The Minnesota Twins have hired Derek Shelton as their new manager, sources confirmed on Wednesday, marking a return for the former bench coach to lead the team’s rebuilding efforts. Shelton, who previously served under Paul Molitor and Rocco Baldelli, brings experience from his time managing the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The decision was first reported by ESPN and other outlets on October 29, 2025, with multiple sources verifying the appointment. Shelton will take over from Rocco Baldelli, who was dismissed on September 29 after the Twins finished the season with a 70-92 record, placing fourth in the AL Central. This marks the team’s worst performance since 2016, prompting significant changes in leadership. The hiring process involved several candidates, but Shelton’s familiarity with the organization made him the top choice.
Derek Shelton’s history with the Twins includes two seasons as bench coach in 2018 and 2019, where he worked under both Paul Molitor and Rocco Baldelli. His deep understanding of the team’s culture and players was a key factor in his selection. After leaving the Twins, Shelton was appointed manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates in November 2019, his first major league managing role. During his tenure with the Pirates, he compiled a record of 306-440 over five-plus seasons, showing gradual improvement before his dismissal in May 2025.
The Twins’ 2025 season was marked by high expectations that quickly faded, leading to a mid-season roster overhaul. At the trade deadline, the team traded away 10 players and cut $26 million from the payroll, signaling a shift towards rebuilding. Post-All-Star break, the Twins went 23-43, one of the worst records in baseball, and attendance at Target Field plummeted to just over 1.7 million, the lowest in a non-pandemic year since 2000. Fan discontent has been primarily directed at ownership for cost-cutting measures that followed a successful 2023 playoff run. This context made the manager search crucial for restoring stability.
Other contenders for the manager position included New York Yankees hitting coach James Rowson, who had previous roles with the Twins, former Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais, and Chicago Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty. Rowson, in particular, was a strong candidate due to his history with the organization. However, Shelton’s direct experience as a coach under two Twins managers gave him an advantage in the selection process. The Twins’ front office emphasized the importance of internal knowledge for the rebuilding phase.
Shelton’s challenge will be to develop young talent and guide the Twins back to competitiveness after a dismal season. The team’s performance decline was stark, from ending an 18-game postseason losing streak in 2023 to finishing near the bottom of the league in 2025. Ownership dynamics also play a role, as the Pohlad family considered selling the team in 2024 but decided to retain control with new investors. This infusion of capital is expected to help manage debt and support future operations. Shelton’s appointment is seen as a step towards reestablishing a winning culture.
Across Major League Baseball, managerial changes have been frequent this offseason, with nine teams making switches. The Twins’ hire of Shelton fits into a pattern of teams seeking experienced leaders for turnaround projects. His background with both the Twins and Pirates provides a blend of familiarity and fresh perspective. As the offseason progresses, attention will turn to staff appointments and player acquisitions under Shelton’s leadership.