The Minnesota Twins, a cornerstone of Major League Baseball and a beloved institution in the Upper Midwest, are officially up for sale. This comes after nearly four decades under the stewardship of the Pohlad family, who have left an indelible mark on the franchise since acquiring it in 1984.
A Legacy Built Over 40 Years
Purchased by Carl Pohlad for $43.5 million, the Minnesota Twins have grown significantly in both value and prestige. According to the latest valuation by Forbes, the franchise is currently worth an impressive $1.46 billion. Under the Pohlad family's ownership, the Twins celebrated World Series victories in 1987 and 1991, moments that are etched in the hearts of fans and contributed to the team's storied legacy.
Over the course of the Pohlad era, the Twins have made ten additional postseason appearances, showcasing a persistent competitive spirit. Despite ups and downs, including a recent season that ended with an 82-80 record and a fourth-place finish in the AL Central, the organization has maintained its status as a formidable player in Major League Baseball.
The Decision to Sell
The decision to explore a sale comes after months of deliberation by the Pohlad family, as elucidated by Joe Pohlad. "For the past 40 seasons, the Minnesota Twins have been part of our family's heart and soul. This team is woven into the fabric of our lives, and the Twins community has become an extension of our family," he stated, capturing the deep connection between the family and the franchise.
Despite this connection, the Pohlads decided it was time to consider the future. "After months of thoughtful consideration, our family reached a decision this summer to explore selling the Twins," Joe Pohlad confirmed, indicating a shift in perspective after four decades of ownership.
The Impact on the Community
The Pohlad family has not taken this decision lightly, understanding the profound impact it may have on the community and the broader Twins organization. Joe Pohlad emphasized their commitment to transparency, explaining, "Our goal is to be as informative as possible with the team, staff, and you, the fans. You deserve that, because in so many ways, this team doesn't belong to any one family – it belongs to all of you." This sentiment underlines the communal nature of sports franchises, and particularly the Twins, which have been based in Minnesota since 1961.
Looking Toward the Future
As the family looks back on their time with the Twins, they also cast an eye towards the future with a sense of duty and care. "After four decades of commitment, passion, and countless memories, we are looking toward the future with care and intention – for our family, the Twins organization, and this community we love so much," Joe Pohlad remarked. This careful consideration reflects the mindful approach the Pohlads are taking as they navigate this significant transition.
The prospective sale of the Twins marks the end of an era in Minnesota sports, while opening new chapters for both the Pohlad family and the franchise itself. Fans, staff, and stakeholders alike will watch closely as this process unfolds, hoping for new ownership that honors the legacy built over the past 40 years and carries the Twins forward into a promising future.