MN Twins Clubhouse Boils Over as Trade Deadline Looms

The Minnesota Twins got thumped by the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. It was their fourth straight series loss coming out of the All-Star Break, quickly going from playoff contender to complete collapse. Not even a 13-game winning streak could save them, at this point.

With the trade deadline just hours away, and Jhoan Duran’s “hug watch” in the rearview mirror on Tuesday night, Wednesday quickly became even more laughable, after Twins pitcher Zebby Matthews started strong, but faded fast. The game ultimately ended in 13-1 fashion, but tempers boiled over in the clubhouse postgame.

Clubhouse a mess after Minnesota Twins latest loss

Minnesota entered Wednesday’s matinee against the Red Sox trailing 8-1 in the 9th inning. That meant a position player could not yet be used, so Rocco Baldelli turned to Griffin Jax for what could be his final appearance in a Twins uniform. He failed to record an out and gave up three straight hits before being lifted for position player Kody Clemens.

It was clear Jax was visibly upset on the mound. He had worked himself into a mess he likely wanted to get out of. Then things boiled over. The Athletic’s Dan Hayes shared the scene from the clubhouse.

Minnesota Twins postgame clubhouse was absolutely surreal as players tried to digest what happened in an awkward 9th inning. One player said everyone was “shook.” Angry about his removal, Griffin Jax had a meeting with Rocco Baldelli for which Carlos Correa was present. It felt as if many players wondered if Willi Castro had been traded based on him being removed in the top of the ninth inning. Baldelli said he simply wanted to give Castro a chance to be patted on the back publicly. “Willi hasn’t gone anywhere,” Baldelli said.

With the bullpen beat up, Baldelli called on Jax to pitch despite the lopsided score. Jax most recently pitched Monday and was “the rested guy,” Baldelli said. After 12 pitches and three singles, Jax was removed much to his dismay.

The NESN feed showed Jax pacing in the dugout after his removal before sharing a brief exchange with Baldelli and bench coach Jayce Tingler, motioning his arm toward the mound where position player Kody Clemens was set to pitch.

Adding to the absurdity was Ty France shifting from first base to second base to replace Clemens. Mickey Gasper replaced France at first. France said he’d been told earlier in the day he would be replacing Castro if he reached base.

Jax expected to be called into the manager’s office. Jax & Correa then met with Baldelli. Following the discussion, Jax said he understood why Baldelli removed him. Part of reason was 1st run allowed meant #MNTwins could use a position player as a pitcher to save Jax’s arm.

Dan Hayes – X (Formerly Twitter)

This whole situation is a reflection of players that seemingly don’t get the situation they put their coaches in. Regardless of how you feel about Rocco Baldelli, Tommy Watkins, Jayce Tingler, Pete Maki, or anyone else on the staff, they don’t play the game.

Twins players have nobody to blame but themselves

Minnesota went out and laid an egg Wednesday. It’s the same sort of competency this same group has shown since the All-Star Break when they had a chance to influence their future.

Baldelli would have called upon a position player in a meaningless game immediately if the rules allowed for it. Instead Jax went out and pitched in a manner that made it possible.

Romy Gonzalez (7)
3-Run Home Run

Opponent: Minnesota Twins
Pitcher: Kody Clemens
Date: 7/30/25 pic.twitter.com/rScSKchiVF

— Red Sox Home Runs (@RedSox_HR) July 30, 2025

The Willi Castro removal was odd mostly because it wasn’t well-communicated. Baldelli was attempting to give a player his flowers, knowing he almost certainly won’t be with the team on Friday, and it caused all sorts of confusion. Jax hasn’t contributed to the poor performance, but his ire is misplaced if it’s towards those coaching him.

Adding to the odd responses to all of this is Carlos Correa’s inclusion. It’s great that he’s a veteran looking out for the state of the club, but why was he in the room with Jax and Baldelli during their meeting?

Related: Breaking: Minnesota Twins Trade Jhoan Duran to Phillies

Correa called Royce Lewis out publicly a year ago. It might hold more weight though if he wasn’t having the worst season of his career and entertaining trade ideas to his former employer. In conclusion, the Minnesota Twins have become a complete embarrassment, and there’s still two months of the season left…

There is no level of frustration that should be more directed at anyone than the guys wearing uniforms between the lines. A sort of mass exodus the next 20 hours should be expected. The Twins are open for business.