While Minnesota must find a new manager to lead whatever product they put on the field, their front office will remain intact. Last season Thad Levine stepped away from the mess that Falvey was leading, and has instead operated a very interesting podcast with his time off.

Now it appears his services could be in demand once again.

Thad Levine could go back to Colorado Rockies

The Minnesota Twins hired Thad Levine as their general manager by poaching him from the Texas Rangers. He previously worked in the Colorado Rockies front office from 1999-2005, and with their general manager position now open, could return to the franchise.

Thad Levine, former Twins GM, is likely to be considered by the Rockies to lead their baseball operations department.

Levine, 53, spent six seasons with the Rockies earlier in his front office career, and I’m told he would have interest in the job. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 1, 2025

Denver Post writer Patrick Saunders also listed Levine among five candidates to consider for the post.

He served in Colorado’s front office from 1999 to 2005 before becoming assistant GM of the Rangers and then GM and senior vice president of the Twins. He left the Twins after the 2024 season. During his eight years in Minnesota, the Twins won three AL Central titles and earned four postseason berths.

Patrick Saunders – Denver Post

Levine took a year off from baseball while working on his Rosters to Rings podcast. Having listened to multiple episodes though, it’s clear he still has a mind for the game and is an extremely intellectual individual.

While Colorado has largely been a dumpster fire of a franchise, it should be expected that Levine would have a greater level of autonomy with the Rockies. Given the relative public non-existence of the recently promoted Jeremy Zoll in Minnesota, it’s clear that Twins president Derek Falvey doesn’t allow for much influence from those below him.

The Rockies have a beautiful stadium that outdrew Minnesota by a substantial amount despite a 43-119 record this season. Colorado topped 3 million fans in 2018 after appearing in the postseason the year prior, and they have done incredibly well when the product is notable.

Levine would be strapped by owner Dick Monfort, but that’s something he already experienced in Minnesota. If he can build something of substance, the opportunity and path to success if substantial.

Controllable assets, however, were supposed to be so expensive that inquiring teams were expected to struggle meeting president Derek Falvey’s asking prices. After dominos started to fall, and Carlos Correa accepted a trade to Houston, all bets were off.

Falvey put up the “For Sale” sign outside Target Field and Twins 26-man talent started selling like hotcakes at Sunday breakfast. By the time it was over, Minnesota traded Correa, Paddack, Willi Castro and most of the bullpen, including back end relievers under contract through 2028 or longer, in Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax and Louie Varland.

Over the weekend on his newly launched podcast “Rosters to Rings“, former Minnesota Twins general manager Thad Levine — whose contract was not renewed last offseason — sat down with ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan.

There, he shed more light on what led to Correa being dealt and just how difficult roster building can be for a mid-market MLB franchise trying to be profitable while carrying big market salaries, like Correa’s.

Thad Levine reflects on Carlos Correa’s time with MN Twins

Mostly, Levine believes Correa’s edition did more for the long-term success of the Minnesota Twins than those on the outside realize. The former MVP candidate and World Series champion helped Falvey and the Pohlads upgrade everything from coaching approach, to analytics, to player diet.

“Before the signing of Carlos Correa, I think the Minnesota fan base conceded that they just were never going to access that top tier of free agents. So they were eligible to consider the second tier on down. I think the signing of Carlos Correa, and the Pohlad family endorsing that signing, was such a watershed moment for the franchise that allowed them to understand they were worthy of accessing the best players on the market.

Secondarily, I think Carlos, before he even set foot on the field and made an impact, which he ultimately did do, he raised the standards of excellence for the franchise, which I think they’re going to feel for decades to come. They really modernized their advanced scouting, some of their coaching techniques from their strategic planning techniques. Heck, even the food service, was, was revolutionized by him.

Thad Levine – Roster to Rings

Related: MN Twins Officially Activate Byron Buxton

There’s a lot to unpack from the direct input given by a general manager that had a hand in this whole process. Of course Levine didn’t make the decision to trade Correa, but he helped to sign him, twice.

The perceived reality that Minnesota is not a championship environment franchise, and that his compensation takes up too much of the payroll, are self-inflicted wounds from the ownership level on down.

Levine, talking with former Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels as his cohost, noted the San Diego Padres as a franchise that went from a revenue sharing recipient to a contributor. It is by intention that these changes take shape.

