The Minnesota Twins had a disastrous 2025 season regarding public relations. The on-field product disappointed, leading to a fire sale at the Trade Deadline that saw 10 players on the 26-man roster, including Carlos Correa and Jhoan Durán, traded to other teams.
Fans’ frustration started after the 2023 season when Minnesota slashed payroll by $30 million despite winning its first playoff series in 21 years. Even with the payroll reduction, it appeared the Twins were on their way to another postseason berth in 2024, but the club completely collapsed near the end of the season, missing the playoffs despite having a 95.4% chance to return on Sept. 5, per FanGraphs.
After 2024, Twins fans at least had hope that the team would be under new ownership. The Pohlads announced they were seeking to sell the team in Oct. 2024. However, they ended up adding three minor investor groups this offseason instead, helping reduce their reported debt of upward of $500 million. The Pohlads have done some damage control, as Tom Pohlad succeeded his unpopular younger brother Joe as the club’s executive chair. Additionally, the team fired long-tenured manager Rocco Baldelli and “mutually” parted ways with president Derek Falvey.
Still, the team’s payroll is lower than it was before last season, and fans notice. There are reasons to have hope for the 2026 season, but fans are understandably frustrated with the Pohlads’ reluctance to make significant roster moves.
Some of you may be planning to boycott the Twins this season due to the Pohlads’ mishandling of the team. However, there is a new deal at Target Field that may change your mind.
Twins following Rockies’ blueprint to get fans in seats despite low payroll with cheap beer prices on Fridays, Saturdays
The Colorado Rockies were easily the worst team in MLB last season. Yet they averaged 30,057 fans per game, ranking 15th among the 30 MLB teams. Meanwhile, the Twins ranked 24th with an average of 22,108 fans per game.
One reason the Rockies did so well attendance-wise, despite having the worst record in the majors and ranking in the bottom half of the league in payroll, was their cheap beer prices. Two hours before every game at Coors Field, the Rockies sold $3 12 oz. Coors and Coors Light drafts along with $6 craft beers. Fans likely went to watch games just because of the affordable beer prices.
It seems the Twins have noticed the Rockies’ success in getting fans at their home stadium. Minnesota announced that $2 beers will be sold at Target Field from when the gates open until the scheduled first pitch on Fridays and Saturdays.
This season is going $2 be fun!
Introducing the 2026 Promo schedule, $2 BEERS on Friday and Saturdays, Friday Night Happy Hours, AND FREE ice cream for kids on Sundays!
Full schedule here: https://t.co/Hg70a7Yzbp pic.twitter.com/PO7ax4crUH
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) February 12, 2026
It’s a smart move from the Twins, considering beer prices are typically outrageously high, and they haven’t made enough roster improvements to get fans interested in attending games. Now, even if the Twins end up being terrible next season, fans may still want to attend Friday and Saturday games just because they can actually afford to buy several beers and have a good time. The Friday night happy hours and free ice cream for kids on Sundays are a nice touch, too.