Former Minnesota Twins Skipper May Find Work Sooner Than Later

It remains to be seen what Rocco Baldelli wants to do after his dismissal from the Minnesota Twins. He has a young family and spent seven years leading the Twins.

His firing was also very clearly not a reflection of his performance, and he could be scooped up quickly. If he chooses to enter the fray and seek another managerial role this cycle, the demand for his services could surprise fans in Minnesota.

Rocco Baldelli an immediate managerial candidate

There are times when a manager is fired in which they can’t find a place to land. That may be intentional, personal, or a reflection of their results. In the case of Rocco Baldelli, it doesn’t sound like he’ll have difficulty finding work if he wants it. The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli suggests it could even happen this offseason.

Baldelli and Brandon Hyde, dismissed from Minnesota and the Baltimore Orioles, respectively, are two well-thought of candidates who have experience and could be willing to immediately dive back in. They have the benefit of selectivity given their contract status. Baldelli’s 2026 option with the Twins was picked up during the season.

Brittany Ghiroli – The Athletic

As Ghiroli mentions, the Twins already are on the hook for Baldelli’s 2026 salary. He doesn’t need a new gig in 2026 in order to make money. However, it’s possible that an opening makes sense and he quickly finds his way back into a clubhouse.

Baldelli certainly had flaws with the Minnesota Twins, but he was hardly the problem. Handed a mixed bag from both ownership and the front office, he was largely making due with what was given to him.

In his first season with the Twins, Baldelli led the team to 101 wins. For his efforts, taking over an 84-loss 2018 team, he was named the American League Manager of the Year. He finished with a 527-505 record (.511%).

It wouldn’t be a shock to see Baldelli join another organization in a capacity below the manager as well. Again, he won’t need the immediate payday, and it could be a springboard for his next leading role.