To many Twins fans, it appeared that manager Rocco Baldeli’s job was in jeopardy following Minnesota losing 14 of its last 18 games. However, recent news confirmed that Baldelli won’t be leaving the Twins anytime soon.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli’s club option picked up for 2026, according to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes
Sources: Not only is manager Rocco Baldelli's job not in jeopardy, the #MNTwins also acknowledged they exercised his 2026 club option. https://t.co/dCSIxqdTsQ
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) June 24, 2025
Since becoming the Twins’ manager following the 2018 season, Baldelli has led Minnesota to a 494-453 (.522) record. He won Manager of the Year in 2019 after the Twins went 101-61 and finished top-10 in Manger of the Year voting in 2020, 2023 and 2024.
The Twins’ late-season collapse last year and losing record this season suggested that Baldelli may be on the hot seat, but Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey clearly has faith in the long-time Twins manager.
The Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies all fired their managers mid-season due to poor player performance. It seemed like the Twins could potentially be heading in the same direction as the aforementioned ballclubs after their poor start to the season, but the team’s excellent stretch in May gave fans hope. Now, the Twins have a 37-41 record and are three games behind the Seattle Mariners for the third American League Wild Card spot, leading to more public speculation about Baldelli’s job security.
Falvey decided not to make Baldelli the scapegoat for the Twins’ struggles. It’s refreshing to see, as the Twins didn’t make any significant offseason moves, spending just $10.25 million in free agency. Although Harrison Bader, Ty France and Danny Coulombe, who all signed with Minnesota this offseason, have certainly been worth their contracts to this point, the Twins clearly needed to spend more if they wanted to turn things around. Falvey likely understands Baldelli isn’t the reason for the team’s struggles.
Twins set to play Game 2 against Seattle Mariners
Game 2 of the four-game series between the Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. CT on Tuesday at Target Field. Chris Paddack is expected to make the start on the mound for the Twins, and Luis Castillo is scheduled to start for the Mariners.