The Minnesota Twins’ managerial search is starting to take shape, and early indications show a clear theme: the club is keeping things in the family. As the front office works to replace Rocco Baldelli, several of the early names connected to the job come with Twins ties, player familiarity, or a shared emphasis on fundamentals and development. Few of the candidates, however, carry an extensive track record of success managing at the major-league level, suggesting the Twins could prioritize leadership style and organizational alignment over pure experience.

Nick Punto Brings “Shredder” Mentality to the Conversation
Few names could spark as much nostalgia among Twins fans as Nick Punto. According to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes and Dennis Lin, the team has received permission from the Padres to interview the former Minnesota utilityman. Punto, who played seven of his 14 major-league seasons with the Twins, is known as “the Shredder” for his signature move: ripping the jerseys off teammates during celebrations of walkoff hits. His dirt-on-the-uniform ethos helped make him a fan favorite.

Punto’s reputation as a hard-nosed, detail-oriented player aligns closely with Twins President Derek Falvey’s recent comments about the next phase of Twins baseball. Falvey emphasized that the club will prioritize baserunning, fundamentals, and precision. Punto seems to embody those traits, though his coaching experience is limited. He managed in MLB’s Prospect Development Pipeline League in 2021, coached at the high-school level, and joined San Diego’s staff in 2024, where he worked with the team’s infielders.

At 48 years old, Punto represents a young, enthusiastic option who understands the Twins’ culture, but he would be taking a major leap into his first big-league managerial position.

James Rowson Could Reunite With Familiar Faces
Another candidate with direct Twins ties is current Yankees hitting coach James Rowson. Rowson, 49, served as Minnesota’s hitting coach from 2017 to 2019 and helped guide one of the most powerful lineups in franchise history. During his tenure, the Twins produced a 105 wRC+ across three seasons and famously launched 307 home runs during the 2019 “Bomba Squad” campaign.

After leaving Minnesota, Rowson worked for the Marlins and Tigers before joining the Yankees in 2024. New York’s offense has been among the league’s best during his time there, and his track record as a communicator and teacher could fit well with a Twins roster built on young talent. While he lacks managerial experience, Rowson’s reputation around the league as a strong motivator and developer of players gives him an edge among first-time candidates.

Derek Shelton Brings Experience but Faces Mixed Reviews
Among the names linked to the search, Shelton stands out as the only candidate with prior major-league managerial experience. Shelton led the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2020 until his dismissal earlier this year, compiling a 306-440 record. The results on paper were underwhelming, but Pittsburgh’s ongoing rebuild calls into question how much of that record can be attributed directly to Shelton’s leadership.

Before joining the Pirates, Shelton spent time on the Twins’ staff under Baldelli, where he earned respect for his attention to detail and ability to connect with players. He knows the organization well, and his combination of experience and familiarity could appeal to Falvey and general manager Jeremy Zoll as they look for a steady hand to guide a roster that may have some rough years ahead before contending again. 

Ramón Vázquez Adds Leadership and International Experience
Red Sox bench coach Ramón Vázquez rounds out the list of known candidates. The Twins have formally requested permission to interview him, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. A former utility infielder who played nine MLB seasons, Vázquez has over a decade of coaching experience and currently serves as Alex Cora’s right-hand man in Boston.

While Vázquez has yet to manage in the majors, he has done so in both the Puerto Rican Winter League and the minor leagues. His bilingual background and history of connecting with diverse clubhouse environments could make him a valuable leader for a Twins team that could have even more international talent across the roster.

Ryan Flaherty’s Rising Stock Could Put Him Out of Reach
One other name connected to the Twins’ search is Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty, whose growing reputation may make him difficult for Minnesota to land. Flaherty, 38, has been linked to multiple openings this offseason, including the Padres and Orioles managerial jobs. His ties to both organizations could give them an inside track, compared to the Twins. A former utility player known for his baseball intellect, Flaherty has earned praise for his work as a strategist and communicator during his time on big-league coaching staffs in Chicago and San Diego. 

While he has yet to manage at the MLB level, his combination of youth, preparation, and an analytics-driven approach has made Flaherty one of the most sought-after candidates in baseball’s current hiring cycle. If the Twins hope to get in the mix, they may need to move quickly before another club makes a formal offer.

A Search Centered on Familiarity and Fundamentals
As the search unfolds, the Twins appear focused on candidates who reflect the organization’s values, rather than chasing the biggest name on the market. Each of the five known candidates brings an emphasis on preparation, communication, and development. Overall, the Twins seem intent on finding a manager who fits their identity as much as their strategy.

It remains to be seen if more experienced names will emerge as the process continues, but for now, the Twins’ approach feels intentional. The franchise is leaning into its history, searching for a leader who understands what it means to wear the “TC” and who can build a disciplined, fundamentally sound team for years to come.

Which candidate makes the most sense for the Twins? Leave a comment and start the discussion.