Tom Pohlad Takes the Reins: A New Era Begins for the Minnesota Twins
Change has officially arrived in Minnesota, and it’s not just a reshuffling of titles. On Wednesday afternoon at Target Field, the Twins made a franchise-altering announcement: Tom Pohlad is stepping in as the new control person for the team, replacing his brother Joe and taking over from their uncle Jim. Once MLB gives the formal approval-expected in February-Tom will be the sole family member running the show.
For a franchise that’s long been defined by stability and a quiet, behind-the-scenes approach to ownership, this is a seismic shift. The Pohlad family still owns the Twins, but the way that ownership functions will look very different going forward.
From Family Affair to Singular Vision
Over the past few years, the Twins’ leadership was a three-headed structure: Joe Pohlad, Jim Pohlad, and Tom Pohlad each had significant roles. Tom had largely been focused on the potential sale of the team, which the family explored 14 months ago. That sale didn’t happen-but the process clearly sparked deeper conversations about the direction of the franchise.
Now, Tom is the last Pohlad standing in the day-to-day operation of the Twins.
“Yes,” Tom confirmed when asked if he would be the only family member directly involved. “Other than the advisory board, the family members that will sit on that, yes.”
That means Joe Pohlad, who had been leading the organization, is stepping away entirely. And while the tone of Wednesday’s press conference was respectful, it was also unmistakably candid.
This wasn’t a smooth, mutual transition. It was a painful one.
“Joe was not on board with this at first. And he’s on board now,” Tom said.
“He understands. But… he’s been here for 19 years.
All he’s ever wanted was to lead this franchise and help it win a world championship. Things change.
We had to make a decision as a family. He understands.”
That decision didn’t come lightly. Tom described the process as “extremely difficult,” acknowledging the toll it took on his relationship with Joe-and on the broader Pohlad family. But in the end, the message was clear: this was about what’s best for the Minnesota Twins, and about moving forward with a new approach.
A Departure from Tradition
The Twins have long been known for their continuity-not just in ownership, but throughout the organization. Leadership changes have been rare, and even mid-level staff often enjoy a level of job security that’s uncommon in professional sports.
Tom Pohlad seems ready to challenge that status quo.
“We’ve got to figure out what’s keeping us from having more consistent success,” he said. “Historically speaking, there’s a feeling-which I might share-that we continue to run the same playbook over and over, thinking we’ll get a different result.”
That’s not just a philosophical shift. It’s a direct critique of how the franchise has operated for decades. And it signals a new accountability standard inside the organization.
“If something doesn’t go right, if we don’t meet expectations, what are we going to do differently-and then go out and do something differently,” Tom added.
In other words, the days of incrementalism and patience may be over. Tom Pohlad is stepping into this role with intent, and he’s not planning to sit quietly in the owner’s suite.
“My role? I’d say I’m going to be an active owner,” he said. “That’s what this organization needs right now.”
New Partners, New Pressure
While the Twins remain under Pohlad family ownership, the advisory board is getting a shake-up. New investors-Craig Leipold, George Hicks, and the Glick family-will now have seats at the table. None are seeking a controlling stake, but their presence reflects a broader shift in the organization’s direction.
“They believe there’s an opportunity to improve the business of the Minnesota Twins,” Tom said. “That comes from reengaging our fans and winning more baseball games.”
It’s a simple formula, but one that’s eluded the Twins for years. And it’s clear that the new partners expect more than just status quo operations. Their investment wasn’t about bailing the Pohlads out of financial trouble-it was about positioning the Twins for growth.
That expectation comes with pressure. The Twins have had flashes of success, but consistency has been elusive. And with a new leadership structure in place, the margin for error shrinks.
A Bold Approach
Tom Pohlad didn’t mince words about his leadership style.
“Half-measures are not good,” he said. “I’m not a half-measure guy. I’m a ‘go big or go home’ guy.”
That’s a stark contrast to the cautious, methodical approach that’s defined the Twins for much of the last half-century. And it sets the tone for what’s to come.
Tom is stepping away from his other roles in the family business to focus solely on the Twins. He’s all-in.
Whether that translates into bold spending moves, front office shake-ups, or a new vision for player development remains to be seen. But the intent is clear: this isn’t just a ceremonial baton pass.
It’s a full-scale reimagining of how the Twins operate.
And yes, there are bruised feelings behind the scenes. This was not a tidy transition. But for fans wondering whether the would-be sale of the team was just a procedural move, Wednesday’s press conference sent a strong message: the Minnesota Twins are under new leadership, and change is already underway.
Now, the question is whether that change will finally bring the kind of sustained success this franchise-and its fans-have been chasing for decades.