Twins Hire Derek Shelton as Manager Following Pirates Dismissal
UPDATE: The Minnesota Twins have just announced the hiring of Derek Shelton as their new manager, following his abrupt dismissal from the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this season. Shelton, who was let go just 38 games into his sixth season, credits a period of reflection for landing the role as the Twins’ 15th manager.
In an introductory press conference at Target Field on Tuesday, Shelton revealed that the time spent evaluating his past experiences was crucial to his current success. “I honestly believe the reflection period is probably the reason that I’m in this chair right now,” he stated emphatically.
This hiring comes after the Twins parted ways with former manager Rocco Baldelli, who led the team to a 527-505 record but faced challenges in the postseason, including a record 18-game losing streak. Twins president Derek Falvey expressed that Shelton’s prior relationship with the organization significantly influenced the decision. He noted their history in Cleveland and described how they discussed Shelton’s past challenges in Pittsburgh, allowing for a deeper understanding during the interview process.
Shelton’s tenure with the Pirates ended with a dismal 306-440 record, but he approached the interview openly, discussing the managerial lessons learned during his time. “We were harder on him than maybe we were on other candidates,” Falvey admitted, highlighting the depth of their discussions.
The Twins are currently undergoing a financial reevaluation, having explored a potential sale of the franchise before deciding to add new investors. While neither Falvey nor Shelton specified a payroll target for 2026, both indicated a desire to maintain the roster’s strength, avoiding the need to trade star pitchers like Pablo López and Joe Ryan.
“I asked [Joe Pohlad], ‘What’s on the table? What’s off the table?’ His response was, ‘Ask me anything you want,'” Shelton recounted. His willingness to engage openly with the ownership played a key role in his decision to accept the position.
As the offseason progresses, the Twins aim to build on their recent success, having won a playoff series for the first time since 2002. Shelton’s immediate goal is to enhance the team’s capabilities rather than dismantle them, with Falvey asserting, “My personal goal is to find ways to augment and add around it.”
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Shelton’s experience and insights will shape the Twins’ future as they look to reclaim their position in Major League Baseball. This development is not only pivotal for the franchise but also sets the stage for an exciting offseason. Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.
