In a bombshell announcement that has sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, the Minnesota Twins announced on Friday, January 30, that they have mutually agreed to part ways with President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey. The move comes at a precarious time, just weeks before pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for Twins Spring Training 2026. General Manager Jeremy Zoll has been immediately promoted to lead the organization's baseball operations department as the team scrambles to prepare for the upcoming season.
Falvey's Departure: A Mutual Decision or Ownership Pivot?
The announcement brings an abrupt end to Falvey’s nine-year tenure in Minnesota. While the official press release described the separation as "mutual," insiders suggest the move is the culmination of mounting friction following a disastrous 2025 campaign. Under Falvey’s watch last season, the Twins stumbled to a disappointed 70-92 record, leading to the dismissal of longtime manager Rocco Baldelli in October.
Executive Chair Tom Pohlad, who recently took over day-to-day control of the franchise from his brother Joe Pohlad in December 2025, released a statement emphasizing a need for a new direction. "Over the past several weeks, Derek and I had thoughtful and candid conversations about leadership, structure, and the future of the club," Pohlad stated. "We reached a shared understanding that the needs of the organization are evolving and that a leadership transition is the best way to move forward."
The Jeremy Zoll Era Begins
With Falvey's exit, the keys to the franchise have been handed to Jeremy Zoll. The 35-year-old executive, who was promoted to General Manager in November 2024, is viewed as one of the brightest young minds in the game. Zoll originally joined the Twins in 2018 as the Director of Minor League Operations and has risen rapidly through the ranks, credited with modernizing the team's player development system.
Zoll faces an immediate trial by fire. He must now navigate the final weeks of the offseason and finalize the 2026 roster without his longtime mentor. "Jeremy is an outstanding baseball leader," Falvey said in his farewell statement. "I believe the Club is well positioned for success in the years ahead under his guidance."
Falvey's Legacy in Minnesota
Derek Falvey’s legacy in Minnesota is complicated. Arriving from Cleveland in 2016, he was tasked with modernizing a franchise that had fallen behind the analytical curve. His tenure included highs, such as the "Bomba Squad" of 2019 and snapping the franchise's infamous 18-game postseason losing streak in 2023. Under his leadership, the Twins captured three AL Central division titles (2019, 2020, 2023).
However, the lack of sustained playoff success and the team's recent regression—highlighted by the 2024 late-season collapse and the 2025 rebuilding struggles—ultimately eroded ownership's confidence. The payroll restrictions imposed in recent years also reportedly created tension between the front office and ownership, a dynamic that likely contributed to today's MLB front office shakeup.
What This Means for Twins Spring Training 2026
The timing of this decision is arguably the most alarming aspect for fans. With Spring Training set to begin in Fort Myers in less than three weeks, the Twins are entering 2026 with a restructured front office and a new field manager, Derek Shelton, who was hired earlier this winter. The organization must now coalesce quickly to avoid the distractions that often plague teams in transition.
As MLB breaking news today continues to develop, industry sources speculate whether Zoll will look to make any last-minute roster additions to stamp his authority on the team or if the current roster is locked in. For now, the focus shifts entirely to Zoll and whether he can steer the ship back to contention in the American League Central.
