Recently Traded Pitcher Suggests MN Twins Facilities are Lacking

Nearly 40% of what was the Minnesota Twins’ active roster prior to their surprise 2025 trade deadline fire sale is now elsewhere, playing on teams jockeying for an MLB playoff spot. Unlike their former team, which proved it has no desire to win baseball games anymore.

Not all who were shipped off wanted that fate, others were asking to get out. While it was the Correa deal that lit the match on the Twins’ flurry of trades last week, it was actually Chris Paddack who was dealt first.

And on Tuesday evening in Detroit, the 29-year-old righty will face his former team in game two of this week’s series between the division rival Twins and Tigers.

Chris Paddack loves the Detroit Tigers facilities

The Minnesota Twins aren’t the first franchise Chris Paddack has played for at the big league level. He was acquired from the San Diego Padres after pitching their for the first three years of his career. But in the days since leaving Minneapolis for Detroit, there’s one thing he’s noticed. The Tigers aren’t cutting financial corners in their facilities like the Twins must be…

In an interview with the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale, Paddack pointed to the clubhouse, the kitchen and everywhere in between. Target Field was built in 2010 and the most hyped upgrade since was the nap room created for Nelson Cruz, along with the childcare provided for families during games. In Detroit, however, the amenities provided to players seem to hit Paddack different.

“I mean, look at it. From clubhouse to kitchen to weight room, I think the training room is next, it’s top tier. It goes to show little things for players, for our bodies and our mind, the space that they create for us in here, it’s important. It’s just crazy what winning some games can do for an organization. Their front office is all-in on this group and started making some upgrades.”

Chris Paddack – Star Tribune

Chris Paddack, Filthy 78mph Curveball. 😷 pic.twitter.com/j4z8PDvLJE

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 30, 2025

The home clubhouse was remodeled in Detroit just two years ago. There is still a shine and a luster for the players that have been there. It has to feel that much more special to guys experiencing it for the first time, especially when coming from a Twins organization you know is trying to pinch pennies wherever possible.

Paddack took his first turn in the Tigers rotation last week. He threw six innings of one-run ball while allowing just three hits and striking out five. It will be interesting to see how he attacks Minnesota, and how the Twins respond when the two see each other Tuesday night.

Paddack weighs in on Minnesota Twins crowds

With the Twins sending players all throughout the league, it’s not surprising that plenty will cross paths on new teams. That happened for Chris Paddack and the Tigers as they faced the Philadelphia Phillies. Jhoan Duran’s entrance was on display, and the former Minnesota starter said it hit different.

“The guys were asking me, ‘Was it this good in Minnesota?’ I was like, ‘We had some good crowds, some good light shows and some fun games, but it wasn’t 46,000, lights turning off and the whole stadium is rocking. I was trying to hold in the smiles for him because he’s on the wrong side, but that’s what it is about. That’s why we play this game. You get goosebumps when you get those opportunities.”

Chris Paddack – Star Tribune

Jhoan Duran kept his entrance from when he was with the Twins and introduced it to the Bank. pic.twitter.com/LU1NvVHgyk

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 2, 2025

Paddack isn’t wrong. The Duran entrance hits different in a filled ballpark, at night, with fans knowing the game means something. This season the Twins have been able to offer the darkness, but that’s where things end.

Their attendance ranks 12th of 15 teams in the American League. They will fail to hit 2 million in total attendance yet again, and the rest of the way should see dismal crowds after the selloff was initiated by ownership.

Related: One Minnesota Twins Pitcher Devastated by Trade

It’s disappointing that so many around the country are just now seeing this moment for the first time. It could have been something celebrated in Minnesota if the franchise cared enough to get it on center stage.