The Minnesota Twins are hoping a renewed focus on communication will translate to success on the field. New manager Derek Shelton, hired in November 2025, is already making an impression on players with his emphasis on open dialogue and ensuring messages are not only delivered but truly understood. This approach stems from a period of self-reflection following his dismissal as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates in May 2025, and represents a deliberate shift in leadership style.
Shelton’s time between jobs allowed him to analyze what contributed to challenges during his tenure with the Pirates, a team consistently operating with one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball. Beyond the financial constraints, he identified a demand to improve his communication skills, moving beyond simply conveying information to actively confirming comprehension. This realization has quickly resonated within the Twins’ clubhouse, with players praising Shelton’s commitment to transparency and genuine engagement.
A Shift in Leadership Philosophy
Shelton’s approach isn’t simply about talking *at* players, but engaging in a two-way conversation. He actively solicits feedback, asking players to reiterate his points to ensure clarity. This method, he explained, is a direct response to lessons learned from his time with the Pirates. “It’s something that I don’t think I did a great job of last year, and probably at the end of ’24, and want to create sure I do a better job of personally as a leader going forward,” Shelton stated. This commitment to improved communication is already being lauded as a key strength by those within the Twins organization.
The impact of this new approach was immediately apparent. Shortly after being named manager, Shelton traveled to Texas to meet with third baseman Royce Lewis. Lewis described the meeting as energizing, stating, “I’m ready to run through a wall for him, man, literally, and figuratively.” He added that Shelton’s positive attitude and proactive communication – including reaching out to players during the offseason to reaffirm their value to the team – were a welcome change. This proactive approach to player relations is a departure from previous experiences, according to Lewis.
Building Relationships Through Transparency
Shelton’s commitment to transparency extends beyond simply offering positive reinforcement. He has made a point of directly addressing potential concerns with players, even when those conversations involve tough news. Catcher Ryan Jeffers recounted a phone call from Shelton prior to the Twins signing veteran catcher Victor Caratini to a two-year deal in January. Shelton proactively discussed the implications of the signing with Jeffers, demonstrating a respect for his position and a willingness to openly address potential challenges. Jeffers appreciated this directness, noting, “It’s better to be truthful and say something you don’t like than to have questions floating in the air. Everyone would rather be told something they don’t want to hear than not be told anything at all.”
This emphasis on open communication as well played a role in the Twins’ attempts to reacquire veteran reliever Taylor Rogers. Rogers, who previously played for the Twins from 2018-2019, valued Shelton’s straightforward approach and competitive spirit during their earlier time together. Rogers reportedly enjoyed Shelton’s directness, appreciating that he would “skip the positives” and immediately address areas for improvement, fostering a more efficient and focused dialogue. Even as Rogers ultimately did not return to the Twins, his interest underscored the positive impression Shelton had made during their previous association.
Individualized Approach and Team Cohesion
Shelton’s efforts to build rapport aren’t limited to high-profile players. He has prioritized one-on-one meetings with every member of the Twins roster, using these sessions to clearly define each player’s role within the organization and to get to know them on a personal level. These conversations extend beyond baseball, exploring players’ personal lives, families, and hobbies. Shelton believes that understanding players as individuals is crucial for fostering strong relationships and building a cohesive team environment. “I hope that players perceive they’re comfortable being able to have conversations with me and that You can talk about things not only baseball-related, because I think that’s how you develop relationships,” he explained.
This approach echoes sentiments expressed by center fielder Byron Buxton, who previously benefited from Shelton’s mentorship during his time as the Twins’ bench coach. Buxton noted that Shelton’s genuine interest in his players extended beyond the field, and that the two remained connected even after Shelton’s departure to manage the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020. Buxton believes that Shelton’s ability to engage with players on a personal level is a key factor in his success as a leader, stating, “He tries to engage himself, and it’s one of them where when you try to engage yourself, you start figuring out a little more about your players…The only way for you to know that, you’ve got to communicate with your players.”
The Twins’ spring training camp has been marked by this emphasis on individual connection and open communication. Shelton’s one-on-one meetings have provided players with clarity regarding their roles and expectations, while his genuine interest in their personal lives has fostered a sense of trust and camaraderie. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, the hope is that this improved communication will translate into a more unified and successful performance on the field. The Twins begin their regular season schedule on March 31st against the Cleveland Guardians. MLB.com provides ongoing coverage of spring training and the upcoming season.
The Twins finished the 2025 season with a record of 78-84, placing fourth in the American League Central division. ESPN’s MLB standings page provides a comprehensive overview of the 2025 season results.
As the Twins continue their preparations, the focus remains on building a strong team culture based on open communication and mutual respect. The early signs are promising, and players appear to be responding positively to Shelton’s leadership style. The team’s performance in the coming months will ultimately determine whether this new approach translates into on-field success.
Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of the Minnesota Twins and the 2026 MLB season. We encourage you to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
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