Imagine your favorite baseball team’s owner personally calling you to apologize for a season of chaos and disappointment. That’s exactly what Tom Pohlad, the new executive chair of the Minnesota Twins, is doing in a bold attempt to win back the trust of a fanbase that’s been left feeling betrayed and disillusioned. But here’s where it gets controversial: after a season marred by trades, financial struggles, and poor communication, can a few phone calls and a promise of transparency really mend the broken relationship between the Twins and their fans?
In Minneapolis, Pohlad has taken an unprecedented step by personally reaching out to 50 former season-ticket holders who decided not to renew their commitments. This weekend, he and manager Derek Shelton are hosting an event at TwinsFest aimed at wooing back another group of disillusioned supporters. Pohlad’s efforts don’t stop there—he’s also been meeting with players like Byron Buxton, Joe Ryan, and Pablo López to outline his vision for the team’s future after a tumultuous 2025 season.
His message is clear: the upcoming season is make-or-break for the organization, and he’s pleading for fans to rejoin the journey. ‘We tripped over ourselves,’ Pohlad admitted, acknowledging the team’s missteps, particularly in communication. ‘We didn’t do a good job explaining what we were going through or trying to accomplish.’ He’s now hitting the reset button, promising new energy, urgency, and accountability. But this is the part most people miss: Pohlad isn’t just apologizing—he’s also subtly shifting some blame, citing external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and baseball’s ‘difficult economic system’ as contributors to the team’s struggles.
Not everyone is buying it. One fan hung up on Pohlad three times, convinced the call was a prank. Even after Pohlad texted proof of his identity, the fan responded with hostility and refused to engage. This reaction isn’t surprising, given the Twins’ recent history: an ownership group that racked up $500 million in debt, a partial sale, and the trade of star shortstop Carlos Correa in July. Fans are weary, and Pohlad knows it.
During a recent media session, the Twins openly acknowledged their poor standing with fans. Chief revenue officer Sean Moore admitted there’s ‘a lot of work to do,’ while Pohlad vowed to address fan concerns directly and provide context—a stark contrast to past seasons of vague messaging about budget cuts and questionable trades. But here’s the question: is this enough to rebuild trust, or is it too little, too late?
Pohlad argues that not all of the team’s financial troubles were self-inflicted, pointing to the pandemic’s impact on the 2020 season and the loss of TV revenue. Yet, he also concedes that the team’s poor messaging has been a significant issue. He even admitted that slashing payroll by $30 million after the team’s first playoff success in 21 years was a misstep. With the club’s debt now significantly reduced, Pohlad sees this as a critical moment to turn things around.
Manager Derek Shelton is tasked with putting a competitive team on the field and drawing fans back to Target Field. Pohlad emphasizes the need for consistency, stating, ‘We’ve had one good season, one bad season—it’s frustrating and doesn’t show a clear strategy.’ He’s aiming to build something sustainable, but success hinges on a strong 2026 season.
The Twins have been active this offseason, signing catcher Victor Caratini and reliever Taylor Rogers, with more moves potentially on the way. General manager Jeremy Zoll is optimistic, noting that last year’s key signings came late in the offseason. Shelton, meanwhile, remains focused on listening to fans, believing their frustration is a sign they still care. ‘If there was apathy, that would concern me,’ he said. ‘But the fact that there’s concern shows there’s trust to regain.’
Pohlad’s approach is straightforward: he’s putting himself out there, even if it means facing unpleasant responses. ‘I’m trying to hear people out, take accountability, and paint a picture of what we’re building long-term,’ he said. But the big question remains: will fans buy into his vision, or is the damage too deep?
What do you think? Is Pohlad’s hands-on approach enough to win back fans, or is the Twins’ organization facing an uphill battle it can’t win? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take on this controversial strategy!
