BREAKING NEWS: Fans in shock as Minnesota Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli Makes surprising announcement that Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan are made the new..

The Minnesota Twins organization delivered a stunning yet emotional announcement Monday morning that immediately sent ripples across the baseball world — and a surge of pride through Target Field.

In a move that surprised fans and players alike, **Manager Rocco Baldelli** announced that **Byron Buxton** and **Joe Ryan** will serve as the **new co-captains of the Minnesota Twins**, marking the first time in over a decade that the franchise has formally appointed team captains.

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### **A Leadership Shift in Minnesota**

Standing before reporters during a pregame media session, Baldelli explained that the decision came after extensive discussions with team leaders and front-office staff.

> “This isn’t just about titles,” Baldelli said. “It’s about recognizing two players who embody what it means to be a Minnesota Twin — commitment, accountability, and respect for the game. Byron and Joe have been the voices of this clubhouse all season long. They’ve earned this.”

The room fell quiet for a moment before a wave of applause followed from several players in attendance.

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### **Buxton: “This Means Everything”**

For **Byron Buxton**, the emotional core of the team and a decade-long face of the franchise, the honor comes after years of highs, lows, and resilience.

Buxton, who has endured multiple injuries throughout his career, was visibly moved as he addressed reporters:

> “This means everything to me,” Buxton said, pausing to compose himself. “I’ve been through a lot here — the ups, the setbacks, the grind. To know that my teammates and coaches believe in me as a leader… it’s something I’ll never take for granted.”

Buxton, drafted by the Twins in 2012 and known for his unmatched speed and defensive brilliance, has long been a clubhouse favorite and a mentor to younger players.

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### **Joe Ryan: “We Lead Together”**

Pitcher **Joe Ryan**, 29, who has emerged as the anchor of the Twins’ starting rotation, stood beside Buxton during the announcement and spoke with confidence and humility.

> “Byron’s been the heartbeat of this team,” Ryan said. “To stand beside him in this role — it’s an honor. Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up every day and giving everything you have. We lead together, for this team and this city.”

Ryan has been a model of consistency since joining the Twins, combining elite strikeout numbers with a quiet but commanding presence on and off the field.

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### **A Symbolic Decision for a New Era**

The Twins haven’t named official team captains since **Joe Mauer** and **Justin Morneau** shared leadership responsibilities more than a decade ago. Baldelli’s move signals a renewed emphasis on culture, accountability, and unity as the club continues its push toward sustained contention in the American League Central.

General Manager **Derek Falvey** praised the decision, calling it “a natural step in the evolution of this team.”

> “You want leaders who reflect your organization’s identity — professionalism, humility, and competitive fire,” Falvey said. “Byron and Joe are exactly that.”

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### **Fan Reactions: Shock Turns to Pride**

News of the announcement spread rapidly across social media, where Twins fans expressed a mix of surprise and admiration.

The hashtag **#CaptainBuxton** began trending within hours, with many supporters celebrating Buxton’s perseverance and Ryan’s rise as a franchise cornerstone.

> “You couldn’t pick two better guys,” one fan posted on X. “They’ve both bled for this team. True leaders in every sense.”

At Target Field, the video board displayed the words *“Our Captains”* during batting practice, as teammates congratulated the pair. Several players — including Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis — described the moment as “inspiring.”

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### **Rocco Baldelli: “This Is Their Clubhouse”**

Baldelli emphasized that the co-captain appointments weren’t ceremonial — they reflect a real shift in how the team operates.

> “This is their clubhouse,” Baldelli said. “They set the tone every day. When Byron talks, people listen. When Joe competes, people respond. That’s leadership — and that’s what we need to keep growing.”

Both captains will serve as liaisons between the players and coaching staff, helping to foster communication and maintain the team’s chemistry through the long grind of the season.

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### **A Moment Bigger Than Baseball**

As Buxton and Ryan left the podium, they were met by hugs from teammates and a standing ovation from staff members gathered in the hallway.

It was a moment that transcended statistics and box scores — a testament to perseverance, belief, and brotherhood.

For Byron Buxton, the emotional weight of the moment was clear:

> “I’ve spent my whole career fighting to stay on that field, for this city, for these fans. Now, to lead this team alongside Joe… that’s the dream.”

For Joe Ryan, it was about perspective:

> “We’ve got unfinished business. And we’re ready to lead the way.”

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### **A New Chapter Begins**

As the Minnesota Twins prepare for the next stretch of their season, the appointment of Buxton and Ryan as co-captains feels symbolic — the passing of a torch to the next generation of leadership at Target Field.

For fans, it’s a moment of pride.

For the players, it’s a promise.

And for the organization, it’s the start of a new era in Twins baseball.