Rocco Baldelli is no longer with the Minnesota Twins, according to Jim Pohlad, its owner.
A little over a week after announcing new uniforms and logos, the Minnesota Twins owners have announced a change in leadership.
Owner and executive chair Jim Pohlad said in a letter to Twins employees on Monday that he is transferring the executive chair title and daily responsibilities to his nephew Joe Pohlad.
The next season will be the family’s 40th as Twins owners, having been bought by Jim Pohlad’s father, Carl, in 1984. Despite the fact that his brothers Bill and Bob have executive board roles with the organization, Jim has served as the family’s public face as chairman.
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After serving as the club’s executive vice president of brand strategy and growth for the previous 15 years, Joe will now assume the position of executive chairman and oversee all organizational functions. President and CEO Dave St. Peter and President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey will report directly to Joe. Jim claims he will continue to work with teams and league administration.
“As we look to the future, our family is extremely confident in Joe’s ability to lead the brand forward in crucial ways,” states a portion of Jim’s letter.
He went on, saying that the family is still “absolutely committed to owning the Twins for years to come.”
Following a disappointing season that saw them finish third in the American League Central Division and miss the playoffs, fans will be eagerly monitoring the Twins’ summer activities. Another factor is that excellent shortstop Carlos Correa is a free agent.
Unexpectedly, Correa signed with the Twins before the season began, quickly gaining the respect of teammates and supporters. He is likely to want a long-term contract worth at least $30 million a year, and it is unclear if the Twins are willing to spend that much to keep him, even if he has expressed gratitude to the Twins and his eagerness to return.
The team’s summer spending should be closely examined in light of the recent changes to the club’s governance structure.
The squad itself said nothing about the news that was released on Monday.
