Pohlad family adding partners, won't sell Twins
The Pohlad family, owners of the Minnesota Twins, have decided not to sell the American League franchise but instead will add partners.
Joe Pohlad, the team's executive chair, issued a statement on the topic Wednesday.
"For more than four decades, our family has had the privilege of owning the Minnesota Twins. This franchise has become part of our family story, as it has for our employees, our players, this community, and Twins fans everywhere.
"Over the past several months, we explored a wide range of potential investment and ownership opportunities. Our focus throughout has been on what's best for the long-term future of the Twins. We have been fully open to all possibilities.
"After a detailed and robust process, our family will remain the principal owner of the Minnesota Twins. To strengthen the club in a rapidly evolving sports landscape -- one that demands strong partnerships, fresh ideas, and long-term vision -- we are in the process of adding two significant limited partnership groups, each of whom will bring a wealth of experience and share our family values."
Family patriarch Carl Pohlad bought the Twins in 1984 for $44 million from Calvin Griffith. Joe Pohlad is the grandson of Carl, who died in 2009.
Major League Baseball must approve any potential additions or changes to the ownership group. The team statement said once that process is done, the Pohlads and the team will have more to say about additional partners.
After the franchise traded 11 players before the July 31 deadline, fans had started to question the team's future. Pohlad tried to calm fears in the statement.
"We see and hear the passion from our partners, the community, and Twins fans. That passion inspires us," he said. "This ownership group is committed to building a winning team and culture for this region, one that Twins fans are proud to cheer for."
The Twins are 56-63 on the season, 12 games out of the lead in the AL Central and 7.5 games out of the final AL wild card.
Under the Pohlad's ownership, the Twins won the World Series im 1987 and 1991 and qualified for the postseason 10 additional times, never advancing to another World Series.
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