Twins fire manager Rocco Baldelli after second straight disappointing season

Rocco Baldelli is out as manager of the Twins after seven seasons at the helm. 

The club announced the move on Monday after the Twins wrapped up their second consecutive season with a disappointing result, finishing 2025 with a 70-92 record and missing out on the postseason for the fourth time in five years. 

The Twins will begin their search for a new manager immediately and president of baseball operations Derek Falvey and general manager Jeremy Zoll will determine the 2026 coaching staff in conjunction with the new manager.

“This game is ultimately measured by results, and over the past two seasons we did not reach the goals we set,” Falvey said in a statement. “I take personal responsibility for that. After discussions with ownership, we determined that this is the right moment for a change in voice and direction. This decision is not a reflection of Rocco’s effort or leadership. It reflects where we are as an organization and the belief that a different voice is needed to help us move forward.”

This year marked the first time that the Twins had lost more than 90 games in a season since 2016 and Baldelli ended his seven-year run as the Twins manager with a 527-505 record. 

He exits the franchise as the third-winningest manager in Twins history, with only Tom Kelly and Ron Gardenhire winning more games than Baldelli. 

Minnesota won three American League Central titles during Baldelli’s tenure and claimed the American League Manager of the Year award in 2019. 

“Over the past seven years Rocco has been much more than our manager. He has been a trusted partner and teammate to me in leading this organization,” Falvey said. “Together we shared a deep care for the Twins, for our players and staff, and for doing everything in our power to put this club in the best position to succeed. Along the way we experienced some meaningful accomplishments, and I will always be proud of those, even as I wish we had ultimately achieved more.”

It had been reported in June that the Twins were picking up the team option on Baldelli’s contract, though it was never officially confirmed or denied at the time.