Rocco Baldelli will return next year as manager of the Minnesota Twins despite a late-season collapse that left the defending American League Central champions out of the playoffs.
President of baseball operations Derek Falvey confirmed Sunday before the team's last game that Baldelli's job is safe. The Twins were 12-26 in their past 38 games entering the finale.
The 43-year-old Baldelli has managed the team to three division titles in six seasons with Minnesota. His overall record was 457-412 going into the final game.
Falvey also said he was expecting to return for a ninth year with the Twins in 2025. Baldelli acknowledged Saturday that he has heard the boos and «Fire Rocco» chants but said he respects Twins fans and added that they «have a right to feel almost any way they choose.» Players have backed Baldelli throughout. «I don't think it's super fair to put everything on him,» pitcher Bailey Ober told reporters Saturday. «Everyone's entitled to their own opinion.