Jim Pohlad, Not Derek Falvey, Seals Carlos Correa Trade

The recent trade between the Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros has sparked plenty of intrigue across the baseball world. It’s not just about the on-field impact—there’s a surprising twist behind the scenes.

Veteran Twin Cities sports columnist Patrick Reusse revealed that Twins owner Jim Pohlad led negotiations to send star shortstop Carlos Correa back to Houston. Pohlad actually bypassed the franchise’s usual chain of command.

This move really highlights how ownership can still wield decisive influence in baseball trades, especially during pivotal moments like team sales. It’s not every day you see an owner step in so directly.

Ownership Over Front Office: Jim Pohlad’s Hands-On Approach

Usually, front office executives handle trade talks in Major League Baseball. This deal broke that pattern.

According to Reusse, Astros owner Jim Crane went straight to Jim Pohlad, skipping over Twins’ president of baseball operations Derek Falvey and even Joe Pohlad, who handles daily operations. Jim Pohlad’s involvement shows that even after delegating, ownership can still pull the strings in major decisions.

Why Ownership Stepped In

This approach came from several factors. For starters, the financial stakes of Correa’s contract were massive—over $100 million at the time.

The Astros wanted the Twins to cover half of Correa’s remaining deal, but Jim Pohlad negotiated that down to about a third. That saved Minnesota a bundle.

The family is also actively looking to sell the franchise, so financial flexibility is crucial for attracting buyers. By shedding a hefty contract, Pohlad might have made the Twins a leaner, more appealing asset.

The Mechanics of the Trade

The nuts and bolts of the trade were pretty simple, though probably disappointing for Twins fans hoping for more. Here’s how it went down:

  • Financial Impact: The Twins agreed to pay $33 million of Correa’s remaining contract. The Astros took on the rest.
  • Player Exchange: Minnesota got a 26-year-old High-A reliever with a career ERA over 6. Most don’t see him making it to the Majors.
  • Correa’s Agreement: Correa waived his no-trade clause, but only because he got to return to his old team.

The deal really looks like a salary dump for the Twins, clearing cap space but adding little talent. For the Astros, it was a win—they got back a key player and took advantage of Pohlad’s eagerness to cut costs.

The Pohlad Legacy in Question

Jim Pohlad’s direct role in the Correa trade has reignited talk about his influence on the franchise. He handed daily operations to his nephew Joe Pohlad in 2022, but it’s clear he still calls the shots when it matters most.

As the family explores selling the Twins, Jim’s involvement makes you wonder how ownership-level decisions could shape the team’s future.

Should Ownership Intervene?

The news about Pohlad’s role invites a bigger question: should team owners step in on moves usually left to the front office? Pohlad’s negotiation helped lighten the Twins’ payroll, but some folks argue this hands-on style undercuts the staff hired for these jobs.

On the other hand, maybe his direct approach got the deal done faster. Who knows? It’s a tricky balance, and there’s no easy answer.

Final Thoughts: A Franchise at a Crossroads

This trade wasn’t just a player transaction. It felt more like a chess move in the bigger game of franchise management.

From Correa’s perspective, he left a struggling team for one of baseball’s powerhouses. For Pohlad and the Twins, the move was about balancing finances, especially with ownership changes looming.

The ripple effects of this deal will shape both the Twins’ long-term direction and how fans see the team. Jim Pohlad’s direct involvement shows the tough spot owners can find themselves in—juggling money, loyalty, and day-to-day operations.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Report: Jim Pohlad, not Derek Falvey, finalized Carlos Correa trade

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