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MN Twins Replace Key Ownership Figure
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- MN Twins Replace Key Ownership Figure
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Twins have been exploring a sale of the team for more than a year. Ultimately they couldn't find a buyer due to their massive debt , and instead have brought on a new trio of minority investors .
That group was announced on Wednesday as Glick Family Investments, George C. Hicks, and Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold. We were already aware of some changes coming , but the biggest news is that Joe Pohlad is being kicked to the curb.
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Named the executive chair of the MN Twins in 2022 , his run as front man for the organization is done.
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Tom Pohlad replacing Joe for Minnesota Twins
Joe Pohlad took over for his uncle Jim, who moved into a Control Person position with the league. His messaging has often fallen on deaf ears and lacked a level of self awareness. Needing to reinvigorate a fanbase frustrated with the direction, the answer has been to bring in another family member.
"It has been one of the greatest responsibilities and privileges of my life to work alongside the people in this organization and to serve our fans. As we begin this next chapter in our ownership of the Twins, I will be stepping away from my day-to-day role. I will continue to champion our employees and Twins Territory as our organization moves forward."
While serving as the executive chair for the Minnesota Twins, Joe Pohlad is synonymous with a roster teardown following the greatest postseason run in decades, and a quote about "right-sizing" the business . With Joe in charge, the MN Twins also failed to navigate a changing television landscape , and ultimately failed to sell their franchise .
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His legacy has been nothing of note, and unfortunately is just another bump in the road for an ownership group that has been fairly chided.
"It is a profound honor to have the opportunity to continue a legacy that has been part of my family — and this community — for the past forty years. My uncle and my brother have led this organization with integrity, dedication, and a genuine love for the game. As I assume my new role, I do so with great respect for our history and a clear focus on the future — one defined by accountability and stewardship in our relentless pursuit of a championship."
It's ultimately unlikely that Tom Pohlad represents a substantial change given the constraints of ownership through an entire family. Tom is the oldest grandson of Carl and has been deeply involved with growing PaR Systems.
Ownership changes bring hope for future
Changes to the MN Twins ownership structure do little to advance things presently. With such a significant debt on the books, the minority investors made the smart move to buy in and watch their valuations grow. It doesn't likely mean there will be a cash infusion towards the on-field product though.
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However, without being so cash-strapped moving forward, it's possible that Derek Falvey is given a path back towards a league-average payroll. The signing of Josh Bell indicates the club won't be going much over their projected $100 million mark in 2026 , and that's a substantial drop again from 2025.
With the debt cleared, it's also possible the Pohlad's put their asset back on the market again. 2027 will bring labor uncertainty to Major League Baseball, but 2028 could open a door. An infusion down the line, or a changing of the guard, would both be welcomed outcomes by fans.
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