Twins Hire Derek Shelton, Replace Baldelli

The Minnesota Twins have hired Derek Shelton as their next manager, returning to the organization where he served as bench coach in 2018–19. Shelton, 55, spent five-plus seasons as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ manager (2020–May 2025), compiling a 306–440 record and was fired after a 12–26 start this year. He replaces Rocco Baldelli, who was dismissed Sept. 29 following a 70–92 season and four missed postseasons in five years. Twins executives called it a homecoming, praising Shelton’s communication, player-development background and fit with the club’s data-driven approach. Observers note Shelton inherits a pared-down roster and lower payroll after a busy trade deadline, presenting a difficult short-term road back to contention while tightening the MLB managerial market.