Twins Legend Turns Down Chance at Manager

The Minnesota Twins continue to work through their process on finding a replacement for fired manager Rocco Baldelli. There have been more than a handful of names now that have been contacted by the local nine, former Mariners Skipper Scott Servais being the latest name added to the list.

So far, team president Derek Falvey has yet to narrow down the search for a second round of interviews, but that is undoubtedly coming soon. Unfortunately, there was one popular candidate among fans who won’t be in for a second or even first interview… because he’s reportedly not interested.

Torii Hunter rebuffs Minnesota Twins interest

That non-candidate is MN Twins legend, Torii Hunter, who according to Declan Goff (SKOR North), was offered an opportunity to interview, but said he no thanks.

“I can confirm that Torii Hunter did have a conversation with Twins brass about the position, about preliminary conversation about being the manager of the Minnesota Twins. Essentially Torii Hunter told the Twins that he wasn’t interested in managing the team.”

Declan Goff – Skor North

Goff isn’t sure when the Twins contacted Hunter about interviewing for their vacant manager role. All he knows is that it happened happened before the Angels hired another former Twin, Kurt Suzuki, earlier this week.

The 50-year-old Hunter spent 12 of his 19 years in the major leagues with the Twins. He also played five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. It remains to be seen if he’ll continue to operate as a special assistant within the Angels organization.

Why would Hunter turn down a managing opportunity?

Torii Hunter spends most of his time in California now, and according to Declan, wasn’t interested in uprooting his family. He also has a presence in Texas, where he works out with Royce Lewis during the offseason.

Even with the logistical difficulties, however, if Torii Hunter wants to get into managing — something he has previously conveyed multiple times, then his turning down the Minnesota Twins is likely about more than uprooting his family.

From more than one source, I personally have been told that candidates have expressed interest in the Twins roster and front office, that Derek Falvey can make things work. However, ownership being a “mess” has become a recurring hurdle throughout the process, so far.