Top 10 Outfielders in Minnesota Twins History

Sep 9, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Twins left fielder

(20), designated hitter

(22) and center fielder

(32) celebrate in the outfield after the win over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins played its first season in 1961. From then on the team has had plenty of good players grace the outfield of Met Stadium, the Metrodome and Target Field. With Torii Hunter officially retired, he is a top 1o outfielder in Twins history. Where does he rank?

Our countdown of the best outfielders will feature 10 players and a few honorable mentions who under the following rules.

• Players spent five or more years with the Twins
• Played more games in the outfield than any other position
• Only statistics in games played with the Twins starting with 1961 are counted

The players in the list also will be judged on a variety of other factors. If the player was an all-star or a hall-of-fame inductee, the player was given a boost. Other players who led the league in an offensive category were rated higher. Longevity in their careers and contributions to the team during their years with the Twins were taken into account as well.

With that in mind, some players on the list were not all-stars or league leaders. Some were fan favorites. Reminiscing about the impact those players had during their time with the Twins had an effect on the list. Some on the list might be a surprise.

A lot of players, who did not make the list, met the minimum requirements but had the best statistical years of their career with the Twins.

At the end of the list honorable mentions that missed the cut will be included.

Here’s the list, let’s get to it.

Next: 10: Had a Good Span with the Twins

In 2008, Denard Span played in more than 90 games, finishing sixth in Rookie of the Year voting. Here’s how he ranks among the list of Twins outfielders.

• Ninth in Runs Scored (360)
• Ninth in Hits (669)
• Last in Home Runs (23)
• Last in Runs Batted In (230)
• Fourth in Stolen Bases (90)
• Fourth in Batting Average (.284)
• Fourth in On Base Percentage (.357)
• Ninth in Slugging Percentage (.389)

Span might not be considered a top 10 outfielder in Twins history, but he was an above average lead-off hitter during his five years with the Twins. He was an important piece during the team’s playoff race in 2009 and 2010. He also led the American League in triples with 10 in 2009.

While Span does not rank highly in most of the categories, he does rank fourth in SB, batting average and OBP. This is due to Span’s high walk rate. He never struck out more than 90 times in a season and usually worked the count in any of his at-bats.

Primarily playing in center field, Span was just as good defensively as he was offensively. Unfortunately he could not fully recover from concussion-like symptoms in 2011.

After being dealt to the Washington Nationals, Span has seen a bit of a career revival. He has batted over .300 twice and led the National League in hits in 2014 with 184.

There could be an argument to be made here. Span could be ninth or he could miss the list entirely. Either way Span is a good fit here and no. 10.

Next: 9: Mack Attack

Apr 20, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a Minnesota Twins player’s hat, sunglasses and glove in the dugout. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Shane Mack spent five of his seven years in baseball with the Twins. They were also his best statistical years.

• Last in Runs Scored (351)
• Last in Hits (668)
• Eighth in Home Runs (67)
• Ninth in Runs Batted In (315)
• Sixth in Stolen Bases (71)
• Second in Batting Average (.309)
• First in On Base Percentage (.375)
• Tied for first in Slugging Percentage (.479)

Mack was never elected to an all-star team. He was not a star player by any means. However, the statistics he had with the Twins is enough to make this list. He could be ranked tenth but his high AVG, OBP and SLG rank him above Span. Mack had more home runs and RBI than Span and his batting slash is much higher.

In the five years with the team, Mack only batted under .300 once. He had three seasons with OBP above .390. He may be last in runs scored and hits, but his other rankings are impressive. Needless to say, he could rank higher on this list if he played for the Twins longer than five years.

Like Span, Mack led the league in one offensive category while he was with the Twins. In 1992, he was hit by pitch 15 times. He was sixth in hits (189), tied for eighth in WAR (6.5) and tenth in batting average (.315), OBP (.394) and runs scored (101). No doubt about it, Mack had his best statistical year in 1992.

Mack was acquired in the rule 5 draft from San Diego in 1990. He played an important role on the 1991 World Series championship team. After his time with the Twins, he had two more successful years in Japan before his career fizzled out.

Next: 8: Bruno

Apr 22, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins hitting coach and former outfielder

(23) looks on at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Current hitting coach  and former Twins outfielder Tom Brunansky ranks eighth on this list. Let’s look at how ranks among the top 10.

