Twins owner hands day-to-day responsibilities to nephew Joe Pohlad
Twins owner and chairman Jim Pohlad. (FILE/KSTP-TV)
Just over a week after unveiling new uniforms and marks, the Minnesota Twins owners have announced a leadership change.
In a letter to Twins employees on Monday, Jim Pohlad, an owner and the executive chair of the club, announced that he’s handing the day-to-day responsibilities and executive chair title to his nephew, Joe Pohlad.
Jim Pohlad’s father, Carl, bought the Twins in 1984, meaning next season will be the family’s 40th year owning the club. Jim and his brothers, Bill and Bob, serve on the team’s executive board but Jim has been the public face of the family as chairman.
While Jim says he’ll still be involved in team and league business, Joe — who has worked for the club for the past 15 years and has been the executive vice president of brand strategy and growth — will now assume the role of executive chairman and lead all facets of the organization, with President and CEO Dave St. Peter and President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey reporting directly to Joe.
“As we look to the future, our family is highly confident in Joe’s ability to push the franchise forward in meaningful ways,” Jim’s letter says in part.
He added that the family remains “fully committed to owning the Twins for years to come.”
After a disappointing season that saw the Twins finish third in the American League Central Division, outside the playoffs, the team’s offseason moves will be closely watched by fans. Another factor in that is star shortstop Carlos Correa’s free agency.
Correa joined the Twins before the start of last season in a shocking move and quickly became a favorite among fans and those within the club alike. While he’s stated his appreciation for the Twins and willingness to return, he’s likely to command a long-term deal worth around $30 million per year, if not more, and it’s unclear if the Twins are willing to meet that price to retain him.
With the change in the club’s governing structure, the team’s spending this offseason is now even more likely to be under the microscope.
The team itself didn’t release any statement regarding Monday’s news.