Twins Hire Derek Shelton as Next Manager

The Minnesota Twins are making a big change at the top. Former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton will take over as their new skipper.

This move comes after the Twins let go of Rocco Baldelli, following a rough 2025 season that ended with a 70-92 record. Shelton, who spent 2018 and 2019 as Minnesota’s bench coach, comes back with plenty of managerial experience and a clear mission: turn things around.

His hiring lands at a weird crossroads for the franchise. There’s both uncertainty and a sense of fresh opportunity as the Twins try to re-energize their fans and get back to competing.

Twins Turn to a Familiar Face

Derek Shelton knows the Minnesota clubhouse well. Before he managed the Pirates for over five seasons, he worked as the Twins’ bench coach under Paul Molitor and then Rocco Baldelli.

Pittsburgh gave him a tough hand at first, but the team improved in 2023 and even flirted with the playoffs in 2024. Still, his overall record there was 306-440, which shows just how rough those rebuilding years were.

A Managerial Change Amid Broader Turmoil

The Twins are one of nine MLB teams swapping managers this year. It’s pretty clear that front offices all over baseball are hungry for fresh approaches.

Minnesota’s decision was mostly about their brutal second half in 2025 — a 23-43 post-All-Star record and the lowest attendance since 2000. Fans haven’t been shy about their frustration, especially since ownership pulled back spending right after the 2023 playoff run.

Competition for the Job

The search for a new manager got pretty competitive. Minnesota reportedly interviewed several big names.

The short list looked like this:

• James Rowson – Yankees hitting coach, respected for his work with young hitters.
• Scott Servais – The former Mariners manager who’s been to the playoffs.
• Ryan Flaherty – Cubs bench coach, considered a rising star in coaching circles.

Why Shelton Stood Out

Shelton’s past with the Twins, his years managing in Pittsburgh, and his knack for working with young, rebuilding teams gave him the edge. The front office wants someone steady who can connect with players and handle the modern roster puzzle.

Ownership’s Role in the Twins’ Future

The Pohlad family still shapes the Twins’ future in a big way. After thinking about selling in 2024, they decided to stay in charge and brought in new investors to help out financially.

But after the 2023 playoffs, cost-cutting left many fans nervous about whether the team’s really committed to winning soon.

The Fan Perspective

For Twins fans, Shelton’s return sparks some hope, but also plenty of questions. Maybe he’ll bring back the player development and clubhouse chemistry he was known for last time.

Still, a lot of people think real progress depends on ownership actually investing in roster upgrades, not just swapping out managers.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The road ahead for Shelton and the Twins isn’t simple. He takes over a team that struggled on the field and in the clubhouse late last season.

His top priorities probably include:

• Building a stronger clubhouse culture and sense of accountability.
• Finding ways to win more close games and finish the season strong.
• Working with the front office to target smart roster improvements.

Potential Impact on the AL Central

If Shelton can spark the Twins’ competitive edge, Minnesota might become a real threat in the AL Central again. That’s not going to be easy, though.

They’ll need smart roster moves. Turning Target Field into an actual home-field advantage matters too—especially with those recent attendance drops.

Shelton’s handled tough situations before. He seems ready for the uphill climb.

The Derek Shelton era in Minnesota kicks off with a lot on the line. Fans are hungry for a return to postseason relevance, and honestly, it’s anyone’s guess if this familiar face brings the fresh start they’re hoping for.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: Twins pick Shelton to be next manager