The announcement that Target Field will sell $2 pre-game beers generated more buzz than any other Twins move this offseason.

Why it matters: When cheap beers are the biggest offseason draw, it underscores how much fan interest has spiraled in recent years.

The big picture: After a losing season, front-office upheaval and quiet free agency, expectations for the Twins are muted — making even a small perk feel like a headline.

Catch up quick: Minnesota finished 70-92 last year, and, in the middle of the season, pulled the franchise off the market and fired manager Rocco Baldelli.

• In December, Tom Pohlad pushed his younger brother Joe out of the role of controlling owner.
• Six weeks later, Twins president Derek Falvey and the team "mutually parted ways."

Follow the money: The Twins spent little on players in the offseason, with their only notable signing being journeyman designated hitter Josh Bell.

• Their $106 million opening-day payroll ranks 23rd among 30 MLB teams. It's also $53 million less than it was on opening day 2024.

And yet before spring training, optimistic fans saw a path back to the playoffs.

• The thinking: A strong starting pitching rotation would reduce pressure on a depleted bullpen, and a rebound from hitters like Royce Lewis and Matt Wallner could be enough to win the weak AL Central.

Yes, but: Their ace pitcher, Pablo López, blew out his elbow on the first day of training, ending his season.

• Plus, their No. 3 starter, Bailey Ober, struggled with velocity all spring. The rotation suddenly looks average.

What they're saying: Without Lopez, the Twins' over/under in Vegas is 72.5 wins, with some projection systems bumping that total to 78 or 79.

The other side: If you squint, you can see how this team could be some combination of good and fun to watch, if the stars align.

• Byron Buxton was healthy and dazzling last year, Joe Ryan was an All-Star and 23-year-old Luke Keaschall looked promising in his first batch of games.

The bottom line: If the season is a flop, at least there are $2 beers.*

• *Only on Fridays and Saturdays and only for 12-oz. cans of Bud, Bud Light and Summit Twins Pils.

What's in the pipeline

Here's something to keep an eye on: Brian O'Hara's original term as Minneapolis police chief ended nearly four months ago.

State of play: O'Hara's appointment expired on Jan. 1, though Minneapolis' charter allows him to continue serving into July without City Council action.

• The chief has signaled he wants to be reappointed and Mayor Jacob Frey said on WCCO Radio this week that O'Hara "has his full support."

What we're watching: The mayor told host Chad Hartman he intends to bring a "package" of staff confirmations to the City Council.

• A spokesperson told Axios the mayor would bring cabinet-level appointments to council next week, but there's not yet a timeline for the police chief or other department heads.

Friction point: O'Hara has his critics on the council, so his path to re-confirmation may not be straightforward.

🚘 Auto thefts are up year-over-year in Minneapolis as MPD says more thieves are using devices that can reprogram vehicles to start without a key. (KSTP)

🏀 The Wolves came back from a 13-point deficit to beat the Rockets last night. It was the largest overtime comeback in recorded NBA history. (ESPN)

👶 The Minnesota Senate voted to let lawmakers bring their children to floor sessions following a lengthy debate that pitted pleas for more support for parents against decorum and distraction concerns. (Background via Axios)

📆 Today, the Senate is expected to take up a bill repealing a state law designating March 31 as César Chávez Day in response to new sexual assault allegations against the late labor leader. (Background via Axios)

🔦 The rapid growth of Minnesota's group home industry has endangered residents and strained local police forces, who are struggling to keep up with frequent calls about drug use and other problems. (MPR News/APM Reports)

✈️ Minneapolis City Council Member Aisha Chughtai traveled to Cuba last week on a "humanitarian aid mission." (Star Tribune)

🥷 Plans for an "American Ninja Warrior"-style training facility got the greenlight from the Brooklyn Park City Council. Owners expect to open in August. (CCX Media)

One of St. Paul's most charming neighborhoods has an independent bookstore again.

The big picture: Acorn Bookshop — which opened this week in the former Micawber's Books location in St. Anthony Park — promises a focus on women's voices, diverse literature and local authors.

What to expect: New and used books for all ages, reading chairs, nooks for kids, and handmade goods from local artisans — including in a mini art vending machine.

Plus: Owner Rachel Ostrom tells Axios the shop will have a dirty soda station by this summer.

Hours and more pics on our Instagram

At MSP Airport, Concourse G is the place to be.

State of play: The recently renovated concourse won our reader poll in a landslide, gobbling up over 40% of the vote.

What you're saying: "Food options are phenomenal and so much space to charge your tools!" Lori Anne J. of St. Louis Park crowed.

• Many readers also mentioned Concourse G's newly renovated Delta Sky Club.

Rounding out the top three in our survey:

• 🐔 Concourse C (18%): "It is where Chick-fil-A is, so this answer is only wrong if you're flying on a Sunday," Bri B. of Cottage Grove said.
• 🦋 Concourse F (15%): Defenders cited its butterfly mosaic — and its proximity to security, a food hall, and shopping.

Worth noting: Despite fewer dining and entertainment choices, about 7% of you prefer the "chill vibe" of the smaller Terminal 2.

The other side: In dead last, Concourse A garnered a mere two votes out of over 200 cast.

• It's not clear what these readers meant when they praised its "ease of use" … given Concourse A's location approximately 3,563,799 miles away from security.

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