Thad Levine Out: 5 Points of Blame for Twins’ 2024 Collapse?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Twins Ownership at the Heart of the Problem
Owner Joe Pohlad (left in the above picture) has faced the most heat for the Twins’ failures, and rightfully so. By refusing to invest in a promising team, he signaled that the organization wasn’t serious about contending. Fans are frustrated with ownership’s business-first approach, especially after missing the playoffs in such spectacular fashion. Pohlad's decisions this offseason will be crucial, as cutting payroll again could signal a bleak future for the franchise.
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Twins Offseason Payroll Cuts Set the Tone
On a day when General Manager and Sr. Vice President Thad Levine walked away from his post after eight years, we look at what went wrong for the Minnesota Twins in 2024.
The Twins entered 2024 with high hopes, but payroll constraints signaled trouble from the start. Ownership's decision to cut payroll by $25 million after the team's first playoff win since 2004 weakened the roster. With injury-prone stars like Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, and Royce Lewis, the team lacked depth to weather injuries. The roster showed clear deficiencies, especially in the rotation, setting the stage for an underwhelming performance down the stretch.
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The Great Minnesota Misfire at the MLB Trade Deadline
Despite being in a strong position with playoff odds of 78.6% on July 30, the Twins failed to make any moves at the trade deadline. Ownership’s unwillingness to add to the payroll left the front office with limited options. The bullpen needed help, but no reinforcements arrived. Meanwhile, other teams, like the Orioles and Mets, bolstered their rosters with affordable relievers. The decision to stand pat may have been the final nail in the coffin for the Twins' season.
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Minnesota Twins Post-August 17th Collapse
On August 17, the Twins held a 70-53 record and a 92.4% chance of making the playoffs. However, a historic collapse followed. Minnesota went 12-27 the rest of the way, dropping to 82 wins and missing the playoffs by four games. This meltdown ranked among the worst in recent MLB history, with a severe drop-off in offensive production, starting pitching, and bullpen effectiveness. The lack of urgency was palpable, and the result was catastrophic.
Manager Rocco Baldelli’s Role in Twins Collapse
While roster construction and payroll cuts set the stage, much of the blame falls on manager Rocco Baldelli. The team had the talent to make the playoffs but lacked leadership and motivation during their late-season collapse. Baldelli failed to get the best from his players, as the offense cooled off and the pitching staff wore down. Comparisons to AJ Hinch in Detroit—who guided a less talented Tigers team to the playoffs—further highlighted the leadership issues in Minnesota.
While the General Manager is out, President of baseball operations Derek Falvey said Baldelli's job is secure for next season.
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Twins Ownership at the Heart of the Problem
Owner Joe Pohlad (left in the above picture) has faced the most heat for the Twins’ failures, and rightfully so. By refusing to invest in a promising team, he signaled that the organization wasn’t serious about contending. Fans are frustrated with ownership’s business-first approach, especially after missing the playoffs in such spectacular fashion. Pohlad's decisions this offseason will be crucial, as cutting payroll again could signal a bleak future for the franchise.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
Twins Offseason Payroll Cuts Set the Tone
On a day when General Manager and Sr. Vice President Thad Levine walked away from his post after eight years, we look at what went wrong for the Minnesota Twins in 2024.
The Twins entered 2024 with high hopes, but payroll constraints signaled trouble from the start. Ownership's decision to cut payroll by $25 million after the team's first playoff win since 2004 weakened the roster. With injury-prone stars like Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, and Royce Lewis, the team lacked depth to weather injuries. The roster showed clear deficiencies, especially in the rotation, setting the stage for an underwhelming performance down the stretch.
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