Twins to interview Nick Punto for open manager job
The Twins will interview former fan favorite utilityman Nick Punto for their open manager position, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Dennis Lin. Punto, 47, is currently on the San Diego Padres' coaching staff, where he worked under manager Mike Shildt before the skipper unexpectedly retired at the conclusion of San Diego's 2025 season. Before Punto started coaching for the Padres, he managed in MLB’s Prospect Development Pipeline League in 2021 and coached at the high school level in 2023-24.
Punto spent seven seasons (2004-10) with the Twins, posting 10.3 bWAR with a 74 OPS+. As a utilityman, Punto provided Minnesota with defensive versatility and speed, making him a valuable player despite his poor hitting stats. Although he has limited coaching experience, his focus on fundamentals as a player could make him a perfect fit for the Twins manager job.
Punto ended his MLB career having played 14 seasons. He was worth 15.4 bWAR and had a career .646 OPS. The former utilityman spent his first three seasons (2001-03) with the Philadelphia Phillies before being traded to the Twins, the team he spent the most seasons with. Punto signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2010-11 offseason after his seven seasons with the Twins.
After Punto helped the Cardinals win a World Series title in 2011, the former Twin finished his career playing two seasons (2012-13) with the Los Angeles Dodgers and one year (2014) with the Oakland Athletics. Punto's experience with multiple successful MLB organizations could be a vital factor for the Twins' decision on who to hire as a new manager.
Other candidates being considered for vacant Twins manager job
Punto joins a list of Derek Shelton, James Rowson, Ramón Vázquez and Kurt Suzuki as reported candidates for the vacant Twins manager position. Another name Hayes and Lin mentioned as a potential candidate is Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty, whom they described as "another hot name internally," but it is unknown whether he has been granted permission to interview for the position. Flaherty would also be a first-time manager if hired.