The Pohlad family recently made waves by announcing they are exploring the possibility of selling the Minnesota Twins. This news stirs up the question: How attractive is this franchise to potential buyers?

To answer that, let’s take a closer look at what the Minnesota Twins have to offer and why this organization might be a hot commodity in today’s sports ownership landscape.

Championship Upside

The Minnesota Twins aren’t just a middling team in a rebuilding phase — they’re a franchise with a competitive roster and championship aspirations. The rotation features legitimate star power with Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober forming a formidable trio, while the lineup includes elite talents like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton, when healthy. Add in the electric arms of Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax in the bullpen, and you’ve got a team that can contend now.

Beyond the stars, the Twins’ farm system is one of the best in baseball, ranked second by MLB.com in mid-season rankings. With rookies like Simeon Woods Richardson and Brooks Lee ready to make their mark on the major league roster, and Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez waiting in the wings, this team isn’t just built to win now — it’s built to last. For potential owners, inheriting a team with both current talent and future potential makes for an exciting investment.

Respected Front Office

Another selling point is the front office. Since Derek Falvey took over in 2016, the Twins have built a reputation for smart, analytically-driven decision-making. Their approach has been methodical and sustainable, helping the Twins stay competitive year after year.

Falvey and his team have also created a culture of transparency and innovation, which has not only gained the respect of other front offices around the league but also the trust of players and fans. Any potential buyer looking for a well-oiled machine in terms of management won’t need to start from scratch here — they’ll be stepping into an organization already built for sustainable success.

Target Field: A Premier Destination

One of the crown jewels of the franchise is Target Field. Opened in 2010, the ballpark has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful stadiums in Major League Baseball. With a stunning view of downtown Minneapolis, modern amenities, and recent renovations, Target Field still feels fresh, making it an attractive asset for any potential buyer. Additionally, with the terms of the lease, Target Field will be able to continually improve thanks to tax-payer dollars continuing to flow into the stadium over the life of the lease.

While some franchises are burdened with the challenge of financing new stadiums or massive renovations, the Twins’ home field offers immediate appeal. It’s a ballpark that consistently ranks in the top tier and provides a prime fan experience, which helps drive attendance and fan engagement.

Growth Opportunity with Expanded Reach

Another reason the Twins are poised to attract serious interest is their potential for audience growth. The recent shift from Diamond Sports and Bally to MLB producing the Twins’ games opens a significant opportunity. This transition may lead to lower short-term revenues, but it removes the dreaded blackouts and allows fans from across the Twins’ territory—including Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Iowa—to watch the games without the barriers of expensive cable packages.

Over time, this wider reach will not only bring in more fans but also open doors for increased advertising and sponsorship opportunities. The ability to grow the brand beyond its current limitations is an exciting proposition for any new ownership group looking to tap into an untapped market.

A Distressed Asset with Huge Upside

While the Twins boast strong assets on the field, it’s no secret that the Pohlad family’s tenure has left much to be desired from a fan engagement standpoint. Over the years, the Pohlads have often been criticized for their frugality, lack of ambition, and failure to push the franchise to its full potential. This has led to growing frustration among the fanbase, many of whom have been vocal in their desire for new ownership.

For any potential buyer, this creates a unique opportunity. The Twins have effectively become a distressed asset, and any new ownership group coming in would be purchasing a gold mine at a reduced price. The bar has been set low, and with the fans eager for change, the next owner has a chance to be viewed as a hero simply by running the franchise with a bit more ambition and sense.

Winning over the fanbase won’t take much — their desire for a competent, engaged owner is palpable. A new owner who invests in the team and demonstrates a clear commitment to success will be embraced with open arms by a fanbase that’s long been yearning for something better. It’s a rare scenario where buying a distressed asset could pay off quickly and spectacularly.

