The Minnesota Twins franchise appears to be on the cusp of a significant ownership change, with reports indicating strong momentum toward a sale following an unprecedented roster overhaul at the recent trade deadline.
The Pohlad family, long-time owners of the Minnesota Twins, initiated the sale process back in October, setting a reported asking price of $1.7 billion for the baseball club. Their decision comes at a pivotal time for the organization and the broader Major League Baseball landscape.
Minnesota emerged as arguably the most aggressive seller leading up to Thursday’s trade deadline, making headlines by offloading a substantial portion of their active roster. This dramatic shift underscores a strategic pivot within the franchise, aligning with the ongoing sale discussions.
In a surprising move that sent ripples through the league, the Twins traded away an astonishing ten of the twenty-six players on their active roster. This significant dismantling of the team composition reflects a clear intent to reshape the club, potentially for a new ownership group.
The financial narrative behind the Twins’ recent decisions is compelling; after fielding a franchise-record $167 million payroll in 2023, uncertainties surrounding the regional sports network landscape saw payroll drop to $133 million in 2024. Projections indicate a further decline to approximately $136 million post-trade deadline, highlighting the economic pressures influencing the team’s direction.
As of Friday’s play, the Minnesota Twins held a 51-57 record, placing them six games behind the third wild card spot in their league. With six other teams currently positioned ahead of them in the standings, the team’s on-field performance adds another layer to the strategic decisions being made off the field.
The Twins’ ownership history dates back to 1984 when Carl Pohlad acquired the team for $44 million. His son, Jim Pohlad, assumed the chairman role after Carl’s passing in 2009, overseeing the franchise through various eras, including the recent financial shifts and the current sale negotiations.
