Twins chairman Jim Pohlad on Monday informed team employees that he is stepping away from the day-to-day oversight of the team and is promoting his nephew, Joe Pohlad, to Executive Chair.
Joe Pohlad replacing his uncle, Jim Pohlad, as Twins' executive chair
Jim Pohlad will still represent the Minnesota Twins in league matters. Joe will run the Twins' daily business and baseball operations.
Joe Pohlad, 40, is the grandson of former Twins owner Carl Pohlad and the son of Bob Pohlad, one of Carl's three sons and a co-owner of the Twins.
Joe Pohlad has worked in the Twins' organization since 2007, spending time in a variety of departments to prepare himself for a leadership role. He has worked in baseball operations and marketing and oversaw the Twins' recent rebranding and unveiling of new uniforms.
Twins President Dave St. Peter and President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey will report directly to Joe Pohlad, whose previous title was executive vice president, brand strategy and growth.
Carl Pohlad died in 2009. During his last years, Bob Pohlad briefly became the Twins' public point person, but Jim Pohlad, 69, wound up taking on that role in 2009 and holding it until his decision to retire as Twins chairman.
Jim Pohlad will remain the Twins' controlling owner and will continue to work as a liaison with Major League Baseball.
In a letter to the Twins staff, Jim Pohlad wrote, "Over the years our family has prioritized strong and stable stewardship of this franchise. We view owning the Twins as a multi-generational holding for our family and one we take great pride in being responsible for on behalf of our employees and fans. ...
"While I will personally remain involved in Twins and Major League Baseball business as the Control Owner, I am transitioning day-to-day Twins leadership responsibilities to Joe Pohlad. Effective immediately Joe will assume the role of Executive Chair and will provide leadership to all facets of the Twins organization on behalf of the Pohlad family. ...
"As a member of the Twins front office for the past 15 years, Joe has grown as a leader while building impactful relationships across the organization. As we look to the future, our family is highly confident in Joe's ability to push the franchise forward in meaningful ways."
Robust competition is likely for righthander Roki Sasaki, whose agent suggests a “smaller, midmarket” team might be a good route to take, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are said to be the favorites to land him.