Twins Fans Remain Deeply Pessimistic About 2026 Season

Survey shows just 4.3% of Minnesota fans are optimistic about their team's outlook.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:09pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange, conceptually representing the fractured state of the Minnesota Twins franchise and its fanbase.A cubist interpretation of the Minnesota Twins' dismal fan outlook, with the team's struggles reflected in a fragmented, geometric visual style.Minneapolis Today

A recent survey by The Athletic found that only 4.3% of Minnesota Twins fans are optimistic about their team's chances in the 2026 MLB season. This represents a stunning drop from previous years, with fans frustrated by the team's payroll cuts, fire sale trades, and ownership's decision to back out of a potential sale. Despite having talent like Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan, Twins fans are bracing for what they fear could be the worst season in franchise history.

Why it matters

The Twins' plummeting fan optimism reflects a deep disconnect between the team's ownership and its fanbase. After making the playoffs in 2023, the Pohlads have slashed payroll and traded away popular players, crushing morale and sparking fears that the team is headed for a disastrous campaign. This survey data underscores the uphill battle the Twins face in rebuilding trust and excitement around the franchise.

The details

The Athletic's annual 'Hope-O-Meter' survey found that just 4.3% of Twins fans are optimistic about the 2026 season, by far the lowest percentage of any MLB team. In previous years, Twins fan optimism ranged from 52% to 91%, but has now plummeted to near rock bottom. Fans are furious over the Pohlads' cost-cutting measures, including a fire sale at the 2025 trade deadline that saw the team trade away stars like Carlos Correa. Some fans even blame the Pohlads' actions for the potential failure of their own family events.

  • The Athletic's 'Hope-O-Meter' survey was conducted in March 2026.
  • The Twins made the playoffs in 2023, their first postseason appearance since 2020.

The players

Byron Buxton

An All-Star outfielder and one of the Twins' top players.

Joe Ryan

An All-Star pitcher and another key part of the Twins' roster.

Walker Jenkins

A top Twins prospect who fans hope can help turn the team around.

Kaelen Culpepper

Another highly-touted Twins prospect that fans are looking to for the future.

Carlos Correa

A star player who was traded away by the Twins at the 2025 deadline, further angering fans.

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What’s next

The Twins will need to rebuild trust with their fanbase by demonstrating a long-term commitment to fielding a competitive team, rather than continuing to slash payroll and trade away star players. Ownership's decision-making will be closely scrutinized as the team prepares for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Twins' dismal fan optimism levels reflect a franchise in crisis, with a disconnect between ownership and the fanbase that will be difficult to repair. While the team has talent, the Pohlads' cost-cutting measures have crushed morale and sparked fears of an historically bad season. Rebuilding trust and excitement around the Twins will require a fundamental shift in the team's approach under its current leadership.