Minnesota Twins bit off more than they could chew with Correa signing

It’s not as though Carlos Correa joined the Twins thinking that he would be the only piece. The Houston Astros showed him how a winning franchise supplements a roster when they have superstar talent ready to compete.

In Minnesota, Correa wound up in a similar position to what the same ownership group did with Joe Mauer before him. The Pohlad’s paid Mauer $184 million and then said that was enough. Nothing was done to support their very expensive superstar, essentially nullifying his signing, from a roster-building standpoint.

Now, to your point though, once it is clear that they’re not necessarily in a win now cycle. You really can’t afford to then continue to carry a player like that because he just represents too large of a percentage of your payroll. If the revenues aren’t there to continue to support building championship players around him, it really is tantamount to the success of that team then to move on from that, from that type of player. Whereas a team like the Yankees, with a bigger payroll may be able to hold on to that player for a longer period of time. Without risk, the Minnesota Twins needed to move him on.

So as much as he was a positive contributor for that franchise for the period of time he was here, I think it was very important that they traded him at the deadline. He’s a much better fit for Houston, who is continuing to try to win a championship at this stage in their development. He’s a championship environment player. He’s going to perform better for them than he probably will for the, the Twins right now, especially as the Twins embark upon a little bit of a rebuild.”

Thad Levine – Roster to Rings

Related: Insider Compares MN Twins Rookie to MVP Candidate

Minnesota is only not a championship environment, worthy of championship caliber talent, because they have succumbed to being second-rate roster creators. Trading Correa may have been necessary due to his drastic production dropoff (.267/.319/.386 92 OPS+), but it never should have been the result of roster building or a salary dump.

It seemed as though the Twins viewed Levine’s job as redundant. Levine’s public presence, especially in recent years had diminished. Insiders were being fed lines like ‘what does he really do here’, from within the organization. In other words, the writing was on the wall.

Members of the Minnesota Twins front office battling for GM role

Now, the front office is the Derek Falvey show. But that doesn’t mean those below him aren’t battling for that “General Manager” title. After the Twins decided to move on from Levine, there was a belief that Falvey would hold both the PoBO and GM titles.

Per Charley Walters (Pioneer Press), members of his own front office do not believe that to be the case. Thus, they are all reportedly “jockeying” for that general manager title.

“A little birdie says there is considerable jockeying underway within the Twins’ front office for the vacant general manager job.”

Charley Walters on the Twins GM vacancy (Pioneer Press)

It’s understandable that Derek Falvey may want someone to bounce ideas off of. It’s also understandable that plenty within the front office would seek an opportunity to add “general manager” as a title on their resume. If Minnesota does promote from within, then it’s hard to imagine a significant shift in philosophy.

Related: Minnesota Twins PoBO Publicly Welcomes Trade Offers for Carlos Correa

Initial reports suggested that Levine (hired in Nov, 2016) was “leaving” the organization. What we later found out, however, was that this was a Minnesota Twins decision, not a Thad decision. The tenured Twins employee wanted to remain with the team, and in his current role. Instead, his next rumored landing spot is San Francisco, with his old pal Buster Posey.

New guy will not invade on Derek Falvey’s new spotlight

If Falvey was seeking an outside opinion, or different way of doing things, it would make sense to conduct an external search for a general manager. That has not been the vibe coming from Target Field so far this offseason, however.

The more likely reality is a promotion from within the organization. The Minnesota Twins currently have two assistance general managers, Jeremy Zoll and Daniel Adler. But at the end of the day, no person hired for the Twins general manager job (if it happens) will creep into the spotlight that Derek Falvey owns.

Related: MLB Teams are Supposedly Interested in Oft-Injured Minnesota Twins Starter

He may soon have a new right-hand man, but their influence will be more like that of … wait, I don’t remember who Rick Spielman’s general manager was, when he was promoted to president of football operations for the Minnesota Vikings. And that’s exactly the type of hire we can expect from Falvey.

Thad Levine played fall guy for Minnesota Twins

If Levine was ready to walk away, why would missing the playoffs matter toward his 2025 employment? It wouldn’t. But, I digress. It doesn’t matter. Thad Levine had to go (apparently). Somebody did, after such a disastrous collapse, right…? That must have been the Pohlads’ thinking.

