The Minnesota Twins were knocked out of playoff contention on Friday night after losing 7-2 to the Orioles. This marked the end of a dramatic downfall for the team. Back on August 17, they had a solid record of 70-53 and were ahead in the wild-card race by five games. But then, they went into a terrible slump, winning only 12 out of their next 37 games.
Fans at Target Field voiced their frustration loudly with chants of “Fire Rocco!” directed at manager Rocco Baldelli. Baldelli, who is signed through 2025, acknowledged their anger and said it was justified. He told the Minnesota Star Tribune:
“The fans, I think, have a right to feel almost any way they choose,” Baldelli said. “I believe that. Frankly, any time we haven’t had success here, I’ve heard them in the stadium, and that’s part of managing a Major League Baseball team.”
“I respect the fans. The Minnesota Twins fans showed me last year when we were in the playoffs amazing things, things that can change the outcome of a game in favor of their team. You can’t have greater passion than what I saw . If I’m going to accept that, take that and enjoy that, then I’ll also take the criticism when things don’t go well.”
Baldelli emphasized he doesn’t worry about his job security but focuses on how well the team performs instead. Several players backed him up; Bailey Ober even mentioned that it’s mostly on them for not delivering.
Team Management’s Response:
On Sunday, Derek Falvey confirmed that Baldelli will stay as manager for 2025.
Derek Falvey reiterated his faith in Rocco Baldelli as manager moving forward. Other potential coaching/staff considerations, he didn’t wish to speak on.
Falvey: “Rocco is my manager.”
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark)
Twins chairman Joe Pohlad also expressed his support for Falvey remaining as head baseball operations executive: “I don’t judge employees off six crummy weeks,” Pohlad said via Minnesota Star Tribune.
Fans might feel mixed about this news since many blame both management and players for such an epic collapse.
While everyone shares some responsibility for this downfall—including Baldelli—the root issues lie deeper within the team’s structure itself: lackluster rotation depth and key hitters like Byron Buxton or Carlos Correa frequently landing on injured lists crippled their chances.
This isn’t new territory either; two years ago in 2022 saw another late-season meltdown where they missed out despite being close contenders mid-August!
As another season wraps up under Baldelli’s leadership (with three division titles since starting back in ’19), one wonders if changes are needed or if sticking with current management will eventually pay off?
What do you think? Should there be major changes or just better luck next season?