• Eighth in Runs Scored (450)
• Eighth in Hits (829)
• Fifth in Home Runs (163)
• Seventh in Runs Batted In (469)
• Last in Stolen Bases (36)
• Last in Batting Average (.250)
• Eighth in On Base Percentage (.330)
• Seventh in Slugging Percentage (.452)

Clearly Brunansky was not much of a base stealer. Even though he ranks high in home runs, he is not ranked highly in batting average, OBP and SLG. It is surprising that he ranks seventh in SLG. .452 is not bad at all. It just was not good enough compared to the other players on the list.

Even though he does not rank higher than fifth in any statistical category, he is good enough to rank eighth on the list. Brunansky was an all-star in 1985. That is the year the game was held at the Metrodome. It was Brunansky’s only all-star appearance.

During his time with the Twins, Brunansky was consistently good. He never hit less than 20 home runs. He drove in 75 or more runs six of the seven full seasons. He was able to stay healthy and play in over 150 games six times with the Twins. He hit 163 of his 271 home runs with the Twins.  Get the picture?

Brunansky played with the Twins during the 1987 championship season. Now he serves as the hitting coach. He has been the hitting coach since the 2013 season.

Next: 7: A Great Utility Player

May 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A hat and glove belonging to the Minnesota Twins rests on the dugout rail. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Cesar Tovar played multiple positions during his time with the Twins but primarily was an outfielder. Therefor he makes the list.

• Fifth in Runs Scored (646)
• Fourth in Hits (1164)
• Ninth in Home Runs (38)
• Eighth in Runs Batted In (319)
• First in Stolen Bases (186)
• Fifth in Batting Average (.281)
• Seventh in On Base Percentage (.337)
• Last in Slugging Percentage (.377)

Known for playing all nine positions in one game, Tovar was one of the first utility players for the Twins. He was never a flashy player. He was never an all-star. He did not hit for power. So what did he do besides play every position in one game?

A careful look at Tovar’s stats reveals he was severally underrated. There is no doubt Tovar was a key player for the Twins in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Often included in top 50 Twins lists, he came ready to play every day.

Compared to other players on the list, his statistical rankings are all over the place. They range from first in stolen bases to last in SLG. Tovar led the American League in several offensive categories during his eight years with the Twins.

In 1967, he led the AL in games played (164), plate appearances (726) and at-bats (649). That year, he finished seventh in MVP voting. Tovar led the AL in doubles (36) and triples (13) during the 1970 season. The following season Tovar led the AL in hits with 204. From 1967 to 1971, he finished in the top 25 in AL MVP voting.

Next: 6: One part of the Soul Patrol

Oct 1, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Former Minnesota Twins outfielder

(23) warms up before a game. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Like Tovar, Michael Cuddyer played many different positions in the infield and outfield. Cuddyer spent more time in right field than any other position during his 11 seasons with the Twins.

• Sixth in Runs Scored (606)
• Fifth in Hits (1106)
• Sixth in Home Runs (141)
• Fifth in Runs Batted In (580)
• Ninth in Stolen Bases (52)
• Seventh in Batting Average (.272)
• Sixth in On Base Percentage (.343)
• Eighth in Slugging Percentage (.451)

He was an all-star in 2011, his last season with the Twins. Cuddyer started his career as an infielder but became a utility player off the bench. He took over right field duties in 2006. From then on he was exceedingly popular among Twins fans.

Cuddyer, like Jones, saved the Twins. But he saved the Twins in a different way. Jones saved the franchise. Cuddyer saved the 2009 season. In that season, he was tasked with filling in at first base for the injured Justin Morneau. It was a big blow to the team as Morneau’s injury was season ending. With 30 home runs, the main source of power was now gone.

Cuddyer played the last 21 games of the ’09 season. The Twins had a 17-4 record in those games. As for Cuddyer, he took over Morneau’s role with an exceptional performance. He hit 8 home runs and slashed an incredible .325/.398/.675. He also drove in 24 runs, at least one in 14 games.

The Twins forced a game 163 against the Detroit Tigers. In an epic extra-inning showdown and the Metrodome, the Twins won the game and the Central. There should be no doubt in any Twins fan’s mind that Cuddyer is responsible for saving the Twins last season in the Metrodome and creating long-lasting memories. His clutch home runs and overall kindness to everyone gives Cuddyer a boost on this list.

Writers Note: Cuddyer’s 2009 success and stats, as well as the 17-4 record mentioned, include the stats and result of game 163.

