The Minnesota Twins’ owner, Jim Pohlad, has announced that Rocco Baldelli is no longer with the team.
Owner Jim Pohlad says that Rocco Baldelli is no longer with the Minnesota Twins.
The Minnesota Twins owners have announced a leadership change, just over a week after revealing new jerseys and logos.
Owner and executive chair Jim Pohlad informed Twins staff members via letter on Monday that he is giving his nephew Joe Pohlad the executive chair title and day-to-day duties.
The Twins were purchased by Jim Pohlad’s father, Carl, in 1984, and the upcoming season will mark the family’s 40th season as owners. Although his brothers Bill and Bob are executive board members of the organization, Jim has acted as the family’s public face in his capacity as chairman.
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Joe will take on the role of executive chairman and be in charge of all organizational operations after serving as the club’s executive vice president of brand strategy and growth for the preceding 15 years. Joe will receive direct reports from President and CEO Dave St. Peter and President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey. Jim says he’ll be working with league management and teams still.
A section of Jim’s letter reads, “As we look to the future, our family is highly confident in Joe’s ability to lead the brand forward in crucial ways.”
The family is still “absolutely committed to owning the Twins for years to come,” he continued.
Fans will be closely watching the Twins’ offseason activities after a poor season that saw them finish third in the American League Central Division and miss the playoffs. Carlos Correa, a superb shortstop, is a free agent, which is another issue.
Unexpectedly, Correa joined the Twins prior to the start of the season and won the admiration of both teammates and fans. Even though he has expressed thanks to the Twins and his eagerness to return, he is likely to demand a long-term contract worth at least $30 million annually, and it is questionable if the Twins are prepared to pay that much to keep him.
Given the most recent modifications to the club’s governing structure, a detailed examination of the team’s summer spending is warranted.
Regarding the Monday news, the team itself remained silent.
