Tarik Skubal's 13 Ks led the Tigers to a 3-0 win over the Twins on June 29, 2025. As Minnesota's slump continues, Derek Falvey says they won't sell.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another day, another loss. The Minnesota Twins wrapped up a brutal weekend in Detroit with a whimper, getting completely dismantled 3-0 by Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The loss, their fifth straight, was a masterclass in futility as the offense managed just a single hit, leaving fans to wonder where this season is headed.
Despite a rough stretch and falling to ninth in the AL Wild Card race, Twins president Derek Falvey stated that the club is focused on improving and not considering selling at the upcoming trade deadline.
Sunday night's game was the Tarik Skubal show. The Tigers' left-hander was untouchable, carving up the Twins' lineup for 13 strikeouts over seven shutout innings. The only blemish on his night was a lone fifth-inning single by Ty France. Minnesota's bats were silent, with Byron Buxton going hitless in another frustrating performance. Chris Paddack battled but ultimately took the loss, giving up three runs across 4 2/3 innings, including solo home runs to Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene. It was a fittingly grim end to a winless series against a division rival.
While the on-field product has fans panicking, the front office is projecting calm. On Monday, team president Derek Falvey addressed the team's recent slide and its implications for the trade deadline. Despite the Twins tumbling to ninth in the AL Wild Card standings, Falvey was unequivocal: the team is not looking to sell. He emphasized that the focus remains on internal improvement and turning the season around, a bold stance given the team's current trajectory. This message puts the onus squarely on the current roster to prove him right.
If you're looking for a reason to smile, you'll have to look to the minor leagues. While the big-league club struggled, one of the organization's prospects put on a show at Double-A over the weekend. The team's No. 20 prospect hit for the cycle and drove in a whopping six runs, a powerful reminder of the talent pipeline working its way toward Minneapolis. It's a small consolation, but a welcome piece of good news during a tough stretch.
Adding to the intrigue is the status of manager Rocco Baldelli. Amid the losing streak, reports surfaced that the club had quietly exercised his 2026 contract option. When asked for confirmation on Monday, the Twins organization declined to comment, citing their policy of not discussing contract matters publicly. While not a confirmation or denial, the silence leaves another question hanging over a team desperately in need of stability.
The calendar flips to July, and it can't come soon enough. This five-game skid is a major test of the team's resolve and the front office's faith. The Twins will try to stop the bleeding as they head home to face the Marlins, sending ace Joe Ryan (8-3, 2.86 ERA) to the mound. It's a critical series to prove that Falvey's 'no-sell' stance is a sign of confidence, not delusion, and to get this season back on track.
