Twins Exercise 2026 Option to Retain Manager Rocco Baldelli Amid Struggles

The Minnesota Twins have exercised their club option to retain manager Rocco Baldelli for the 2026 season, despite the team's recent poor performance, including a 14-loss stretch in the last 17 games. President of baseball operations Derek Falvey has expressed strong support for Baldelli, emphasizing a collective effort to address the team's challenges and ruling out a mid-season managerial change. While the Twins have struggled with pitching injuries and ineffective starting rotation, Baldelli's leadership has been credited with maintaining one of the strongest bullpens in the league. The team is currently undergoing a potential ownership change, which may influence future decisions, but no immediate moves regarding Baldelli are expected. Baldelli, in his seventh season, has led the Twins to three playoff appearances but with limited postseason success, and the organization remains hopeful for a turnaround similar to their 13-game winning streak earlier this year. The timing of the contract extension announcement has sparked discussion among fans and analysts about the manager's role amid the franchise's uncertain future.