Twins Ownership to Change Hands After Four Decades
The Minnesota Twins, a cornerstone of Major League Baseball since their arrival in Minneapolis in 1961, are officially on the market. This announcement marks a significant turning point, as the team transitions from the stewardship of the Pohlad family, who have been at the helm since purchasing the franchise in 1984.
The Pohlad family's legacy with the Twins began when Carl Pohlad acquired the team for $43.5 million. Under their ownership, the Twins flourished, clinching World Series titles in 1987 and 1991, securing a cherished place in the hearts of fans across the region. Through their tenure, the Twins made ten additional postseason appearances, a testament to their competitive spirit and resilience.
Now, after nearly 40 years of leadership, the Pohlads have decided to explore the possibility of selling the franchise. According to the latest Forbes valuations, the Twins, whose value has soared to $1.46 billion, are positioned as an attractive prospect for potential buyers seeking to make their mark in Major League Baseball.
Joe Pohlad, representing the family, shared a heartfelt message: "For the past 40 seasons, the Minnesota Twins have been part of our family's heart and soul. This team is woven into the fabric of our lives, and the Twins community has become an extension of our family." This sentiment reflects the deep connection the Pohlad family has maintained with both the team and its loyal fanbase over the years.
After months of careful deliberation, the decision to sell did not come lightly. "After months of thoughtful consideration, our family reached a decision this summer to explore selling the Twins," Pohlad stated, emphasizing the careful and deliberate nature of this transition. This move, however, is underscored by a commitment to remain transparent with the team's staff and fans. "Our goal is to be as informative as possible with the team, staff, and you, the fans. You deserve that, because in so many ways, this team doesn't belong to any one family – it belongs to all of you," he added.
The Twins recently concluded the season with an 82-80 record, finishing fourth in the American League Central. This season's outcome adds to the narrative of change, potentially representing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another under new ownership.
With this sale, the Pohlads aim to ensure that the foundation they’ve built continues to foster growth and success for the franchise, its players, and its devoted community. "After four decades of commitment, passion, and countless memories, we are looking toward the future with care and intention – for our family, the Twins organization, and this community we love so much," Joe Pohlad remarked, encapsulating the family’s sentiment as they embark on this next step.
As the MLB community waits to see who will take up the mantle of responsibility associated with owning the Twins, there's a shared sense of respect for the rich legacy the Pohlad family leaves behind. Their stewardship has not only been marked by on-field success but also by indelible connections with fans, players, and the broader Minnesota community. The next chapter of the Minnesota Twins will undoubtedly build upon the profound impact made during the Pohlad era, ensuring that the vibrant spirit of Twins baseball remains at the heart of the game for years to come.