By: Max Jasper

Last Thursday, the Minnesota Twins hired former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton to replace Rocco Baldelli as the team’s manager. Shelton compiled a career record of 306-440 with the Pirates, winning just 41 percent of games during his tenure. So why would the Twins fire Baldelli, a manager with a career .511 winning percentage?

Well, it’s because Baldelli was on a steep decline.

In his final two seasons, the Twins started strong but collapsed late. They finished 2024 with an 82-80 record, then regressed in 2025 to 70-92. That was their worst record since 2016.

Putting the record aside for a moment, it’s also important to mention that Baldelli made several questionable decisions during the 2025 season. One notable example came on Wednesday, July 30, when the Twins hosted the Boston Red Sox at a nearly empty Target Field.

In the ninth inning, trailing 8-1, Baldelli pulled second baseman Willi Castro, seemingly to give him an ovation. But with few fans in attendance, the gesture fell flat on its face, because nobody in the crowd knew what was going on. Castro wasn’t traded that day, but was dealt to the Chicago Cubs the next afternoon for two minor leaguers.

However, that wasn’t the only head-scratcher during that game.

Reliever Griffin Jax entered in the top of the ninth despite the lopsided score. After allowing hits to the first three batters, Baldelli replaced him with position player Kody Clemens. Jax, visibly frustrated, knew any inherited runners who scored would affect his stats. Clemens promptly gave up a three-run homer to Romy Gonzalez, tagging Jax with two earned runs.

As an arbitration-eligible player, Jax’s numbers directly impact his salary. His frustration was understandable. He had been a reliable arm for Minnesota. The next day, reports surfaced of an altercation between Jax and Baldelli, which shortstop Carlos Correa helped defuse. Jax apologized, then requested a trade. He was sent to the Tampa Bay Rays later that day.

That moment felt like the breaking point. Despite front-office support, Baldelli had likely lost the clubhouse, which is what likely prompted his sudden departure from the club.

When Baldelli was hired in 2019, he was a promising choice. Paul Molitor had just finished a rough 78-84 campaign, and Joe Mauer had just retired. Baldelli brought new energy and a fresh perspective to Minnesota.

But now, a fresh face might have been better. Someone young, hungry and driven, like new Angels manager Kurt Suzuki. Then again, up-and-comers like Suzuki may be wise to avoid the Twins’ ownership. The Pohlad family has a reputation that deters candidates.

Remember that July 30 game? The next day, the Twins traded eight players, including Castro and Jax. Most shocking was the deal sending Carlos Correa back to the Houston Astros for minimal return.

So, is hiring Shelton a smart move?

No. It’s a safe one.

Shelton has never posted a winning season. His best years were 2023 and 2024, when the Pirates went 76-86 both seasons. He is not set up for success in Minnesota, and unfortunately, he is familiar with failure.

The 2026 Twins will likely struggle. Finishing higher than fourth in the AL Central would be a huge surprise.

Still, Shelton is a logical hire. He knows the organization, having served as bench coach in 2018 and 2019. He has managerial experience and needed a job. It’s beyond obvious to any Twins fan that the front office knows to expect a losing season in 2026.

It also makes sense that former Twins outfielder Torii Hunter declined to interview for the open manager position. He likely saw the writing on the wall. The front office was not setting anyone up to succeed.

The person who is likely benefiting the most from Shelton’s hiring is Baldelli. Baldelli has garnered interest from as many as 10 teams after he was let go from Minnesota. However, Baldelli will be spending the 2026 season with his family, but stated that he’d be interested in managing again if “the situation” matches.