A City That Loves Its Sports Teams

Finally, any buyer will want to know: Will the fans show up? Minnesota has repeatedly shown that it is a fantastic sports town. The playoff atmosphere at Target Field last year was electric, even during weekday day games. When the Twins are good, this city turns out in droves—and not just for baseball. From the Timberwolves’ playoff run to the Minnesota Vikings’ hot start this season, the state’s love for its teams is undeniable.

An owner who invests in a winning product will undoubtedly find a fanbase ready to rally behind it. Minnesota may not be a New York or Los Angeles, but with the right leadership, the Twins could easily become one of the hottest tickets in town.

The Minnesota Twins are more than just a baseball team—they’re a franchise with star talent, a well-run front office, a top-tier stadium, and ample room for growth. Combine all of that with a passionate fanbase, and you’ve got the recipe for a highly attractive purchase. The question is: Will the right buyer come along to unlock the Twins’ full potential?

What do you think, Twins fans? Is this franchise ready to attract a new ownership group that can take them to the next level? Let us know in the comments below!

Lakers vs Timberwolves Game HighlightsThe Timberwolves defeat the Lakers 124-97. Josh Minott led the Timberwolves with 22 points and 8 rebounds while rookies Rob Dillingham (21 points, 4 assists) and Terrance Shannon Jr (14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) combine for 35 points in the win. Donte DiVincenzo put up 11 points (3/3 3PT FG) for the Timberwolves. Austin Reaves tallied 16 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists for the Lakers while Dalton Knecht totaled 16 points, 3 rebounds in his preseason debut.

High School on SI rolls on with our coverage of the top players in Minnesota high school football. This week, we look at the top linebackers in the state.

There are many talented athletes who are not listed, and this list is in no particular order.

The following athletes will be included in a poll for you to vote on who you think is the top linebacker in Minnesota high school football in 2024. The poll will be posted on Monday.

Tristan Holbrook, Sr., Belle Plaine

Holbrook has many accolades. He has been a team captain for the past two seasons, and he was first-team all-district in 2023. He had 110 total tackles as well. He is committed to Bemidji State. 

“He is the heart and soul of our program, along with being our best player,” head coach Dave Frisell said. “Great student, great character, great player.”

Lavontae Cox, Sr., St. Paul Central

More notable as a running back, Cox is still a top outside linebacker, and he had 75 tackles in 2023. He is a great athlete who impacts both sides of the ball. 

Emmanuel Karmo, Sr., Robbinsdale Cooper

A hybrid edge/linebacker, Karmo has fantastic reaction time to disrupt any offense. He’s the kind of rangy linebacker that modern defenses are looking for in college, which is why he has 18 collegiate offers, according to 247sports.com. Karmo is committed to Minnesota.

Damian Devine, Sr., Academy of Holy Angels

Devine is a great all-around athlete, and he also plays quarterback for the Stars. Devine has 20 total tackles and one interception through four games in 2024. As a linebacker, he shows his range in pass coverage where he might also be valuable as a safety at Villanova, where he is committed to playing college football. 

Chase Brixius, Sr., Benilde-St. Margaret’s 

Brixius has 43 total tackles in 2024 in just five games. He also has five tackles for loss as a middle linebacker. He fills the gap in the defensive line and rarely misses a tackle. He is committed to North Dakota State.

Blake Schiltz, Sr., Pine Island

Schiltz suffered an ACL injury earlier in his career, but he continues to play high level football for Pine Island. As a middle linebacker, Schiltz can stonewall any runner. He is committed to North Dakota State.

Mason Bosel, Sr., Parkers Prairie

Through his four-year career, Bosel has 2027 tackles, 162 solo tackles, seven sacks, 15 tackles for a loss, three fumbles recovered and two forced fumbles. 

“Mason Boesl demonstrates what it looks like to be an outstanding student-athlete,” Parkers Prairie head coach Mike Johnson said. “Mason’s calm demeanor and intense competitiveness make him a good player, but his love for the game, his leadership, and his relentless effort at all times make him a great player.”

