The Minnesota Twins have narrowed their managerial search to four finalists after multiple rounds of interviews, with former bench coach Derek Shelton and ex-hitting coach James Rowson emerging as the leading candidates to replace Rocco Baldelli.

The finalist group also includes former Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais and Chicago Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty, according to multiple league sources. The Twins fired Baldelli on Sept. 29 after seven seasons.

Sources indicate the Twins are leaning toward hiring a candidate with existing organizational ties. Shelton and Rowson both have previous working relationships with Twins president Derek Falvey and general manager Jeremy Zoll.

Shelton managed the Pittsburgh Pirates for five-plus seasons and was a finalist for the Twins' job in October 2018. He served as Minnesota's bench coach during the transition to Baldelli after Paul Molitor's dismissal.

Rowson impressed team officials in his recent interview and during the 2018 search process. He was Minnesota's hitting coach when the team set a major league record with 307 home runs in 2019. Rowson currently serves as Yankees hitting coach after spending 2020-22 as Miami Marlins bench coach.

Flaherty joined the search after Milwaukee eliminated the Cubs in the NLDS and interviewed well, according to sources. He has served as Craig Counsell's bench coach in Chicago this season after previously coaching with San Diego.

Servais posted a .514 winning percentage over nine seasons with Seattle, making the playoffs once in 2022. He currently works as a special assistant for the Padres.

Boston Red Sox bench coach Ramón Vázquez and Kansas City Royals third-base coach Vance Wilson did not advance in the process. Former Twins infielder Nick Punto, now a Padres coach, is also no longer under consideration.

One club source indicated the search remains ongoing and could potentially expand.