Jeremy Zoll Takes the Reins as Twins Navigate Major Front Office Shakeup
Just 13 days before pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers, the Minnesota Twins are undergoing a significant leadership change - and doing it with a steady hand already in the building. Jeremy Zoll, a well-regarded internal voice, is stepping in as the new head of baseball operations following the unexpected departure of Derek Falvey, who had led the Twins' baseball department since 2016.
This wasn’t a move anyone saw coming, especially not this close to the start of spring training. But owner Tom Pohlad didn’t hesitate. Rather than launching a wide-ranging search, he promoted Zoll - a move rooted in continuity, trust, and a belief that the 36-year-old executive is ready for the moment.
“We lucked out with Jeremy Zoll being in this position,” Pohlad said. “He strikes me as aggressive, decisive, very competitive.”
Zoll has been quietly building toward this opportunity. Since joining the Twins in 2018 as director of minor league operations, he’s climbed the ladder with a reputation for sharp baseball acumen and strong player development instincts.
He became assistant GM in 2021 and was elevated to general manager in November 2024 after the dismissal of Thad Levine. Now, he takes full command of the baseball side of the organization.
Zoll’s responsibilities haven’t changed dramatically - he’s already been running day-to-day operations since taking over for Levine - but the stakes have. His most critical new task?
Guiding a first-time owner through the complexities of a Major League Baseball season. That’s no small job, especially when that owner is still learning the ropes.
Pohlad, who officially took over the team just seven weeks ago, has been open about his inexperience. At his introductory press conference back in December, he acknowledged, “I’ve got a lot to learn.” But he’s also shown a competitive streak and a willingness to be hands-on - traits that could either be a spark or a challenge, depending on how the front office manages the dynamic.
Zoll seems ready for it.
“(The) biggest thing will just be working hand in hand with Tom at this point moving forward,” Zoll said. “I’m looking forward to digging in further with Tom and figuring out those right rhythms and cadences.”
That relationship will be tested quickly. The roster, particularly the bullpen, still has question marks.
The Twins made a few modest additions this offseason - including signing Taylor Rogers, trading for Eric Orze, and claiming Jackson Kowar off waivers - but none of those moves dramatically shift the bullpen’s outlook. Kowar, for instance, showed some flashes last season but still holds a career ERA north of 8.00.
That’s not the kind of anchor you build a bullpen around.
The rotation has enough talent to keep the Twins competitive, but the lack of proven bullpen arms could put a lot of pressure on young starters transitioning to relief roles - a process that’s rarely smooth and often unpredictable.
Pohlad hasn’t ruled out more moves before Opening Day.
“I think there is still some investments to be made between now and Opening Day,” he said Friday.
But with few experienced, healthy relievers left on the market and most teams hesitant to make significant trades during spring training, the Twins may have to ride with what they’ve got - or get creative.
That’s where Zoll’s leadership will be tested. He’ll need to balance his own vision for the roster with the expectations of a new owner eager to win now. And he may have to deliver some hard truths along the way.
One source close to Zoll summed it up bluntly: “JZ has a great demeanor for being direct and dealing with (bulls-).”
Falvey, for his part, offered a strong endorsement of his longtime lieutenant on the way out.
“I have the utmost belief in Jeremy Zoll,” Falvey said. “His passion for it, his work habits, his work ethic, his relationship building are exceptional. I think he’s going to continue to take the reins and keep going, just as he has over the last year.”
Falvey had leaned on Zoll heavily in recent years, especially after taking on the dual role of team president. Zoll became his right-hand man, trusted with everything from internal ops to external negotiations. Now, he’ll be the one setting the tone - supported by a group of assistant GMs that includes Sean Johnson, Josh Kalk, and Alex Hassan.
Pohlad is confident he’s got the right person in the seat.
“If Jeremy Zoll won the job to be GM a year ago, that should tell you something about Jeremy Zoll,” Pohlad said. “There was plenty of competition. … I’m 100 percent committed to him as being the right leader in this moment.”
Twins Pass Returns - and It’s a Steal
While the front office is busy sorting out leadership and roster questions, fans have something to cheer about off the field. The popular Twins Pass is back, offering one of the best deals in baseball.
For just $229 - less than $3 a game - fans can attend up to 80 home games this season. That price is locked in if purchased before March 1.
After that, the pass jumps to $249. Monthly passes are also available for $49, though those don’t include the April 3 home opener.
One exception: the Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa, on Aug. 13 isn’t included. But for fans looking to enjoy a full summer of baseball at Target Field, this pass is tough to beat.
With a new leader in the front office and a passionate new owner at the helm, the Twins are entering a new era. The road ahead may be uncertain, but one thing’s clear - Jeremy Zoll has the keys, and the team is betting big on his vision.