Twins Voted 'Least-Improved' Team in American League

Baseball executives see little to get excited about for Minnesota in 2026 season

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Minnesota Twins have had an uninspiring offseason, leading baseball executives to vote them as the 'least-improved' team in the American League heading into the 2026 season. With little major roster moves and a change in team leadership, the Twins are facing skepticism from fans and the industry about their ability to be competitive.

Why it matters

The Twins' lack of offseason activity and front office upheaval have dampened expectations for the team, which is trying to remain competitive despite limited resources under new ownership. This reflects broader challenges small-market teams face in building sustainable success in Major League Baseball.

The details

According to a recent survey of anonymous baseball executives by The Athletic's Jayson Stark, the Twins and Cleveland Guardians were voted as the 'least-improved' teams in the AL, each receiving 26 votes. The next closest teams were the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, and Houston Astros. The Twins' biggest offseason moves were signing first baseman Josh Bell and backup catcher Victor Caratini, which were seen as underwhelming. The team also fired manager Rocco Baldelli, hired Derek Shelton, and saw president of baseball operations Derek Falvey depart, adding to the organizational upheaval.

  • The Twins' offseason moves were assessed before the team added relievers Liam Hendriks, Anthony Banda, and Taylor Rogers in recent weeks.
  • Rocco Baldelli was fired as Twins manager at the end of the 2025 season.
  • Derek Shelton was hired as the new Twins manager in late 2025.
  • Derek Falvey departed as Twins president of baseball operations in late January 2026.

The players

Tom Pohlad

The new controlling owner of the Minnesota Twins, taking over from his brother Joe Pohlad.

Derek Falvey

The former president of baseball operations for the Minnesota Twins, who departed the organization in late January 2026.

Jeremy Zoll

The general manager of the Minnesota Twins, who assumed more control of the on-field product after Falvey's departure.

Josh Bell

A 33-year-old switch-hitting first baseman/designated hitter signed by the Twins this offseason.

Victor Caratini

A backup catcher signed by the Twins this offseason, an upgrade over Christian Vazquez.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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