And if ownership was looking for a fall guy, President Dave St. Peter was never going to be it. He’s been with the organization since 1990. If fumbling the TV situation as poorly as he and the Twins have isn’t going to get him fired, then nothing will.

Related: 3 Biggest Offseason Needs for the Minnesota Twins, Besides New Owners

Some thought president of baseball operations Derek Falvey and/or manager Rocco Baldelli might be in trouble, but they never were either. According to what Doogie reported on SKOR North Tuesday, St. Peter is somewhat infatuated with Falvey, just like Falvey is Baldelli.

Thus, a three-headed leadership group of decision-makers that are going to be harder to shake than one 2nd half collapse, no matter how epic. So, with Levine’s contract expiring anyway, he was the fall guy.

PoBO Derek Falvey expected to get… a promotion?

But guess what? Falvey’s contract is up, too. Instead of making him walk the plank, though, the Pohlads and St. Peter have different plans. An extension, but not just an extension, says Wolfson. The President of Baseball Operations is somehow in line for a promotion, including a new title and higher pay.

“If you want to call this Reckless speculation… I mean, the Pohlads think the world of Falvey. So, you know, Falvey’s contract is up too. I think it’s a nice contract extension for Derek Falvey. I think it’s perhaps a new title. I don’t know how you up the title of ‘President of Operations’. Does he still have the title of Chief baseball officer? He’s had multiple titles over the last few years.

But I think the Derek Falvey responsibility pie is about to grow. However it grows, because he already has enough responsibility. But just knowing what the Pohlads and Dave St. Peter think of Derek Falvey, he’s not going anywhere. So call it Reckless speculation, if you want, but I’m thinking this upcoming Twins news is some sort of new title and more responsibility for Derek Falvey.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Derek Falvey’s new rank and title remain unclear, but some sort of elevation up a ladder he’s already near the top seems to be on the way, nonetheless. What a classic big business move. Fire the 5th guy down the ladder, and give his pay to someone higher up the food chain, because they probably had nothing to do with what made the other guy get fired walk away.

Falvey promotion didn’t happen Tuesday, but it seems right around the corner

This episode released prior to the big news dropping that the Minnesota Twins are moving on from Bally Sports North. That’s what got this conversations started. There was scuttlebutt amongst local insiders that big news was coming.

Related: Minnesota Twins Officially Done with Bally Sports North

A couple of hours later, the Bally Sports news broke. Nonetheless, it appears a promotion for Derek Falvey is coming, at some point. Whenever they finish up this new contract extension. The one where he consumes Thad Levine’s salary. So look out for that.

Thad Levine, Minnesota Twins split after 8 years together

According to the Twins, Levine is “departing the Minnesota Twins organization to pursue new challenges and opportunities, both inside and outside of baseball”. As mentioned in the press release, the 52-year-old Levine has been GMing this club since 2016 (8 years).

We have announced the following Baseball Operations change: pic.twitter.com/asCOBVvGwr

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) October 4, 2024

President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey Statement:

“Thad’s impact on the Minnesota Twins cannot be overstated. He has been a true partner and leader, always striving to elevate the organization and care for the people around him. Thad helped create a strong team culture, one focused on excellence and collaboration, that will continue well into the future. While we will miss his leadership, we are equally excited to see the next chapter of his journey unfold, and we wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors. I want to personally thank him for everything he has done to help us get better every day.”

Related: 3 Most Likely Minnesota Twins to be Gone in 2025

Thad Levine Statement:

“I am grateful to the Pohlad family, Derek Falvey and Dave St. Peter for providing me with such a comprehensive leadership opportunity spanning the last eight years of my career. The time is right for me to pursue my next enriching, professional challenge. I will forever cherish the friendships that I have made in the Minnesota Twins organization and throughout Twins Territory.”

Yes, this is being projected as more of a Thad Levine decision, then it is a Minnesota Twins decision. Of course, any motivation this organization displays publicly should be met with increasing skepticism. From injury timelines, to clubhouse/front office happenings, nobody knows what goes on behind the scenes at Target Field, these days. It has a very Wizard of Oz, ‘man behind the curtain’ feel to it.

