Yankees Coach James Rowson in Talks for Twins Manager Job

The Minnesota Twins are making headlines as they hunt for a new manager to replace Rocco Baldelli. After a rough 70-92 season, change feels overdue.

James Rowson, the Yankees’ current hitting coach, stands out as a top candidate. He’s not exactly a stranger to Minnesota, either.

Rowson just wrapped up his second season with the New York Yankees. Under his watch, the Yankees offense led the league in scoring in 2024.

The lineup found a groove—power, consistency, the whole package. Aaron Judge and others have openly praised Rowson’s impact.

League sources say the Yankees have officially given the Twins permission to interview Rowson. That’s a pretty clear sign: Minnesota wants someone who can lead and spark their stagnant offense.

James Rowson Draws Interest from the Twins

Rowson’s no rookie at Target Field. He served as the Twins’ hitting coach from 2017 to 2019.

That stretch included the wild 2019 “Bomba Squad” season, when the Twins blasted an MLB-record 307 home runs. People still talk about it—maybe with a touch of envy.

During a September series in Minneapolis, Rowson caught up with some of his old colleagues. That kind of lasting rapport with the front office and staff isn’t easy to find.

It’s not just nostalgia. Some in Minnesota’s leadership see Rowson as the spark they need to turn things around.

The Twins’ Search for a New Leader

Baldelli’s exit leaves the front office with a big task: rebuild the winning culture. The open manager spot gives them a chance to reshape the team’s identity.

The candidate pool mixes different backgrounds and philosophies. It’s not a one-size-fits-all search.

Other Names in the Mix

Besides Rowson, the Twins have a couple more names on their radar:

• Derek Shelton – Former Pirates manager, known for his focus on developing young talent.
• Ramon Vazquez – Red Sox bench coach, respected for his smarts and clubhouse vibe.

Each brings something unique, but Rowson’s history in Minnesota and his knack for building strong offenses could give him a leg up.

Rowson’s Broader Coaching Journey

Rowson didn’t just work with the Yankees and Twins. He spent three seasons as the Miami Marlins’ bench coach with Don Mattingly from 2020 to 2022.

He’s moved between hitting coach and bench coach roles, adapting as needed. That flexibility has made him a respected name in coaching circles.

Rowson grew up in Mount Vernon, New York. His coaching style centers on consistent offensive planning and mental toughness.

He’s big on getting the most out of players’ strengths, and people around the league seem to notice. Players, execs, fans—they all talk about his steady approach.

What Rowson Could Bring to the Twins

If Rowson lands the job, here’s what he’d probably focus on:

• Jumpstarting the offense after a year where runs were hard to come by.
• Leaning on old connections to build quick trust with staff and players.
• Mixing analytics with gut feel—not just numbers, but instincts too.

The Twins’ bats went cold last season. Rowson’s track record hints he might just have the recipe to heat things back up, maybe even recapture some of that 2019 magic.

Looking Ahead

The Twins have a decision ahead that could shape their future for years. Some candidates bring unique strengths, but Rowson stands out for his deep connections with Minnesota and his work with top hitters around the league.

Fans are waiting, maybe a little impatiently, to see if the architect behind the “Bomba Squad” will return and steer the team into a new chapter. If he does, maybe—just maybe—the Twins can tap back into that power and precision that once made them so tough to beat.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees hitting coach James Rowson talking to Twins about manager job