Twins Ownership Signals Payroll Increase for 2027
Minnesota Twins ownership says the team plans to meaningfully invest in the offseason after a 77-85 season.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Baseball
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Twins owner Tom Pohlad said the team intends to meaningfully invest this offseason, indicating payroll will rise for the 2027 season. The Twins finished 2026 at 77-85 and ranked 22nd of 30 MLB teams in payroll.
Why it matters
Pohlad said a $100 million payroll is not sufficient to be consistently competitive and in the playoffs. The move comes as the Twins' payroll has fallen from its 2023 peak of $167 million, and a lockout expected to begin Dec. 1 could affect the final figure.
The Twins finished 77-85 and ranked 22nd of 30 MLB teams in payroll, well below their $167 million peak in 2023. The team's exact 2027 payroll target has not been disclosed.
The players
Tom Pohlad
Tom Pohlad is the owner of the Minnesota Twins, who has publicly committed to meaningful offseason spending.
Jeremy Zoll
Jeremy Zoll is the general manager of the Minnesota Twins, responsible for the team's roster construction and player acquisitions.
The details
Pohlad told reporters the ownership group is prepared to support general manager Jeremy Zoll with the financial resources he needs. The Twins began 2025 with a payroll just north of $100 million and added salary at the trade deadline.
Timeline
2023: Twins reach peak payroll of $167 million.
2024 and 2025: Twins finish fourth in the American League Central.
2026: Twins finish third in the American League Central at 77-85.
Dec. 1: A lockout is expected to begin as the CBA expires.
Season Trajectory
The Twins' payroll decline from a $167 million peak in 2023 to just above $100 million in 2025 set up a reset heading into 2027. Owner commitments to spending come as the league's collective bargaining agreement approaches expiration and a possible lockout.
A higher Twins payroll could change which free agents and trade targets the team pursues this winter. Fans tracking the roster should watch for offseason signings once the lockout timeline becomes clear.
The takeaway
Ownership's stated willingness to spend suggests the Twins' 2027 roster will look different from the 77-85 club of 2026. Watch how the expected December lockout shapes the timing of those moves.
What happens next
A lockout is expected to begin on Dec. 1 as the collective bargaining agreement expires, which could affect the Twins' 2027 payroll.
Further reading
Follow more Minneapolis Baseball coverage for local context on the team's direction.
Source note: This article includes information reported by INFORUM.
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