Jacob Wrbanek, Sr., Maple Grove

Another player committed to North Dakota State, as a preferred walk-on, Wrbanek has 25 solo tackles, three tackles for loss and three sacks through the first four weeks of the season. 

Kane Thompson, Jr., International Falls

Thompson is a middle linebacker and team captain in 2024. He had 68 solo tackles in 2023 and four fumble recoveries along with one interception and one sack. 

“Kane is a “yes sir, thank you” kind of kid,” International Falls head coach Seth Ettestad said. “He likes to be swaggy, but when it comes down to it, he’s kind, patient, and humble. He’s already big bodied and figuring out how to use it. He’s triggering faster and faster at linebacker. He’s in the weight room every day in the offseason. Sometimes twice a day. I can’t wait to see what he does for us over the next two seasons.”

Dylan Hudgens, Sr., Minnetonka

Hudgens is everywhere for a stout Skippers’ defense. He has an impressive 71 total tackles in six games. He leads Minnetonka with 12 tackles for loss, as well. Hudgens is committed to South Dakota.

Kaleb Weikel, Sr., Andover

Through six games, Weikel is the clear playmaker for Andover. He has 65 total tackles, 31 solo, through 6 games as well as nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Carter Carstens, Sr., Chanhassen

Carstens is always around the ball for the Storm defense. He leads the team with 49 total tackles, and he has six total tackles, 0.5 sacks and one forced fumble through six games. He is committed to St. Thomas. 

Zach Welch, Sr., Anoka

Welch had a strong 2023 season with 77 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two sacks. Through 2024, he has 21 total tackles and two forced fumbles while also playing running back for Anoka.

Atlee Hershberger, Sr., Fillmore Central

Hershberger had 45 tackles with seven of them for a loss. He was an all-district team member in 2024, and he is a team captain in 2024.

“Atlee has been involved with our program since the 4th grade as a manager.  He is a hard working, physical athlete,” Fillmore Central head coach Chris Mensink said. “He  is a leader on the offensive line and in the middle of our defense.”

Aidan Boche, Jr., Park

Boche leads Park of Cottage Grove in total tackles in 2024 with 44 through six games. He commands the center of the defense and has great instincts to find the ball. 

Calan Pilon, Jr., Robbinsdale Armstrong

Pilon has great speed on the edge to get to the opposing quarterback. He is tied for the team lead in tackles for loss through seven games with six. 

John Pietruszewski, Sr., Hill-Murray

Pietruszewski is one of Hill-Murray’s top players on defense.

“John is a very good athlete and one of the toughest football players on the team,” Hill-Murray head coach Robert Reeves said. “He started as a sophomore on varsity.  He’s a three-sport athlete — football, basketball, baseball.

Chase Evink, Sr., Hancock

Evenk is a great athlete who stars as a running back as well. He has 29 total tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks through six games. He is committed to North Dakota State. 

Frank McAninch, Sr., Mankato West

McAninch had a strong junior season with 50 solo tackles and 21 tackles for loss. In 2024, he has 40 solo tackles and 11 tackles for loss through six games. He is committed to North Dakota.

Eli Klimek, Sr., Nevis

Klimek is a stats machine. He has 69 total tackles, 48 solo, in six games in 2024. In 2023, he had 134 tackles and three sacks for the 9-man Prep Bowl champions.

More Minnesota high school football coverage from High School on SI

Vote: Who is the top defensive lineman in Minnesota high school football in 2024?

Vote: Who is the top offensive lineman in Minnesota high school football in 2024?

Top 20 receivers and tight ends in Minnesota high school football

Top 20 running backs in Minnesota high school football

Top quarterbacks in Minnesota high school football in 2024

MINNESOTA PRESEASON ALL-STATE OFFENSE | DEFENSE

Minnesota high school football: Predicted order of finish for each section in Class 5A

Minnesota high school football: Predicted order of finish for each section in Class 6A

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