The Minnesota Twins: A Family Legacy for Sale
In a move that marks the end of an era, the Minnesota Twins have been officially put up for sale by the Pohlad family. This announcement brings to a close nearly four decades of ownership that began when Carl Pohlad purchased the team for a modest $43.5 million in 1984. Under the stewardship of the Pohlad family, the franchise has grown tremendously, now valued at a staggering $1.46 billion according to the latest Forbes valuations.
Since 1984, the Twins have become an integral part of both the Pohlad family and the Minnesota community. Their ownership has coincided with some of the team’s greatest moments, including two World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. The dedication and passion that Carl Pohlad and his family brought to the organization not only helped secure these championships but also brought the team to the postseason an additional ten times.
Despite the highs of past victories, there are only so many new achievements the family could reach without eventually confronting the question of what’s next. Joe Pohlad, speaking on behalf of the family, conveyed a deep personal connection to the team: "For the past 40 seasons, the Minnesota Twins have been part of our family's heart and soul. This team is woven into the fabric of our lives, and the Twins community has become an extension of our family."
The decision to sell the Twins was not made lightly. After months of deliberation, the Pohlad family made their choice this past summer. Joe Pohlad acknowledged the complexity and depth of this decision, stating, "After months of thoughtful consideration, our family reached a decision this summer to explore selling the Twins." The transition is poised to be a significant moment, not just for the family but for the entire Twins community.
As the team, staff, and devoted fan base await the next chapter, Joe Pohlad emphasized transparency throughout the process: "Our goal is to be as informative as possible with the team, staff, and you, the fans. You deserve that, because in so many ways, this team doesn't belong to any one family – it belongs to all of you." This statement underscores the sense of collective ownership and community involvement that has been a hallmark of the Twins under the Pohlad regime.
Reflecting on the family’s long tenure, Joe Pohlad added, "After four decades of commitment, passion, and countless memories, we are looking toward the future with care and intention – for our family, the Twins organization, and this community we love so much." This thoughtful approach suggests the Pohlads are committed to ensuring the future well-being of the Twins, even as their chapter draws to a close.
Though the Twins recently completed their season with a record of 82-80, finishing fourth in the AL Central, the team’s performance on the field doesn’t capture the full story. Since arriving in Minnesota in 1961, the Twins have woven themselves into the state's cultural and sporting fabric. The forthcoming sale presents an opportunity for new ownership to build upon this rich legacy while adding new chapters to the storied franchise.
As the Pohlads prepare to hand over the reins of this cherished team, the lingering question for players, staff, and fans alike is what comes next. While it’s unclear who will emerge as potential buyers, the allure of owning an MLB team with a robust fan base and rich history cannot be underestimated. For now, the Twins community awaits this pivotal transition with hopeful anticipation, trusting that the new era will honor the past and venture into a promising future.