MLB Commissioner Manfred Confident Minnesota Twins Sale Nears Completion

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred expressed confidence that a sale of the Minnesota Twins will occur despite delays in the process, emphasizing patience as the ownership transition is reworked. The Pohlad family, who have owned the team since 1984, announced in October their intention to explore a sale, initially targeting around $1.7 billion, a figure supported by recent comparable franchise sales like the Tampa Bay Rays. The delay was partly due to Justin Ishbia, once the leading potential buyer, shifting his focus to increasing his stake in the Chicago White Sox, causing other bidders to step back. Manfred noted that the market is closely connected and that once a clear front-runner emerges, other potential buyers tend to withdraw unless they can offer more. Recent reports indicate that despite earlier doubts, a deal is now believed to be progressing with financing efforts underway, suggesting the sale could be finalized in the near future. The commissioner declined to specify a timeline but reassured that the eventual transaction will meet the pricing expectations consistent with other MLB franchise sales.