The Minnesota Twins have announced the hiring of Derek Shelton as their new manager, a familiar face who previously served as the Twins’ bench coach during 2018 and 2019 under Paul Molitor and Rocco Baldelli. Shelton returns to Minnesota after a challenging six-season stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he amassed a record of 306 wins and 440 losses, including two last-place finishes and two fourth-place finishes. His departure from the Pirates in May 2025 followed a disappointing start to the season, concluding with a 12-26 record.
At 55, Shelton’s experience includes taking the reins of a Pirates team that was undergoing a significant rebuild, a process that has yet to yield substantial success in the major leagues. Despite some signs of improvement during his tenure, the team struggled in 2024 and faced early challenges in the 2025 season before he was let go.
The Twins are coming off a lackluster 2025 season, finishing with a record of 70-92 and placing fourth in the American League Central, a performance that ultimately led to the dismissal of Rocco Baldelli in late September. Baldelli had a mixed tenure, guiding the Twins to three playoff appearances over seven seasons, yet both 2024 and 2025 saw the team struggling in the standings.
As Shelton takes on this new role, he will inherit a roster that has potential but also faces the uncertainty of the team’s ownership and financial commitment to player payroll. With Shelton’s return, Minnesota hopes to reinvigorate their performance in the upcoming season.
Shelton’s hiring comes at a time when several other teams are also seeking managers for the 2026 season, including the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, and Atlanta Braves, reflecting a competitive atmosphere in major league baseball as franchises look to grow and improve. The Twins will be eager to see if Shelton can replicate past successes and bring the organization back on track.