The Minnesota Twins are at a crossroads, and the baseball world is buzzing with speculation. Who will be their next manager? After weeks of intense scrutiny and multiple rounds of interviews, the Twins have narrowed their search down to four formidable candidates, each with a unique connection to the team’s past or present. But here’s where it gets intriguing: all four names are far from unfamiliar.
Leading the pack are two former Twins insiders: Derek Shelton, the ex-bench coach turned Pittsburgh Pirates manager, and James Rowson, the New York Yankees hitting coach who once held the same role in Minnesota from 2018 to 2019. Both Shelton and Rowson have prior experience working alongside Twins president Derek Falvey and general manager Jeremy Zoll, making them early favorites. Shelton, in particular, was a finalist in the 2018 managerial search that ultimately led to Rocco Baldelli’s hiring. His close relationship with Falvey and his role in orchestrating Joe Mauer’s emotional final game as a catcher haven’t been forgotten.
Rowson, meanwhile, left a lasting impression during his tenure with the Twins, especially during the 2019 season when the ‘Bomba Squad’ shattered the MLB home run record with 307 blasts. His recent interview has reportedly reignited the team’s interest, though his journey since leaving Minnesota—including stints with the Miami Marlins and Detroit Tigers—adds layers to his candidacy.
But here’s the part most people miss: the other two candidates, Scott Servais and Ryan Flaherty, bring their own compelling stories to the table. Servais, the former Seattle Mariners manager, boasts a .514 winning percentage over nine seasons but has only one playoff appearance to his name. His extensive background in player development and front-office roles with the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels could be a wildcard in his favor. Flaherty, a former MLB infielder and current Chicago Cubs bench coach, impressed in his interview and has been steadily climbing the coaching ranks since his playing days ended.
And this is where it gets controversial: While Shelton and Rowson seem like safe, familiar choices, could the Twins benefit from a fresh perspective? Servais’s playoff drought with the Mariners raises questions, but his experience in building teams might be exactly what Minnesota needs. Flaherty, on the other hand, is the youngest and least experienced of the group—but could his underdog status and modern approach to the game be the shake-up the Twins require?
As the search continues—potentially expanding if the World Series schedule allows—one thing is clear: the Twins are prioritizing familiarity and proven leadership. But should they? Or is it time to take a leap of faith with a less obvious candidate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this decision could shape the Twins’ future for years to come.
Oct 25, 2025
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