To say the Twins need a culture change is an understatement. After winning a postseason series for the first time in 21 years during the 2023 campaign, the Twins failed to make the playoffs in 2024 after projections had them at over a 90% chance to make the postseason in August, then ended the 2025 season with the second-worst win-loss record (70-92) in the American League after trading 10 players from their active roster in late July. President of baseball operations Derek Falvey fired manager Rocco Baldelli at the end of the 2025 regular season, signaling to fans that the organization wants to make a culture change.
However, just firing Rocco Baldelli isn't going to be enough to bring the Twins back into playoff contention. Several roster moves will have to be made as well. But while a manager has limited impact on the on-field results, they still play a huge part in shaping the vibes of a clubhouse, which can lead to increased success. The Twins need to ensure whoever they hire as their new manager is the right fit for the team's current core.
What qualities should Twins look for in new manager?
Most importantly, the Twins need to make sure they don't just hire a "yes man" as their next skipper. While there isn't any credible evidence that Baldelli did everything the front office said, many media members and fans got the feeling that most of his managerial decisions were made in collaboration with the front office, which has become a common trend in Major League Baseball these days. Managers need to collaborate with the front office, but it may be beneficial for Falvey to hire someone who will make decisions on his own with occasional front office advice. After all, Falvey isn't the manager; he is the president of baseball (and business) operations.
Someone the Twins should consider hiring as their new manager is the legendary Joe Maddon, as suggested by SKOR North's Judd Zulgad. Maddon, who led the Cubs to their first World Series victory in 108 years back in 2016, likely would be willing to work with Falvey as the Twins manager, but he would also fight for the decisions he believes are right instead of just unquestioningly following the front office's orders. There are many other managerial candidates the Twins should consider as well, and it is pretty much unknown who is a "yes man" and who is not, but Minnesota should keep that in mind during the hiring process.