Dodgers News: Dodgers Hire Former Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli in Front Office Role
Former Twins manager joins Dodgers front office
ORLANDO, FL—While the news was all about the Los Angeles Dodgers signing top free-agent All-Star closer Edwin Díaz to a 3-year, $69 million deal, the team also made a hire in their front office department.
According to Bobby Nightengale (no, not Bob Nightengale) of The Minnesota Star Tribune, the Dodgers are hiring former Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli in a role in the front office.
Baldelli, 44, will serve as the special assistant to Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, a role that reflects their established working relationship from their previous time with the Tampa Bay Rays.
The ex-Twins manager compiled a 527-505 record (.511 winning percentage) over seven seasons, including a playoff victory in 2023 and three American League Central titles. Baldelli received the American League Manager of the Year award in 2019. After his playing career ended prematurely in 2010 due to a mitochondrial disorder, Baldelli became a special assistant to Friedman in Tampa Bay.
Baldelli has expressed interest in managing again. After being dismissed by the Twins, he was linked to the openings with the Angels and Nationals, but those positions went to Kurt Suzuki and Blake Butera, respectively. He might explore similar opportunities later. For now, he will accept a role with the current champions.
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