There will be a new manager leading the Minnesota Twins next season. An announcement from the team's official X account on Monday revealed that Rocco Baldelli will not be returning as manager in 2026.
Minnesota finished this season at 70-92, the worst record in Baldelli's time as manager. It is the exact opposite of Baldelli's first year as manager, when the Twins finished with 101 wins, the most they'd won since winning 102 in 1965.
Take away his best and worst seasons, and Baldelli still won games at 52.5% rate, despite consistently not having his best players available.
The baseball world is generally aware of the injury histories of Royce Lewis, Pablo Lopez and Byron Buxton, all players who were on the team for most of Baldelli's tenure as manager.
The Minnesota Twins today announced that Rocco Baldelli will not return as the club’s manager in 2026. pic.twitter.com/IgGgOMfhHI
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 29, 2025
For Baldelli, he should certainly get another managerial job. Whether that be this managerial cycle or the next, he deserves another opportunity to lead a franchise.
Minnesota's next hire will be an important one. The AL Central is loaded with young talent, meaning it will be crucial for the organization to hire someone to connect with the players and help navigate the team back to the postseason.
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