It's no secret that the Twins aren't popular in the minds of fans these days after the organization dealt nearly 40% of their roster at the trade deadline and ownership's decision to stick with the team rather than sell. If the Pohlads want to regain good graces with fans, changes will need to be made.
Trevor Plouffe wants Torii Hunter back in the Twins organization
On Sept. 9, Phil Mackey of the SKOR North Twins Show asked former Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe what important changes he would make as a consultant to the organization.
"I think I just have one [thing I'd change], and I'd be like Kevin Costner in Draft Day and my little yellow paper would say 'Torii Hunter no matter what,'" Plouffe responded.
Plouffe went on to suggest that Hunter, who is currently a special assistant to Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian, would want to rejoin the Twins organization if possible and would want to be in the dugout.
Should Twins consider Torii Hunter as a Rocco Baldelli replacement for 2026?
It may be a stretch to say the Twins will consider Hunter for the manager position if the team moves on from Baldelli, as there will likely be other managerial candidates on the market with more extensive coaching experience. However, Hunter has still been gaining experience with the Angels, and he was known as a leader in the clubhouse during his playing career. Therefore, while the Twins hiring Hunter as the manager is unlikely, they should at least consider him for the position if Baldelli isn't with the organization next season.
Even if the Twins don't want to consider Hunter for their manager position, they should bring him back in some other capacity. As a special assistant to the general manager with the Angels, Hunter is in the dugout during games and likely shares his wisdom with the players. The Twins can use Hunter in the same way by hiring him as a special assistant or a bench coach. Fans can sense a lack of direction when it comes to the Twins' ownership and front office, and bringing back Hunter would be one way to make fans happy and signal that change is on the horizon.