million committed for 2025 and more than a dozen players due for potential raises in arbitration and contract extensions. The Twins, meanwhile, are also now competing in a long-weak American League Central division that has suddenly become arguably MLB’s most competitive, with the Guardians, Royals, and Tigers all reaching this year’s playoffs and each bringing back much of their key talent next year.

A buyer for the Twins is not likely before the start of the 2025 season, given franchise sales processes that typically require at least six months. But already, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is lamenting the forthcoming departure of the Pohlads.

“I think it’s a loss for the game,” Manfred said last week on SiriusXM. “The Pohlad family have been great stewards in Minnesota. They put a competitive product on the field, and they’ve got a great new stadium. They really have been an important part of the game for a really long time. … The family came to a decision that it was best for them. They’ll be missed.”

Crosstown Traffic

In another potential ownership transfer in Minnesota pro sports, the long-simmering dispute regarding the NBA’s Timberwolves is moving closer to a conclusion.

Soon after current minority owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore made a deposit of more than $940 million in an escrow account, the pair have been in arbitration this week with current controlling owner Glen Taylor. The hearing before the three-person panel, also involving the WNBA’s Lynx, is expected to last much of this week, with a binding decision expected next month. Rodriguez and Lore have been attempting to complete a three-stage takeover of both teams at a $1.5 billion valuation—a figure originally agreed to but far less than their current worth. 

A decision in favor of Taylor would end the matter, while one in favor of Rodriguez and Lore would compel a sale of the controlling stake and move the transaction to the NBA Board of Governors for approval. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.

ESPN Ends Its Wild-Card Coverage With Historic TV Ratings

Wild-card viewership surges 64% to a record in the current format.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.

Connor McDavid Signs Short-Term Deal, Eyeing Oilers’ Cup Window

The three-time Most Valuable Player signs for below his market value.
September 30, 2025

Tyreek Hill’s Injury Complicates Financial Future With Dolphins

Releasing the receiver after this season would cost $28 million.
October 1, 2025

Cardinals Vow Changes Coming After Historic Attendance Drop

A stalwart franchise looks to correct an alarming slide in attendance.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Jun 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) and relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.
September 29, 2025

Two of the Mets’ Biggest Stars Could Dictate Important Offseason

The Mets missed the playoffs despite having one of baseball’s highest payrolls.
September 29, 2025

Mariners to End 37-Year RSN Run, Join MLB’s In-House Media Model

The Mariners-owned regional sports network is shutting down operations.
September 25, 2025

Celtics Owner Bill Chisholm: Boston Should Have a WNBA Team

Chisholm spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time as Celtics owner.
Aug 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello calls out a play in the second half to her team against the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center.
September 25, 2025

Liberty GM Defends Controversial Brondello Firing

Kolb said he has confidence that the team’s stars will return.