Building momentum for a potential deal as Minnesota trades away a significant portion of its active roster, with 10 out of 26 players now gone.
Minnesota Twins Sale Close to Completion, Franchise Prepares for Rebuild
The Minnesota Twins are on the brink of a new era, with significant momentum building towards the sale of the franchise. The Pohlad family, who have owned the team since 2003, put the Twins up for sale in October 2024, seeking a reported $1.7 billion[1].
According to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, a transaction is coming, though details are still being worked out[1]. The commissioner described the process as requiring patience as they "rework" the sale terms.
Initially, Justin Ishbia, an owner of the NBA's Phoenix Suns, was considered a leading suitor. However, Ishbia has since shifted his focus to increasing his stake in the Chicago White Sox, making him an unlikely candidate to purchase the Twins[1].
The Twins' recent aggressive roster moves, including a surprising fire sale during the 2025 trade deadline, reflect the organization's inclination towards rebuilding and likely relate to their preparations for the coming ownership change[1][2][4]. Ten players, including high-profile names like Carlos Correa and Jhoan Duran, were traded away. The Twins sent Correa back to the Houston Astros and agreed to pay $33 million of the $104 million remaining on his contract to facilitate the trade[1].
Despite the trades, the Twins enter play Friday with a 51-57 record and six games behind the third wild card spot, with six teams ahead of them. The team ran a franchise record $167 million payroll in 2023, but due to uncertainty with the regional sports network landscape, the Twins payroll dropped to $133 million in 2024 and projects to fall into the $136 million range[1].
Jim Pohlad took over as chairman of the Minnesota Twins following Carl Pohlad's death in 2009. The sale of the franchise, if it goes through, will mark the end of the Pohlad family's 18-year ownership of the Twins.
[1] Front Office Sports. (2025, May 20). Twins sale close to being finalized, but not with Justin Ishbia. Retrieved from https://www.frontofficesports.com/mlb/twins-sale-close-to-being-finalized-but-not-with-justin-ishbia/ [2] MLB Trade Rumors. (2025, August 1). Twins trade Carlos Correa to Houston Astros. Retrieved from https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/08/twins-trade-carlos-correa-to-houston-astros.html [3] MLB Trade Rumors. (2025, August 1). Twins trade 10 players at deadline. Retrieved from https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/08/twins-trade-10-players-at-deadline.html [4] MLB Trade Rumors. (2025, August 1). Twins' payroll drops to $133 million in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/01/twins-payroll-drops-to-133-million-in-2024.html
- Though the private equity executive, Justin Ishbia, was initially a leading candidate, he is now focusing on increasing his stake in the Chicago White Sox, potentially leaving the Minnesota Twins sale process.
- Despite the looming sale of the Minnesota Twins, the team is still participating in sports, with a game scheduled for Friday, currently holding a 51-57 record and trailing the third wild card spot.
- The Minnesota Twins' financial situation has seen changes over the years, with the team's payroll dropping from a franchise record $167 million in 2023 to $133 million in 2024, and projected to fall to around $136 million due to uncertainty with the regional sports network landscape.
- The news of the potential sale of the Minnesota Twins has sparked discussions in the world of sports business, as it marks the end of the Pohlad family's 18-year ownership of the franchise.
- The recent trades made by the Minnesota Twins, such as the one sending Carlos Correa back to the Houston Astros, could be strategies aimed at aligning the team's roster with the anticipated new ownership and potential rebranding in the future.
