Twins adding 3-time All-Star to coaching staff

Published: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 6:30 am

Twins Bolster Coaching Staff with All-Star Addition

The Minnesota Twins are making a significant move to strengthen their coaching staff, announcing the hiring of former All-Star Grady Sizemore. The club is bringing in the veteran to oversee outfield, baserunning, and first-base coaching duties. This move is part of the team's strategy to reestablish its identity in the American League Central.

Sizemore, a three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, will join new manager Derek Shelton's staff ahead of the 2026 season. The 43-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the dugout, having played ten seasons in the major leagues. During his playing career, Sizemore hit .265 with 150 home runs, 143 stolen bases, and over 1,000 hits. His playing style was characterized by athleticism and leadership, making him a valuable asset for Shelton.

The Twins' decision to hire Sizemore reflects a broader offseason strategy focused on blending proven experience with player development. This approach aims to reenergize fundamentals and rebuild a winning culture within the organization. The move is particularly significant given the team's struggles last season, where they finished with a 70-92 record. The addition of Sizemore signals a renewed emphasis on defense and speed, two areas where the team fell short.

Sizemore's appointment also reunites him with familiar competition, having previously served as the Chicago White Sox offensive coordinator and interim manager. This experience, combined with his playing pedigree, provides Shelton with a valuable voice both in the clubhouse and on the field. The hiring also aligns with the growing trend of former All-Stars from the 2000s bringing firsthand experience to today's younger rosters.

This move marks one of the first major decisions under Shelton since replacing Rocco Baldelli. With Sizemore on board, the focus now shifts to improving defensive fundamentals and base-path discipline as the team prepares for spring training.

BNN's Perspective:

The Twins' decision to bring in Grady Sizemore is a calculated move that could pay dividends. While the team's recent performance has been disappointing, the addition of a seasoned player like Sizemore, who understands the game at a high level, could provide the necessary boost to improve the team's performance. The blend of experience and player development is a smart approach, and it will be interesting to see how Sizemore's influence impacts the team's performance in the upcoming season.

Keywords: Twins, Grady Sizemore, coaching staff, All-Star, Derek Shelton, outfield, baserunning, first-base, AL Central, defense, speed, player development, MLB, Rocco Baldelli, spring training

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