Next: 4: Climbed Outfield Walls like Spider Man

Jul 25, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former Minnesota Twins outfielder

(48) celebrates his 3 run home run against the New York Yankees. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Torii Hunter along with Jones turned the Twins franchise around in the 2000s. The cumulative stats during his 12 years with the Twins rank him fourth on the list.

• Third in Runs Scored (739)
• Third in Hits (1343)
• Second in Home Runs (214)
• Third in Runs Batted In (792)
• Third in Stolen Bases (128)
• Eighth in Batting Average (.268)
• Last in On Base Percentage (.321)
• Fifth in Slugging Percentage (.462)

After Hunter’s 2015 season, which was one of his worst statistically, his rank here is fairly easy. There is no doubt that he was a better player than Span, Mack, Brunansky, Tovar, Jones and Cuddyer. But an argument could be made that Hunter should be third or even second on this list.

Based on his rankings, six of them in the top five, he is limited because of his low batting average and OBP ranking. His strikeout rate was higher than 17 percent and his walk rate was lower than 6 1/2 percent.

Rankings aside, Hunter was an all-star in 2002 and 2007. He won seven of his nine Gold Glove Awards with the Twins. In 2002, he finished sixth in MVP voting for his 20/20 season. However, his best season came in 2006 when he belted 31 home runs. Overall, he was a consistent performer and consistently in the lineup.

Hunter gave the Twins everything he had. The excitement he showed after a great catch, or the smile he had after Twins wins will always be remembered by fans. His effort on the field and his quotable moments made him a life long favorite for many. Hunter’s retirement prompted this list and here he sits a no. 4.

Next: 3: Played Left and Right Field During the '60s

Jul 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of the Minnesota Twins logo in a game between the Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Bob Allison played for the same franchise but two different teams in his career. This list only counts stats with the Twins starting with the 1961 season. Let’s see how he ranks statistically.

• Fourth in Runs Scored (648)
• Sixth in Hits (999)
• Third in Home Runs (211)
• Fourth in Runs Batted In (642)
• Eighth in Stolen Bases (60)
• Ninth in Batting Average (.254)
• Second in On Base Percentage (.361)
• Tied for first in Slugging Percentage (.479)

Do not be confused. Allison played a total of 13 years in the majors. Only 10 of them were with the Twins. His first three seasons were with the Washington Senators. Those stats are not included in this list. Allison’s cumulative stats take a hit because of this.

He drops a few spots in runs, hits, home runs and RBI. Had his full career been included his rankings would be third, fourth, first and third in those categories respectfully. However, Allison’s OBP and SLG rankings move up from third and fourth to second and a tie for first.

Only counting his years with the Twins, Allison was a good corner outfielder for the team in the ’60s. He was a two-time all-star. He led the AL in runs scored with 99 in 1963. In 1961, Allison’s walk to strikeouts were 103/100. That is rare in present day baseball. 100 plus walks and more walks than strikeouts is hard to fathom. FanGraphs does a good job of showing the disappearing amount of hitters who walk more than they strikeout.

Allison gets a boost over Hunter for his role with the 1965 team that made the World Series. Even though they lost to the Dodgers it was the first World Series appearance of three for the Twins. If Hunter is elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Allison would move down to fourth on this list.

Next: 2: Another Member of the 1965 Twins

Aug 1, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former Minnesota Twins

waves to fans during a pre game ceremony for the 1965 Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Oliva played his whole career with the Twins. He has a statue outside of Target Field. His no. 6 was retired in 1991. But he is not no. 1 in this list. Let’s look at his rankings.

• Second in Runs Scored (870)
• Second in Hits (1917)
• First in Home Runs (220)
• Second in Runs Batted In (947)
• Fifth in Stolen Bases (86)
• Third in Batting Average (.304)
• Fifth in On Base Percentage (.353)
• Fourth in Slugging Percentage (.476)

Oliva was a great hitter for the Twins. He led the AL in hits five times (1964-1966,1969,1970). He led the AL in doubles four times (1964,1967,1969,1970). He led the AL in batting average three times (1964,1965,1971). In 1964 he led the AL in runs scored with 109, and in 1971 he led the AL in SLG with .546.

Oliva was an all-star  from 1964 to 1971. He finished second in MVP voting twice in that span, won Rookie of the Year  in 1964 and won a Gold Glove Award in 1966. Got all that?

