Twins 'blindsided' rest of the organization, MLB world with Derek Falvey change

The Minnesota Twins find themselves in an expected place with spring training rapidly approaching.

The Twins announced on Friday that president of baseball operations Derek Falvey and the organization are mutually parting ways. Falvey had been in that role since the end of the 2016 season and was named the team president of baseball and business operations in November 2024. With Falvey's departure, executive chair Tom Pohlad will temporarily take over as team president. General manager Jeremy Zoll will remain in his position.

The Twins had a series of highs and lows with Falvey in charge. They won the AL Central in 2019, 2020 and 2023 and were a wild card in 2017. The Twins did not have much postseason success in that time, failing to advance beyond the ALDS. Overall, the Twins had a 690-666 record under Falvey's guidance. 

Timing of Derek Falvey leaving Minnesota Twins surprises baseball world

While Falvey mentioned that he wanted to spend time with his family and reflect on what will come next, there are few details as to what caused the departure. He did mention the vision and direction of the organization with new ownership, so there may have been a difference of philosophy.

Nonetheless, Falvey's abrupt departure stunned the baseball world. Aaron Gleeman from The Athletic noted that Falvey had been the keynote speaker during the Twins annual media luncheon. Dan Hayes, also of The Athletic, reported that team employees were "blindsided" by Falvey's departure. That confusion extended beyond the organization as Gleeman reported that he received a text from a high-ranking official in another team's front office asking what happened in Minnesota.

Such moves do not typically take place in the days before spring training. Firings and changes in philosophy usually happen after the regular season ends, giving the organization time to find the right people to fit their vision. In this case, there may not have been a way forward for both parties.

The Minnesota Twins are set to embark on a new era with a different ownership group. Although the reasons why remain unknown, Falvey will not be part of that journey.