Hold onto your hats, baseball fans, because the Minnesota Twins' coaching lineup for 2026 is shaping up to be a game-changer—and it’s already sparking some heated debates. Pete Maki is set to return as the Twins’ pitching coach, according to a source who spoke to MLB.com on Tuesday, though the club has yet to officially confirm the move. This decision, first reported by The Athletic, marks a significant step in the team’s rebuilding efforts under new manager Derek Shelton. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Maki’s return seems like a safe bet given his history with the team, some fans are questioning whether this is the bold move the Twins need to climb back to the top.
Maki, 43, has been a familiar face in the Twins’ organization since 2017, starting as a Minor League pitching coordinator before stepping into the Major League bullpen coach role in 2021. When Wes Johnson departed midway through the 2022 season, Maki was promoted to pitching coach, a position he’s held since. His return signals continuity, but is it enough to address the pitching struggles that have plagued the team in recent years? That’s the question on everyone’s mind.
Maki joins LaTroy Hawkins, the newly appointed bullpen coach, as the second confirmed member of Shelton’s staff—though, like Maki, Hawkins’ role hasn’t been officially announced yet. And this is the part most people miss: Shelton and the front office have hinted at a major overhaul of the 2025 coaching staff, and these moves are just the tip of the iceberg. With significant changes on the horizon, who else might be on the way out—or in?
One name that’s been buzzing around is Yankees hitting coach James Rowson, who was a top contender for the managerial role that ultimately went to Shelton. Reports from the Minnesota Star-Tribune suggest the Twins are eyeing Rowson for the bench coach position. Could this be the missing piece to strengthen the team’s offensive strategy? Or is it just another safe hire in a season that demands risk-taking?
Meanwhile, the coaching carousel doesn’t stop there. Tommy Watkins, a Twins lifer who’s been on the Major League staff since 2018, is heading to the Braves as their new third-base coach. Former bullpen coach Colby Suggs is rumored to be joining the Rangers, while ex-bench coach Jayce Tingler is reportedly headed to the Giants. Assistant bench coach Hank Conger, however, has been informed he won’t be returning. The statuses of hitting coach Matt Borgschulte and assistant hitting coaches Trevor Amicone and Rayden Sierra remain unclear, but given Shelton’s deep roots as a hitting coach, it wouldn’t be surprising if he brings in his own team for that department.
Here’s the bold question: Are the Twins playing it too safe with these moves, or are they strategically building a foundation for future success? With Shelton’s vision for significant turnover, it’s clear that change is coming—but will it be enough to turn the team’s fortunes around? Let us know what you think in the comments—do these coaching updates inspire confidence, or is there room for more daring decisions?