Looking at the statistical rankings, Oliva does not rank below fifth in any category. He is a far step above Allison and Hunter. Oliva did not win the Gold Glove as many times as Hunter did, but he was a much better offensive player. He was an all-around better hitter than Allison and Hunter. The stats do not lie.

Oliva is so popular in Twins Territory that there is a sandwich named after him at Target Field.  Yet he is not popular enough among Hall of Fame voters to be shrined alongside the best in baseball.

Oliva battled with injuries and was used as a DH in the last four years of his career. Which, depending on who you are, might be cause for debate. Whether you judge a player’s career harshly because they were or were not a DH. Rants aside, he fits here at no. 2 on the list.

Next: 1: This is his Pond

Minnesota Twins centerfielder

will forever be a legend. His heroics in 1991 and joy in life make him a favorite among fans. Credit-Rick Stewart

Widely regarded as the best position player the team has ever had, it should be no surprise that Kirby Puckett is the best outfielder in Minnesota Twins history. His statistical rankings are impressive.

• First in Runs Scored (1071)
• First in Hits (2304)
• Fourth in Home Runs (207)
• First in Runs Batted In (1085)
• Second in Stolen Bases (134)
• First in Batting Average (.318)
• Third in On Base Percentage (.360)
• Third in Slugging Percentage (.477)

Puckett, like Oliva and technically Allison, played his whole career with the Twins. From the time he was drafted, to the time he made his major league debut, to the time he was forced to retire, he was with the Twins every step of his baseball journey.

As far as the statistical rankings go, he does not rank lower than fourth. He has the highest average ranking. He made the all-star team from 1986 to 1995. He won six Gold Glove awards, six Sliver Slugger awards and was in the top ten for AL MVP seven times. His career stats were good enough for election into the Hall of Fame.

He was apart of the 1987 and 1991 championship teams. Puckett batted .309 in 24 postseason games. His legend status in Minnesota grew after game 6 of the 1991 World Series. Telling the team to jump on his back, Puckett delivered a walk-off home run in the 11 inning.

Puckett’s greatness in the field and in the batter’s box or kindness towards the fans and fellow players makes him one-of-a-kind. His retirement, and eventually his death, brought tears to the faces of many Twins fans. There isn’t many other players who would get an outpouring of emotion from fans quite like Puckett.

Puckett is the clear-cut no. 1.

Next: Honorable Mentions

Aug 25, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins hat and glove lays on the field during the game. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Based on his WAR, Larry Hisle could challenge Span for 10 on this list. His best season with the Twins came in 1977. That season, Hisle hit 28 home runs and led the AL in RBI with 119. He slashed .302/.369/.533 and finished 12 in AL MVP. His best five years of his career were the five he spent with the Twins

Randy Bush spent his entire 12 year career with the Twins. A career .251 average, Bush was primarily a pinch hitter or bench player. Yet he was still an important cog in the Twins machine during 1987 and 1991. His lowly 1.6 WAR, yes it’s correct, does not constitute a ranking in the top 10. Maybe the amount of time with the Twins is an argument to be made. However, he is a clear honorable mention.

Dan Gladden played long enough with the Twins to be apart of the two World Series championships. He hit a grand slam in the ’87 World Series, which was the first of two grand slams hit by the Twins in that series. Gladden was not a star player but he was a smart player. His hustle made him a favorite among fans. With only a 5.6 WAR with the Twins, he does not have enough credentials to make the top 10.

Marty Cordova‘s rookie year in 1995 was one of his best seasons. He won Rookie of the Year. He hit .277 and had a 20/20 season. The next year he drove in 111 and hit .309. After that his career declined. Maybe Cordova peeked early in his career. Whatever the case, winning Rookie of the Year and meeting the qualifications for this list is worthy of an honorable mention.

Matt Lawton was almost around long enough to be with the Twins during their 2002 run for the playoffs. He was part of the “Soul Patrol” along with Hunter and Jones. Lawton, like many others mentioned so far, had his best statistical years with the Twins. In 2000, he was named an AL All-Star. His career went down hill after being traded mid-2001.

Jason Kubel often received “Kuuuub” cheers from Twins fans. Similar to Trevor Plouffe and Lew Ford. Kubel’s best year with the Twins came in 2009. That season he hit an even .300 and smacked 28 home runs while driving in 103. For the amount of time he spent with the Twins, a 3.6 WAR is quite low. It is not good enough to make the list but it is worth an honorable mention.

Credit for stats and info go to Twins Sortable Stats, Baseball-reference and the Star Tribune.