Twins people were ‘wondering’ what exactly Thad does on a day-in, day-out basis’…

But if we focus on some of the context clues that have been floated to Minnesota Twins insiders recently, Levine’s departure makes sense, but raises eyebrows on how they are selling it. In other words, I doubt this was Thad’s choice.

On a recent Scoops session, Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) told the Mackey & Judd Show that people around the Twins “wondering what exactly Thad Levine does on a day-in, day-out basis…”.

There are some people over there who are wondering what Thad [Levine] does on a day-in day-out basis. Certainly busy enough, good relationships with agents when it’s time to think about player acquisitions. But I’m just telling you, I’ve heard from a couple people that wonder, for 12 months a year, day-in and day-out, what does Thad do?

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show

I love the way veteran MN reporter Judd Zulgad chuckles in the background, after Doogie said the line. So good. Phil Mackey also mentions right before this clip that Levine’s contract was believed to be up for renewal, which made this split all the easier, for whichever side pulled the trigger.

Related: Are the Minnesota Twins Playing Dead for Scott Boras Again?

The Twins drafted the infield prospect with the eighth overall pick (Cal Poly University) less than two years ago, as a 21-year-old kid. Not even two months later, Lee was already in action, making his Twins debut at rookie ball.

Brooks Lee Rising Fast Through Minnesota Twins System

Less than a week later, Lee was promoted to Cedar Rapids, where he’d compete in the High-A Midwest League. Twenty-five games later, the Twins moved Lee up to AA, where he was three years younger than the average player.

Once his second season began, the Twins kept Lee at Double-A, where he smacked 11 home runs with a batting average of .292 and an OPS of .841. After 87 games, the Twins felt Lee was ready for more, so they promoted him to Triple-A, where he’d play for the St. Paul Saints.

"I was beating myself up in BP."

No. 2 @Twins prospect Brooks Lee put thoughts of swing changes to rest with his first four-hit game for the @StPaulSaints: https://t.co/GuDvQF3LJa pic.twitter.com/Wnc1tNWpGV

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) September 4, 2023

Lee, now four years older than the average AAA player, struggled a bit, hitting just .237, but he still had five home runs and a respectable OPS of .731 in 38 games and 168 plate appearances. While Lee didn’t hit the cover off the ball for the Saints, the Twins don’t plan to slow MLB’s 18th-ranked prospect down in 2024. In fact, it sounds like they’re being more aggressive with their young infielder.

GM Thad Levine Wants Brooks Lee On Twins ASAP

On Sunday, Twins GM Thad Levine spoke to MLB Network Radio, where he unveiled the team’s plans for Brooks Lee for the upcoming season. Lee, who finished the year at Triple-A in 2023, will return to the St. Paul Saints to start the season. However, Levine also made it clear that the Twins want Lee in the big leagues as soon as he’s ready.

The Twins plan for infielder Brooks Lee — No. 18 overall prospect, per @MLBPipeline — to begin 2024 at Triple-A, GM Thad Levine told @MLBNetworkRadio today.

Levine continued: “When he tells us he’s ready to go, we’re going to get him up to the big leagues.” @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 28, 2024

This is quite the contrast from how the team has typically operated in the past, especially when there isn’t a clear need ready to be addressed. As talented as Lee is, he doesn’t have a clear future in Minnesota, with Royce Lewis likely set at third base and Carlos Correa at shortstop.

Related: Byron Buxton Extremely Confident He’s Ready for Center Field Duties Again

One area where Lee could eventually take over is at second base, where Jorge Polanco and Edouard Julien are expected to play. Yet, Polanco’s long-term future is in question, and Julien is still figuring out how to field his position too. If so, a future Twins infield of 3B Lewis, SS Correa, 2B Lee, and Kirilloff/Julien at 1B could reap benefits.

As a switch-hitter with great contact rates and plus power for his size, Lee should have no trouble making his MLB debut this season. Lee can likely fill in anywhere along the infield, but first, he’ll have to thrive in Triple-A before getting his first cup of coffee with the Twins. Yet, Lee will also get a great chance to make a strong impression on Rocco Baldelli during Spring Training too.

Minnesota Twins PoBO, Derek Falvey, turns down interview with Red Sox

They had some problems finding a mutually interest candidate, at the beginning of their search in Beantown. Too many top choices turned down what should have been a big time opportunity to run one of the most historic organizations in baseball.

