The Twins and Phillies on Tuesday officially announced their new joint venture: an $18 million complex housing their Dominican Republic Baseball Academy.

It will allow prospects from both teams to live and train at the 85,000-square foot complex — an under-one-roof approach that the organizations are hoping helps with development across many fronts.

"The vision for this facility is rooted in the personal and physical development of our players," Twins President Dave St. Peter said in a news release. "Clearly, the Dominican Republic is a vital source for talent and a community of great importance to our respective organizations."

Several potential key members of the 2017 Twins, including Miguel Sano, Ervin Santana and Jorge Polanco, are natives of the Dominican Republic.

None of them had the kind of dedicated space the new academy will offer.

Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.