The 2020 season was the first under new owner John Sherman, whose purchase of the team was approved by MLB on November 21, 2019.

[1] It was also the first season under manager Mike Matheny, replacing Ned Yost after having a ten-season tenure.

[2] The team finished with a 26–34 win–loss record, landing them fourth place in the American League Central.

On March 12, 2020, MLB announced that because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the start of the regular season would be delayed by at least two weeks in addition to the remainder of spring training being cancelled.

[3] Four days later, it was announced that the start of the season would be pushed back indefinitely due to the recommendation made by the CDC to restrict events of more than 50 people for eight weeks.