They Traded Who?! Lessons from a Minnesota Twins Fan (and Coach)

I’ve been a Minnesota Twins fan since I attended the University of Minnesota and the Twins won the World Series in 1987 and 1991.

As a former professional athlete, I know what it feels like to wear the jersey. I also know what it feels like to see your team make a move that leaves you scratching your head.

So when I saw the Twins trade away Carlos Correa, Jhoan Duran, and a lineup of other major players this past week—nearly 40% of the roster—my first thought was:

“What in the world are we doing?”

Correa wasn’t just a name on the back of a jersey. He was the face of the franchise. Duran was our shutdown closer. This wasn’t a tweak—this was a transformation.

But as I leaned in, as a fan and as a coach, something clicked.

This Wasn’t Panic. This Was Peak Performance Thinking.

The more I studied what the front office was doing, the more I realized—this was a masterclass in leadership. They weren’t reacting. They were resetting.

They weren’t giving up. They were building the next chapter.

And I couldn’t help but think:

“This is exactly what business owners and leaders need to learn how to do.”

So let me take off the jersey and put on the coaching hat—because this week, your favorite baseball team just showed you how to lead your company like a Peak Performer.

7 Peak Performance Lessons from the Twins’ Bold Rebuild

1. Winning/Growth Mindset

The Twins could’ve coasted. Instead, they chose to grow.

They believed there was a better future ahead and were willing to change the current formula to get there.

Your Move: Stop clinging to what’s comfortable. Think forward. Winners play for what’s next.

2. Accountability

Instead of blaming players or circumstances, they said,

“We can do better. We need to build differently.”

That’s real leadership.

Your Move: Where in your business are you avoiding hard truths? Call it out. Own it. Lead it.

3. Discipline

There was pressure. The media was loud. Fans were emotional.

But the Twins didn’t flinch. They made the hard call and stuck to their plan.

Your Move: Stay disciplined in your vision. Don’t chase applause. Chase alignment.

4. Maximize Opportunities

They didn’t just give up players—they gained prospects, salary flexibility, and opened the door for internal stars to rise.

Your Move: Look around. What resources or team members are waiting to be developed?

5. Team Success

This wasn’t about one star. It was about the whole team.

The message was clear: we win together, not because of one name.

Your Move: Elevate your people. Build systems where everyone contributes to the scoreboard.

6. Strategic Networking

Every trade was calculated. Every conversation was leveraged.

It wasn’t random. It was relationship-driven.

Your Move: Who in your network can help you win—if you’d just reach out and collaborate?

7. Commitment

This wasn’t halfway. This was all in.

The Twins made it clear: We’re not here to survive. We’re here to win.

Your Move: Are you fully committed to your vision—or just flirting with the idea of greatness?

Final Inning Thought:

As a fan, I was emotional.

As a coach, I’m inspired.

The Minnesota Twins didn’t blow up the team—they bet on a better future.

And that’s exactly what peak performers do.

They don’t wait for the season to end to make a change.

They make the move now—so they can win later.

Coaching Challenge for You:

“What do you need to trade, release, or recalibrate this week to get your business and life to the next level?”

You know what it is. Now it’s time to act like a GM who wants to win the championship—not just sell tickets.

Let’s go.

—Walter Bond