As the new baseball season dawns, fans across Major League Baseball usually find themselves filled with hope. But for Minnesota Twins supporters, optimism seems to be in short supply this year.
The offseason saw a change in leadership with a new Pohlad at the helm. However, despite a fresh energy and different messaging, the financial backing hasn't followed suit.
The Twins' payroll is projected to be $35 million less than last year, dropping to $115.4 million. This marks a significant decrease from the previous season’s $150 million, and unless the team stages an unexpected turnaround, it could be the lowest payroll in a decade.
Back in 2016, the payroll was even smaller at $110.2 million, a year that saw the Twins struggling with a franchise-record 103 losses. Despite efforts to engage fans with promotions like $2 pre-game beers, the sentiment remains unchanged.
The Athletic’s MLB Fan Hope-O-Meter poll, which surveyed over 11,000 fans, paints a stark picture. The Twins find themselves at the bottom, with only 4.3% of fans expressing optimism about the 2026 season. This is in stark contrast to their AL Central rivals, the Chicago White Sox, who despite their own struggles, have 67% of their fans feeling hopeful.
It’s a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. Just three years ago, the Twins broke a two-decade playoff series drought by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays, igniting hope for a brighter future. But subsequent budget cuts have eroded both the roster and fan optimism.
Now, even the LA Angels, who haven’t seen postseason action since 2014, have a more hopeful fanbase. The frustration among Twins fans is palpable. Comments from fans highlight their disappointment with management decisions, including dismantling a competitive team and trading popular players for less impactful prospects.
Despite the current outlook, there’s still a glimmer of hope in the talent waiting in the wings. But for now, the call from fans is clear: they want change, and they want to believe in their team again.