The list of “no thank you’s” included, but was not limited to, Dodgers GM – Brandon Gomes, Phillies GM – Sam Fuld, former Rangers PoBO – Jon Daniels and… Minnesota Twins President of Baseball Operations, Derek Falvey.

Related: Alex Kirilloff Labrum Surgery Goes Better Than Expected

Falvey grew up just outside of Boston (Lynn, MA) and, according to Chad Jennings (The Athletic), he has “close connections within the Red Sox organization”. But those ties were not enough to lure Levine back home for an interview.

According to multiple people with knowledge of the search process, Gomes, Fuld and Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey have all declined to interview for the Red Sox job. WEEI’s Rob Bradford reported that former Rangers president of baseball operations Jon Daniels also declined to interview “solely due (to) the desire to prioritize his family.” Daniels currently works for the Rays but still lives in Dallas.

Chad Jennings – The Athletic

Thad Levine interviews but does not get job

But, the Boston Red Sox hiring team didn’t give up on Twins’ executives, after Falvey turned down their request for an interview, instead shifting gears to the man one rung down the ladder from Falvey, his partner in crime, Thad Levine.

Unlike his boss, Levine accepted the opportunity to interview for the Red Sox’ open President of Baseball Operations position and he was “prominently in the mix” to land the job, as of last weekend. But just a couple days later, the Boston Globe reported that Levine had been eliminated as a candidate on Monday.

Twins GM, Thad Levine — seen as one of the strongest external candidates — was informed by the Sox on Monday that he’s no longer in consideration for the position.

Alex Speier – Boston Globe

Related: What Will Twins Do About Sonny Gray and His Impending Free Agency?

It’s also worth noting that the Twins GM has already turned down interviews and/or job opportunities with the Mets (2020), Phillies (2020) and, most recently during the 2022 offseason, the Detroit Tigers.

It seems as if he would have taken the Red Sox job, if offered. We’ll see what happens in the future. But in 2024, it appears Thad Levine will be back in the Minnesota Twins front office.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

And according to Dan Hayes (The Athletic), they came out of those internal meetings determined to find another path to immediate success. Twins’ higher ups, Derek Falvey and Dave St. Peter, along with other internal sources, told Hayes that there will be no rebuild.

After falling $65 million shy of San Francisco’s offer in their bid to retain Correa, the Twins again find themselves in the all-too-familiar territory of having to pivot from their intended target. Believing their division is winnable, the Twins don’t plan to dial it back for the 2023 season, even after losing out on their best chance at acquiring impact talent. — Dan Hayes (The Athletic)

Shortstop Problems

As pointed out in the story, the Twins’ front office is used to offseason pivots because Plan A rarely (if ever), works out for them. The free agency market is thin, at this point, and while there is still some talent available, trades seem like the more likely route.

Finding what they need, if they really want to compete for a division crown, will be easier said than done. They still need a shortstop and Dansby Swanson is the only remaining free agent worth his weight in salary. Unfortunately, Swanson isn’t showing much interest in the Twin Cities and appears destined for Atlanta or Chicago (Cubs).

That means the 2023 Minnesota Twins are likely to write in newly acquired Kyle Farmer into the starting lineup at SS, until Royce Lewis returns from his 2nd ACL tear. That’s not expected to happen until midseason.

Twins Eyeing Remaining Free Agents

According to Hayes, the Twins are targeting (3B) Justin Turner, (DH) Joey Gallo and (OF) AJ Pollock in free agency. All three are decent players but all three are also 30 y/o or older and on the decline. It’s unlikely that acquiring any of the three would move the needle for fans or the Twins’ hopes at a 2023 division title.

Alternatively, a team source said some current free-agent targets include veteran right-handed hitters Justin Turner, Joey Gallo and A.J. Pollock. The Twins also are engaged on the trade market, with president of baseball operations Derek Falvey saying he’ll use the entire offseason up to Opening Day working to improve the roster. — Dan Hayes (The Athletic)

In reality, the front office will look to improve their roster via trade and, there again, Derek Falvey and Thad Levine will face a plethora of obstacles because the farm system doesn’t have a lot to offer. Unless they’re willing to part with a blue chip prospect like Brooks Lee, which is highly unlikely.

