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Minnesota Twins: The 40 Best Players In Team History (No. 11-15)

By Jackson Bruce

Jul 2, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view at Target Field between the Minnesota Twins and the Texas Rangers. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 2, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view at Target Field between the Minnesota Twins and the Texas Rangers. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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MLB: Chicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins
Apr 16, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer’s (7) bats wait in the dugout prior to the game between the Minnesota Wolves and the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 15: Gary Gaetti (27.1 WAR)

Gary Gaetti was a well-decorated and all-around good talent for the Twins during his ten seasons with the team. He showed his skill with his bat and glove, hitting for power and winning Gold Gloves. He even helped the Twins win a championship. All that, and more, helped Gaetti get on this list.

Gaetti was a force for the Twins during his time with the club from 1981 to 1990. He made back to back All-Star appearances in 1988 and 1989, which were not even his best seasons. He hit more than 30 home runs and drove in over 100 runs in 1986 and 1987, with 1986 being his best year statistically and from a value standpoint.

In 1986, Gaetti had his best wins above replacement mark of any season of his career. His 5.8 WAR was good for seventh in the American League that season. During that season, he garnered some MVP votes and won the first of four straight Gold Glove Awards.

Gaetti was a vital part of the 1987 World Series championship squad. He was named the ALCS MVP after hitting .300 with two home runs and five runs batted in against the Detroit Tigers. He hit a home run and drove in four runs in the World Series as the Twins beat the Cardinals in seven games.

Gaetti was inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame in 2007 and is remembered as one of the best in franchise history. He ranks in the Twins top ten in games played, at bats, hits, total bases, doubles, home runs and runs batted in. He was a great player, shown not only by his awards and power stats, but also his WAR.

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