Tom Pohlad, the new face of the Pohlad family Twins ownership group, sounds like he might be tempering his previous optimism for the club in 2026.
Pohlad apparently indicated that at a social club gathering in Naples, Florida recently. Minneapolis-based attorney, writer and historian Marshall Tanick reported via email to Sports Headliners what Pohlad said at the Minnesota Breakfast club gathering, an organization in Southwest Florida that was started in 1964 by Minneapolis natives and draws prominent speakers during the winter months to its weekly programs.
Tanick wrote that Pohlad concluded his remarks by cautioning the team may not be immediately successful but is “building for 2028.” Earlier in the winter Pohlad repeatedly said the club will be competitive in 2026, perhaps indicating a final record that could challenge for the postseason.
A MLB.com story in mid-February said Pohlad met with reporters and was told one sportsbook projected the team’s over-under win total at 73.5 wins. “That’s ridiculous,” Pohlad said, per an article by Matthew Leach.
The Twins are coming off two disappointing seasons including a 70-92 finish last year. The club has made no significant roster changes as Minnesota prepares for the coming season in Florida. And the team’s prospects for a winning season have been further dimmed by a season-ending arm injury to ace starting pitcher Pablo Lopez.
The Twins have a short list of proven talents including pitcher Joe Ryan, catcher Ryan Jeffers and centerfielder Byron Buxton. Sportsbooks forecast a losing season.
Pohlad, though, is optimistic about the club’s farm system that is rated among the best in baseball. He’s hopeful that many players will emerge who can make the roster talent special.
Tanick reported that Pohlad also referred to young talent already with the Twins and those players coming from the farm system create an optimistic outlook for future team performance. “There’s no reason why every single year we can’t win our division,” Pohlad said.
Pohlad, who replaced brother Joe Pohlad as the Twins leader late last year, has emphasized improved communications since taking over. He addressed the team at the start of spring training, for example. And he’s been aggressive in reaching out to the fans including ticket buyers.
Tanick reported Pohlad told his Minnesota Breakfast audience he’s “trying to turn a new page” after what he termed “a rough couple of years” for the AL Central Division team. Part of mending fences with the fanbase, of course, will include better results on the field.
The organization will be mindful, too, of the fan experience at Target Filed. Traditionally overachievers on promotions, key offerings by the Twins in 2026 will include $2 pre-game beers, free ice cream on Sundays for kids, Friday Happy Hour (beer and food), merchandise giveaways, music concerts, and other allurements.
The disenchantment by Twins fans, though, takes many forms. For example, a middle aged couple whose past passion has included watching the club in spring training, has opted this year to attend Cactus League games in Arizona.
Worth Noting
New Twins manager Derek Shelton and general manager Jeremy Zoll also spoke to the breakfast group in Naples. Shelton is using the term “hunt for the good” to encourage an optimistic outlook.
He announced the club will be aggressive in its play including “run a lot” on the bases, per Tanick’s reporting. Surprisingly, in the team’s opening spring training game against major league competition, the oft-injured Royce Lewis stole a base.
Attendees at Twins home games at the Lee Health Sports Complex can expect extraordinary customer service. Smiling faces and helpful information are abundant. Game pricing can easily be three figures for two fans but can include parking, and hot dogs and sodas.
Longtime Twins broadcaster Dick Bremer, scheduled to be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame July 11 when Minnesota hosts the Angels, turns 70 years old today. He was the franchise’s TV voice for 40 years with his career ending in 2023.
The Capital Club breakfast group will hear from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson on Wednesday, March 11 at Mendakota Country Club. Before his recent departure from the Department of Justice, Thompson was the lead prosecutor in the Feeding Our Future fraud investigation and related investigations of fraud in Minnesota Medicaid programs. Now in private practice, his clients include journalist Don Lemon. For more information, contact Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com.
Pat Colbert, with the United States Tennis Association’s Northern Section since April of 1989, retires July 1. The former Assistant Executive Director of the section has been working part-time since January 1, leading up to his retirement. The Bloomington native played tennis for Normandale College where he was team MVP on the 1977 conference champions.