Minnesota Twins Dismiss Manager Rocco Baldelli Following Disappointing 70-92 Season
Minnesota Twins Dismiss Manager Rocco Baldelli After Seven Seasons
Twins Undergo Leadership Change Amid Struggles
The Minnesota Twins have dismissed manager Rocco Baldelli after a seven-year career marked by significant achievements and recent challenges. Despite securing three American League Central titles during his tenure, the decision follows a series of unfulfilled expectations, culminating in a second consecutive lackluster season.
Season Setbacks Lead to Management Overhaul
Entering the season with high hopes for contending for the American League Central title, the Twins stumbled by mid-year. In June, they transitioned into sellers at the trade deadline, trading away ten players and trimming $26 million from their payroll. The team managed a subpar 23-43 record after the All-Star break, concluding the season in fourth place within their division with an overall 70-92 record.
Comparative Performance and League Standing
Following the trade deadline, the Twins recorded a dismal 19-35 performance that left them with the fourth-worst record across Major League Baseball. Only the Colorado Rockies struggled more significantly during the closing months of the season. This outcome mirrored their poor performance in 2016 when their record stood at 59-103, reflecting a similar scenario that led to the midseason departure of longtime General Manager Terry Ryan, succeeded by current team president Derek Falvey.
Rocco Baldelli’s Legacy with the Team
Baldelli, at 44 years old, leaves behind a legacy that includes winning the 2019 AL Manager of the Year award during his debut season and leading the Twins to success with three division titles. Of particular note, in 2023, the Twins broke an 18-game postseason losing streak and celebrated their first playoff series victory since 2002. Baldelli’s overall managerial record stands at 527-505, making him the third-winningest manager in Minnesota Twins history, a legacy trailing only behind Tom Kelly and Ron Gardenhire.
El-Balad recognizes the Associated Press for contributions to this report.
