The Minnesota Twins President of Baseball Operations admitted recently that an unusual ongoing issue could block them from making notable changes to the roster this winter.
In 2023, the Minnesota Twins finally ended one of the most frustrating streaks in franchise history. For the first time in two decades, they reached the playoffs and were able to win a post-season series. While they only stayed in this year’s playoffs for four more games, there was still a lot of positivity to take away from this season.
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They had the largest payroll in team history this season, and it delivered them a division title and a team good enough to advance in the postseason. While that could be a message to spend a little more to take another step forward, the Twins may not be allowed to even if they wanted this winter.
Following their ouster from the playoffs by the Houston Astros last week, President Derek Falvey spoke with the media about the state of the organization heading into the offseason. One of the major revelations from the interviews is the fact that the Twins have an unclear situation when it comes to their broadcast rights and can’t rely on that revenue source next season.
Minnesota Twins media rights deal could cost them in free agency this winter
Falvey admitted the lack of such a key source of funds will undoubtedly have an effect on what they are able to do to improve the roster this winter.
“That’s a reality of our offseason. It’s not just for us. It’s for other clubs, too. That’s a piece of information we’re going to have to navigate. It’s a factor that there’s lack of clarity on TV revenue. That’s a fact, that’s no secret to anybody. That plays a role (with payroll), just like all of our revenue sources play a role to some degree.”
– Derek Falvey
The Minnesota Twins were one of 14 teams in baseball that had a media rights deal with Bally Sports to broadcast their games. However, Ballys’ parent company Diamond Sports Group filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and left all those teams’ broadcast futures in limbo heading into the offseason.
Many MLB teams make $40 million or more annually in local television rights deals.