MINNEAPOLIS — Rocco Baldelli will return next year as manager of the Minnesota Twins despite a late-season collapse that left the defending AL Central champions out of the playoffs.
President of baseball operations Derek Falvey confirmed Sunday before the team’s last game that Baldelli’s job is safe. The Twins were 12-26 in their last 38 games entering the finale.
The 43-year-old Baldelli has managed three division titles in six seasons with Minnesota. His overall record was 457-412 going into the final game.
Falvey also said he’s expecting to return for a ninth year with the Twins in 2025.
Baldelli acknowledged Saturday that he has heard the boos and “Fire Rocco” chants but said he respects Twins fans and added that they “have a right to feel almost any way they choose.”
Players have backed Baldelli throughout.
“I don’t think it’s super fair to put everything on him,” pitcher Bailey Ober told reporters Saturday. “Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. If the players hear [the chants] , I don’t think anyone’s agreeing with that. It’s like, seriously, can’t you see what’s going on? He’s not the one at fault for this mishap that happened.
“We’re the ones performing out there and didn’t get the job done. He’s putting out the lineups, and we’re trying to do it. I feel like most of the blame should be on the players.”
Added shortstop Carlos Correa, who missed 53 games with a foot injury: “If you have anybody to blame, blame me for going down for two months and not being a part of the team. I think that’s one of the main reasons.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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