Twins and Derek Falvey Mutually Part Ways as President of Baseball Ops
The Minnesota Twins have made a significant change in their front office by parting ways with Derek Falvey, their president of baseball operations. This announcement came unexpectedly on Friday, marking the end of an era for the franchise.
Derek Falvey’s Tenure with the Twins
Derek Falvey joined the Twins following the 2016 season. He began as the chief baseball officer and later became the president of baseball operations. His leadership was pivotal in transforming the team’s operations and culture over the past nine years.
Under Falvey’s guidance, the Twins achieved considerable success, winning three division titles and making four postseason appearances. His approach emphasized modernizing baseball operations while fostering a culture of growth and learning.
Statement from the Twins
- Tom Pohlad, the executive chair, expressed gratitude for Falvey’s contributions.
- Pohlad noted that conversations regarding leadership had taken place over several weeks.
- He mentioned that a transition in leadership was necessary to meet the evolving needs of the organization.
Pohlad stated, “Derek’s leadership was transformational… He helped modernize every aspect of our baseball operations.”
Statements from Derek Falvey
In his own statement, Falvey acknowledged the discussions he had with Pohlad regarding his departure. He emphasized the importance of leadership and vision in organizational progress.
Leadership Changes
Following Falvey’s departure, Jeremy Zoll, previously the general manager, is expected to step into a more prominent leadership role. However, his title will remain unchanged.
Falvey’s exit comes amid broader changes within the Twins organization, including ownership transitions and the exploration of team sale, which contributed to the current restructuring.
Ownership Changes and Financial Context
- The Pohlad family retains majority ownership after initially exploring a full sale.
- The Twins encountered difficulty securing buyers, with reported debts exceeding $400 million.
- A minority ownership group, including notable figures like Craig Leipold, has since entered the organization.
Joe Pohlad was replaced by his brother Tom as executive chair after three years. Tom Pohlad is also acting as interim president of baseball operations until a new president is appointed.
The Twins plan to begin their search for a new president of business operations immediately. This transition marks a significant moment in the franchise’s history, with the potential to shape its future direction.