Front office looking to “surprise some people”

Nonetheless, the Twins appear intent on trading their way to competitiveness, even if the deals they make send shockwaves through the fanbase. This quote from Dave St. Peter caught my eye.

“I know the offseason isn’t done yet and this will take twists and turns. Some of those moves are probably going to surprise some people. We’ll see where this takes us.” — President Dave St. Peter (via Dan Hayes – The Athletic)

We’ve already seen Luis Arraez’ name floated in trade rumors, along with Max Kepler. But Kepler isn’t going to be the Twins’ main trade chip in any blockbuster deal that will immediately change their outlook in 2023. And it’s difficult to imagine the team getting better by trading away the 2022 AL batting champion.

So that begs the question, what kind of trade ideas could Minnesota’s front office possibly have up their sleeves that would (a) surprise people and (b) make the team immediately competitive next season?

Or are Minnesota Twins fans, again, being asked to buy an offseason package of fraudulent goods from this organization?

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The @Twins have named Joe Ryan (#41) the Opening Day starter April 7 vs. Seattle at Target Field.

He is the first #MNTwins rookie to start Opening Day since Tom Hall in 1969.

— Dustin Morse (@morsecode) March 31, 2022

What an achievement for Ryan, who I’ve been following closely since he was acquired by the Twins last season, before the trade deadline. Joe was the price Tampa Bay had to pay, in order to get their hands on Nelson Cruz for their 2021 playoff run. If you want to know how valued Joe Ryan was to the Rays organization, listen to this Darren Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) interview with Ryan’s former AAA pitching coach.

Olympic Joe

At the time of the trade, then 24-year-old, Joe Ryan, didn’t have to worry about buying a suitcase or face-to-face goodbyes with teammates and coaches. He was already out and about. Abroad, actually, where he was representing Team USA in the Tokyo Summer Olympics.

Ryan wasn’t just a body on the 2021 Olympic roster, either. He was one of two featured pitchers in a rotation that went just two or three deep. His 10.1 IP were 2nd-most on Team USA (1st had 11) and 4th-most of all Olympic pitchers.

I believe in this kid. He’s Joe Cool and I expect him to be a staple of the Twins pitching staff for the next half-decade, as long as he stays healthy. I also expect him to pitch well on Thursday. The Nelson Cruz trade was, by far, the best move of last year’s trade deadline.

That Doesn’t Excuse Twins’ Incompetence

But I’m not just here to give Joe Ryan a written BJ. That was foreplay meant to make it clear that my Opening Day beef isn’t with my favorite Twins pitcher. It’s with Derek Falvey, Thad Levine and the cheap-as-fuck owner who employs them.

Joe Ryan is starting Opening Day because Minnesota Twins ownership and front office have completely failed in their effort to upgrade the starting rotation. They traded Jose Berrios at last season’s deadline, promised to amend it this offseason, then sat on the sidelines and watched 20 different free agent upgrades sign with other teams before/after the lockout. Then, when all the upgrades were gone, they failed to find one via trade. Just this morning, another target, Sean Manaea, was traded from Oakland to San Diego.

Skimping on a below-budget payroll ($115 million) in a year when the White Sox are dolling out $185 million, is unacceptable. What does it matter to Pohlad if he pays $35 million to Carlos Correa, as long as the total payroll is less than past seasons? The Correa signing is already yielding great results for Jim. Less salary to pay out. More tickets sold. More money for the Pohlad pockets. Because they need more padding.

#MNTwins are pleased with the fan response, say they’ve sold 60,000 game tickets since Carlos Correa signed Saturday.

They’re also reintroducing the Twins pass for $49 per month. Gets fans into 80 of 81 home games. Comes out to roughly $3.68 per game.

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) March 22, 2022

Promises broken

Falvey, Levine and Pohlad have all promised, on multiple occasions, to invest into the roster when winning windows were open. How will said window ever be more open than it is this season, with both Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa entering healthy and in their primes?

Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober would be exciting pieces to have at the back of a rotation. Young, high-ceiling guys. But there’s a reason it’s been over 50 years since a Twins rookie has started on Opening Day. Because past teams, even those only pretending — and sometimes not even that– to be competitive, knew that a competent starting rotation doesn’t have a rookie, unproven pitcher sitting at the top of its pecking order.

