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Reported Twins Buyer Hasn’t Backed Out Yet
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- Reported Twins Buyer Hasn’t Backed Out Yet
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
This offseason, like the one before it, was beyond awful for the Minnesota Twins. When the highlight of the news cycle is that ownership has put the team up for sale , it's relatively straightforward to see the state of the franchise. The fact they have started the season 0-2 doesn't help circumstances either.
Justin Ishbia seemed like the savior of the situation . He spurned the organization for the Chicago White Sox. Then the Pohlad's reportedly decided to reject fair offers , and have little understanding of their assets value.
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If there's a silver lining, it's that the Twins have yet to make a decision that takes the team off the market . They'll need interest to keep pushing forward, but fans are certainly hoping a changing of hands takes place.
Local Minnesota Twins buyer still working towards resolution
Recent reports put a massive damper on the sale of the Minnesota Twins. Not only did the Pohlad's turn down an offer of $1.5 billion (reminder, the exact amount that Forbes values the franchise at ), but they have over $400 million in debt.
That certainly complicates a sale, and it could annoy any potential buyer. However, Star Tribune columnist LaVelle E. Neal is reporting that one interested local party may still be pushing forward.
"The same week, Forbes magazine released its annual franchise valuations. The Twins? $1.5 billion. I'm not sure how the sale price for the Pohlads could be much higher when it was also reported that the club is carrying over $400 million in debt. Debt assumed by the purchaser can be negotiated. And a source says the consortium that was turned down — which includes a prominent Minnesota businessman — still feels it has a chance to make a deal. So stay tuned."
There are a couple of positives to extract from Neal's report. First and foremost, the Pohlad's miscalculation of their own product hasn't deterred this buyer, or potential others. It probably creates more frustrating conversations, but the dialogue continuing is a positive.
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Beyond that, a potential buyer being local seems like a positive thing. Someone from Minnesota doesn't have to be the Twins buyer. Ishbia resides near Chicago after all . However, community and organizational ties can't be a negative thing.
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
There have been no other publicly-named parties. There are plenty of wealthy individuals within the state . Glen Taylor is among that group, but shouldn't be considered as a likely player for the Twins. He is still holding up his own sale of the Timberwolves.
Related: Top MN Twins Prospect Hurt Again
No matter what, the sooner that Minnesota can find a suitor, the better. Between a $1.7 billion asking price, and $1.5 billion offer, the Twins have a logical middle ground. They need to get there and generate positive feelings from a fan base that was again beaten down on Opening Day due to the new streaming issues .
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The timeframe for transition has been altered at this point. It would be great if a new owner is identified prior to the trade deadline. At worst, someone taking over before the offseason needs to happen. How much the Pohlad's are willing to play ball will ultimately impact that reality.
Minnesota continues their opening road trip with a three-game series in Chicago against the White Sox starting on Monday. They return home Thursday for Opening Day against the Houston Astros.
