The headline almost writes itself for beleaguered Twins fans: Minnesota is flirting with hiring former Pirates manager Derek Shelton. But here’s the twist: while the Twins fiddle with a new voice in the dugout, the front office is busy pulling the plug on near-term competitiveness. From the Pirates’ perch, watching Minnesota jettison talent and dial back ambition is like staring into a mirror, only this time it’s someone else’s reflection, and Pirates fans are the ones holding the popcorn.
Because let’s be clear: the Twins don’t have October ambitions. They don’t even have September hopes, really. Ownership and leadership are actively engaging in a roster teardown.