Scott Boras gifted Carlos Correa to the Minnesota Twins this offseason. Buxton gifted himself. And outside of those two moves, this front office has been nothing short of pathetic. A regime that came in promising to change everything, has changed nothing. Same old cheap Twins.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Twins

That’s what Derek Falvey told Betsy Helfand (Pioneer Press) on Tuesday morning. The Twins are unlikely to make any more trades to bring in the front-end starting pitchers the roster so desperately needs. Minnesota’s President of Baseball Operations claims it’s too late now, which is absolutely laughable, given the circumstances.

While Derek Falvey said they would stay open-minded to the possibility of a trade for a starting pitcher, it sounds as if a trade is unlikely.

Falvey on the rotation: "It’s just at this late stage as we approach Opening Day, it feels like the group is probably in this room."

— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) March 29, 2022

At this point, it’s just easier to laugh than to cry. I turn 33 years old next month and I’ve done this dance 5-10 too many times. But enough about me. Let’s talk about how completely preposterous this Derek Falvey comment really is.

Pre-Lockout Failure

Free agency began back on November 7, three weeks before the MLB lockout struck on December 1. While nobody knew exactly how free agency would play out with the lockout looming, a flurry of signings, at the least, was expected. Lockout or not, this was one of the better free agency classes in recent history, especially on the mound. And lockout uncertainty was sure to push some players into any type of security they could find.

When the bell rang, reality quickly became apparent. The pace of pre-lockout free agency was going to be that of which we never really see in baseball. It was the Black Friday of MLB free agency. And if you weren’t lined up at the door and organized from the start, you could very well be left empty-handed. And that’s exactly what happened to the Minnesota Twins. Oh wait, Byron Buxton gifted them a team-friendly contract on November 28 that allowed fans to get our hopes up and Falvine to take a victory lap.

Having this unofficial free agency signing deadline is great for baseball.

These last few days have been utter chaos and I love it.

Obviously, a CBA ending is rarely good, but this increased urgency is exactly what MLB free agency needs.

Very NBA-esque. EMBRACE THE CHAOS!

— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) November 29, 2021

The impending lockout is the best thing that could’ve happened to MLB free agency. Yes the lockout will SUCK and be a dreadful time, but just seeing constant action like this in November is a rush.

— Phill ???? (@MeekPhill_) November 27, 2021

Suddenly, #MLB had morphed into the #NBA free agency. There has been $336 million spent today, including Buxton’s extension.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 28, 2021

There were 15+ starting pitchers available in free agency, who would have walked into Fort Myers as a pre-ordained top-3 starter in the Twins rotation. They signed Dylan Bundy, who’s a classic example of what we see from the Twins in every free agency session. A one-time solid player who’s coming off of an injury and comes at a massive discount.

Stop the “Small Market” excuses

All of this after refusing to offer Jose Berrios a legitimate extension offer during his arbitration years, before eventually having to trade him after a (another) failed 2021 season. In recent years, they’ve let Kyle Gibson walk, Jake Odorizzi, Rich Hill, etc. This organization refuses to pay starting pitchers, even affordable ones many times, and that annual oddity continues to haunt us all in September and October.

Carlos Correa will be fun to watch, but to Jim Pohlad he’s just the star player who takes up 30% of his $114 million payroll, which currently ranks 20th in Major League Baseball (Spotrac). That’s $6 million less than the non-playoff roster they constructed in 2021, $11 million less than in 2019. According to Statistica, the Twins have the same payroll in 2022 that they did back in 2010. While other “mid-market” teams invest more, the Pohlads have are investing less.

Others like the Toronto Blue Jays ($167M), St. Louis Cardinals ($150M) and Houston Astros ($164M) are paying $150+ million in player salaries. The AL Central rival Chicago White Sox are paying $185 million. That’s $70 million more than the Twins.

Imagine who the Minnesota Twins could’ve signed with even an additional $25-$35 million? If you have to overpay a free agent or two so they choose a Minnesota destination, isn’t that better than coming in under-budget and only fielding half of a team? Especially in a one-year window to win?

I’ll never understand the Pohlad family. They wipe asses in their mansion bathrooms with $30 million but refuse to give the Minnesota Twins a legitimate run at a World Series.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan