Can the Minnesota Twins truly turn things around by 2026, or is their new owner just selling empty promises? This is the burning question on every fan's mind as Tom Pohlad, who took over as principal owner from his brother Joe in mid-December, boldly declares his ambition to build a competitive team by 2026. But here's where it gets controversial: despite Pohlad’s aggressive rhetoric, the Twins’ offseason moves—or lack thereof—tell a different story. After a devastating 92-loss season, the team has made no major trades or free-agent signings, and their payroll has plummeted by $35 million from last Opening Day, now hovering around $100 million. And this is the part most people miss: the Twins’ spending relative to the rest of MLB is at a 25-year low, leaving fans skeptical about Pohlad’s grand vision.
The recent buzz linking the Twins to free-agent left-hander Framber Valdez only added to the confusion. When Valdez signed a three-year, $115 million deal with the Detroit Tigers on February 10, it felt like another missed opportunity for Minnesota. Pohlad’s words about being aggressive haven’t yet translated into action, and fans are right to question whether bigger moves are truly on the horizon.
But let’s not forget the context. The Twins have been in a holding pattern for much of the offseason due to the delayed ownership transition, new minority partners wiping out substantial debt, and the unexpected departure of longtime front office boss Derek Falvey. By the time Pohlad took the reins, the free-agent market had slimmed down significantly. Valdez, the last of The Athletic’s top 20 free agents, represented a final chance for the Twins to make a splash. Pohlad admitted, ‘In a perfect world, would I love to have been in this role six months ago? Yes, I would have loved that. But we are where we are.’
During a recent interview, Pohlad confirmed the Twins’ interest in Valdez, explaining that adding him to a rotation already featuring Pablo López and Joe Ryan would have been a game-changer. ‘We would have had a hell of a 1-2-3 punch,’ he said. Yet, Detroit’s deep pockets won the day, leaving Twins fans wondering if Pohlad’s commitment to spending is as real as he claims.
Here’s the controversial take: While Pohlad insists payroll increases are coming, his recent shift in messaging raises eyebrows. Just two weeks ago, he urged fans to ‘get off this payroll thing’ and focus on wins and losses instead. Unsurprisingly, this didn’t sit well with supporters, who’ve heard similar excuses before. Now, Pohlad seems to be backpedaling, emphasizing his desire to be aggressive—a tone that feels more calculated than genuine.
So, what’s next? With Valdez off the table, the Twins could still pursue unsigned veterans like Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell, or Max Scherzer if López’s elbow injury becomes a concern. The trade market remains open, and Pohlad insists taking on a large salary is ‘100 percent’ an option. Yet, FanGraphs and Baseball Prospectus project the Twins for a losing record in 2026, with BetMGM setting their over/under at a dismal 73 1/2 wins. Pohlad calls this ‘ridiculous,’ but if the team falls short, could another fire sale be on the horizon?
Pohlad’s confidence is admirable, but actions speak louder than words. As he puts it, ‘We really like our team,’ but liking a team and building a winner are two very different things. The question remains: Can Pohlad deliver on his promises, or will 2026 be just another year of unmet expectations? What do you think? Is Pohlad’s vision realistic, or is he setting the Twins up for another disappointing season? Let us know in the comments!
