Look, it’s hard to build a strong case that the Twins’ open managerial job is one of the league’s most appealing. There’s confusion about the direction of ownership and the front office. Still, there are only so many of these gigs, and the Twins take great pride in making their uniformed personnel feel appreciated and supported. Though they’ll have to make a good impression on someone to land their own top target, it’s worth at least listing out and considering the hottest available names on the market.
Ryan Flaherty
Jumping between three organizations as a utility player from 2012 to 2019, Flaherty quickly entered the coaching ranks, becoming a scout and development coach for the San Diego Padres immediately after retiring. The 39-year-old would stay in San Diego as the club’s bench coach from 2020 through 2023 before taking the same position with the Chicago Cubs in 2024.
Flaherty developed into manager Craig Counsell‘s right-hand man over the last two seasons, and with the club demonstrating significant growth and success in 2025, the former major-leaguer has become arguably the top young candidate for a first-time managerial job. With a similar profile to what Baldelli held when hired by the Derek Falvey-led Twins front office before the 2019 season, Flaherty would provide a similar presence.
Like any new manager, Flaherty would likely gut the Twins’ current coaching staff and bring along his preferred bench coach, hitting and pitching coach, and assistants. The former utility could poach fellow members of Chicago’s coaching staff, such as highly touted third base coach Quintin Berry and assistant pitching coach Casey Jacobson, promoting them to elevated roles with Minnesota. While we are in the speculation phase of the hiring process, Flaherty is a name to monitor as interviews approach.
George Lombard
Last week, Twins Daily’s finest Tom Froemming published a YouTube video, declaring Lombard as his preferred pick as Minnesota’s next manager. Froemming’s pro-Lombard propaganda was effective, and I am firmly convinced that the current Detroit Tigers’ bench coach would be an excellent managerial hire for Minnesota. However, there’s a real risk that the 50-year-old bench coach could accept an offer from a more attractive managerial opening, especially considering his extensive ties to the similarly skipperless Atlanta Braves.
Regardless, if Minnesota is lucky enough to net an interview with Lombard, they would be wise to make a significant effort in recruiting him. Referred to as a “hard-ass” who understands how to connect with players while holding them accountable, Lombard’s strict approach would likely be embraced by much of Twins Territory, given how much the fan base soured on Baldelli’s passive, hands-off public persona.
Like Flaherty, Lombard would likely bring a notable number of his current staff members with him to Minnesota, which would be a welcome development given how well Detroit performed for most of the 2025 season. Given his extensive connections throughout the league, there is reason to believe the Tigers’ bench coach would assemble a well-versed staff comprising coaches and assistants from various organizations and levels. Lombard is arguably the most desirable candidate.
Craig Albernaz
The first non-former major leaguer listed, Albernaz has emerged as one of the more alluring recent candidates, reportedly turning down managerial offers from the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins last offseason. The 42-year-old gained popularity and buzz while serving as Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt‘s second-in-command the prior two seasons, guiding the club to consecutive AL Central titles.
After losing in the Wild Card round to the previously mentioned Tigers, the Guardians’ bench coach (unlike Flaherty and Lombard) could immediately interview for Minnesota’s managerial opening. Given the high-demand nature of the associate manager’s (yes, he is technically an associate manager, not a bench coach; my apologies for the lack of pedantry) services, it wouldn’t be surprising if Albernaz soon interviews with Minnesota.
Albernaz could receive an offer from a more attractive organization like Baltimore or San Francisco, no longer making him an option for the Twins. Yet, if Twins decision-makers proactively pursue Albernaz, there is reason to believe he could become Minnesota’s next manager, especially given his familiarity with winning in the AL Central.
Like Lombard, Albernaz is known for his strict yet approachable nature. He has also been celebrated as one of the more skilled player development coaches at the major-league level. Albernaz could be perceived as the top candidate to become the Twins’ next manager. Like Flaherty, Albernaz is employed by one of the more analytically inclined organizations in baseball. In return, the 42-year-old could help guide the club in implementing more modern, advanced concepts on the field, with the long-term goal of returning to postseason contender status following two consecutive disappointing seasons under the now-exiled Baldelli.
Who ya got? If not one of these highly visible options, where would you turn if you were the Twins? Join the discussion below.