The Minnesota Twins have narrowed their managerial search to four familiar candidates, as they seek to replace Rocco Baldelli. Baldelli was dismissed on September 29, after seven seasons with the team.
Candidates Under Consideration
Following several weeks of discussions, the potential candidates now include:
- Derek Shelton: Former Twins bench coach and Pittsburgh Pirates manager.
- James Rowson: Current New York Yankees hitting coach, previously held the same role with the Twins.
- Scott Servais: Former manager of the Seattle Mariners.
- Ryan Flaherty: Current bench coach for the Chicago Cubs.
Strongest Front Runners
Both Shelton and Rowson are seen as strong candidates due to their past experiences with the Twins’ leadership. President Derek Falvey and General Manager Jeremy Zoll have worked closely with them, which may influence the final decision.
Derek Shelton managed the Pirates for over five seasons and was a finalist during the Twins’ managerial search in October 2018. He played a significant role in the Twins’ transition to Baldelli, having engineered a memorable moment for Joe Mauer in his final game.
James Rowson also gained recognition during the Twins’ 2018 search. He served as the hitting coach when the team set a major league record with 307 home runs during the 2019 season. Rowson has since had stints with the Miami Marlins and the Detroit Tigers before returning to the Yankees in 2024.
Other Candidates
Ryan Flaherty completed interviews well and brings experience from his playing days and coaching roles. He was named the Cubs’ bench coach for the 2024 season after previously serving with the Padres.
Scott Servais is noted for a .514 winning percentage during his nine seasons with the Mariners. He managed to lead the team to the playoffs once in 2022. Servais also has a background in player development and currently holds a special assistant role with the San Diego Padres.
Removed Candidates
Sources indicated that several candidates, including Ramón Vázquez of the Boston Red Sox and Vance Wilson of the Kansas City Royals, did not advance in the selection process. Likewise, ex-Twins infielder Nick Punto is no longer a candidate.
Current Search Status
As the World Series unfolds with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, the Twins’ search for a new manager remains active. The front office may even consider additional candidates as they refine their options. The team has yet to make an official announcement regarding their final decision.
