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Minnesota Twins: The 40 Best Players In Team History (No. 1-5)

By Jackson Bruce

Apr 11, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins hall of fame player Rod Carew (center) holds out a ceremonial first pitch brought to him by former teammate Tony Oliva that he threw to first baseman Joe Mauer (7) before the game between the Twins and the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins hall of fame player Rod Carew (center) holds out a ceremonial first pitch brought to him by former teammate Tony Oliva that he threw to first baseman Joe Mauer (7) before the game between the Twins and the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 29, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) singles to center scoring designated hitter Robbie Grossman (36, not pictured) during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) singles to center scoring designated hitter Robbie Grossman (36, not pictured) during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Joe Mauer (50.5 WAR)

In 2001, the Minnesota Twins drafted a kid from St. Paul number one overall. That kid would go on to be the face of the franchise for over a decade. Joe Mauer has worn many hats during his career in Minnesota. His legacy still grows, and he could move up higher on this list as his career keeps going.

Mauer has had a great career and could be bound for Cooperstown. He has a .308 career average to go along with six All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers, and an American League MVP award.

Mauer has been a valuable part of the Twins since he came into the league. He debuted in 2004, and by 2006 he was an All-Star that posted a 6.2 WAR season. By 2007, he had already accumulated enough wins above replacement to make it on this Top 40 list. He won his one MVP award in 2009, a year when he posted 7.6 wins above replacement.

Mauer is not only one of the most valuable players in Twins history, but one of the most valuable players of all active big leaguers. The Twins catcher ranks 11th among all active position players in career WAR. He continues to produce for the Twins, too. He is currently batting .287 on the season with 23 runs batted in. Mauer even hit his first career walk-off home run against the Red Sox on May 5th.

Mauer, while being still active, is one of the best players to put on a Twins uniform. He is one of the most valuable players the Twins have ever had and his legacy continues to grow the longer he plays. If he stays productive, there is no reason he can’t climb a few more spots on this list.

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