Minnesota Twins: The 40 Best Players In Team History (No. 6-10)
No. 6: Brad Radke (45.6 WAR)
The Twins had a pitcher who would come to work every day and quietly get the job done during the toughest era for a pitcher in the game’s history. During his 12 years, he would climb the Twins all-time lists and cement his status as a franchise great. Brad Radke was one of the best control pitchers of his era and it made him successful during his career.
Radke played his entire career with the Twins from 1995 to 2006. During that time, he made one All-Star team, received Cy Young and MVP votes, had a 20-win season and helped lead the Twins to four playoff appearances.
He could eat innings, pitching 200 or more innings in nine seasons. He could pitch deep into games, spinning 37 complete games over the course of his career. His value numbers were good too, which shows he was the guy the Twins wanted on the mound whenever possible.
More from Minnesota Twins All-Time Lists
- Minnesota Twins: Biggest Hall of Fame Snubs at Each Position
- Minnesota Twins: 2010s All-Decade Starting Lineup
- A Lineup with my Favorite Minnesota Twins: Part 2
- A Lineup With My Favorite Minnesota Twins Part 1
- Minnesota Twins: Top 5 Switch-Hitters in Twins History
Radke recorded 4.5 or more wins above replacement in six different seasons, including a career-high 6.5 in 1999. He won 20 games in 1997, a year he pitched 239.2 innings and tossed four complete games all while posting 4.6 WAR. He was a top ten pitcher in the American League according to WAR in three seasons during his career.
Radke’s value numbers show you don’t have to be flashy to be one of the best at your craft. He was inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame for his contributions during his 12-year career, and he definitely earned it. His time in Minnesota will be remembered for his ability to get outs effectively and helping the Twins win during a consistently successful era.