Why Minnesota Twins’ trade deadline could be complicated by ownership conflicts | MLB News
This is a challenging season for the Minnesota Twins, and not just on the baseball diamond as the MLB trade deadline approaches. The team is owned at the moment by a group within the Pohlad family that is transitioning ownership and that has left the direction of the Twins financially and strategically in some amounts of uncertainty. This power struggle behind the scenes could have serious ramifications when it comes to how the Twins handle one of the most critical points of the season, with a highly competitive AL Central on the line.
Minnesota Twins’ ownership uncertainty could limit deadline moves
The crux of the problem lies with the change in leadership in this case: the changing of the guard of the team figurehead between Jim Pohlad and his nephew, Joe Pohlad, who appears to be gradually taking over the reins of the franchise. But the handover has failed to provide clarity. As per TwinsDaily reports, Financial controls are still cloudy, with long-term plans still not completely established.The Twins may be unwilling to take on more salary, and may be unwilling to be aggressive at the deadline with any deal that doesn’t fall into the above category. Teams whose ownership futures are murky have a history of not making bold moves, making incremental moves, or remaining silent altogether. The clearest example of that was the underwhelming deadline approach from a year ago, and it seems probable to repeat unless financial mandates shift soon.The Twins still have plenty of distance to cover between them and the AL Central lead, but they have evident holes on the roster, particularly in the form of bullpen depth and major quality in the infield. Without a hard, financial commitment from the ownership, it leaves the front office in a position to be conservative, where they cannot seek real impact players.
Minnesota Twins’ front office may default to caution again
The Minnesota Twins’ baseball ops department hasn’t exactly been a maverick at the trade deadline in recent years, leaning more towards internal solutions and low-risk pickups. Although sometimes with a semblance of justification, that cautious approach has at times undermined the team in crucial late-season moments. Couple that with the ownership drama still ongoing, and making big moves this July seems ever more unlikely.Also Read: Minnesota Twins dominate Orioles to claim 11th consecutive win, closing in on franchise historySome analysts, including ESPN’s Jeff Passan, have pegged the Twins as likely “holders” at this deadline—teams that don’t buy or sell, and who simply choose to stand pat. Division remains open, and rival contenders are making moves to improve their rosters, so this strategy could be maddening for fans.
