Twins Owner Tom Pohlad Apologizes, Impresses Royce Lewis

Lewis cites Pohlad's candor and engagement as signs of a shift in how the franchise is operating.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:53pm

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Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis says team owner Tom Pohlad has apologized for past missteps by the Pohlad family, who have owned the franchise since 1984. Lewis praised Pohlad's hands-on approach and engagement with players and fans, which he says is a departure from the past. The young star is optimistic about the Twins' pitching staff and his own prospects for a breakout season if he can stay healthy.

Why it matters

The Pohlad family has long faced criticism from Twins fans for being unwilling to spend aggressively on payroll and making unpopular roster decisions. Lewis' positive comments about the new owner's approach suggest a potential shift in the franchise's culture and a renewed commitment to winning.

The details

Lewis says Pohlad apologized for the Twins' struggles in recent seasons, which included shedding payroll after making the playoffs in 2023 and trading away several core players. The young third baseman was impressed by Pohlad's hands-on presence in spring training, noting that the owner plans to be at the team's season opener on Friday. Lewis is optimistic about the Twins' pitching staff, which could feature a rotation of Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Taj Bradley, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Mick Abel.

  • The Twins made the playoffs in 2023, ending a historic postseason losing streak.
  • The team then had painful seasons in 2024 and 2025, trading away 10 core players.
  • Pohlad recently took over as the Twins' controlling owner from his younger brother Joe.

The players

Tom Pohlad

The new controlling owner of the Minnesota Twins, who has taken over from his younger brother Joe. Pohlad has made an effort to engage with players and fans, and has apologized for the franchise's past missteps.

Royce Lewis

The Twins' young third baseman, who has been impressed by Pohlad's actions and is optimistic about the team's pitching staff and his own prospects for a breakout season.

Framber Valdez

The left-handed pitcher who the Twins were reportedly trying to sign before he settled with the Detroit Tigers.

Joe Ryan

A pitcher who is expected to be part of the Twins' starting rotation in 2026.

Bailey Ober

A pitcher who is expected to be part of the Twins' starting rotation in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing Tom Pohlad come out and talk to us and be very candid about where him and his family lie, and that they apologized for some of the things that may have happened in the past. They're looking forward to putting their next best step forward and bringing back Twins baseball to a championship-winning team. I think that was huge. It definitely acknowledges the fact that the elephant in the room is there, so it was really cool to see Tom do that.”

— Royce Lewis, Third Baseman

“I can't wait to shock everybody. Shock the world, and even shock a few of our own people in here, maybe.”

— Royce Lewis, Third Baseman

What’s next

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The takeaway

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