Minnesota Twins: 5 best starting rotations of all-time

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No. 1- 1967 Starting Rotation

As we reach the top of the list we find a team that had a very successful season. The 1967 Twins went 91-71 just missing the World Series in an era where the playoffs were simply the top two teams from each league facing off in the World Series.

This top-ranked rotation starts with the contributions of 26 year-old Dean Chance who was in his first season with the Twins. Chance had just been traded to the Twins from the California Angels with Jackie Hernandez for Pete Cimino, Jimmie Hall, and Don Mincher. In 1967, Chance picked up 283.2 innings, a league leading 18 complete games, 5 shutouts, and a 2.73 ERA. That led to Chance’s second All-Star appearance and MVP consideration.

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Jim Kaat makes his second appearance on this list as he contributed 263.1 innings, 13 complete games, 2 shutouts, a 3.04 ERA, and 2.55 FIP. Kaat also contributed to the Twins with his glove and won the Gold Glove in 1967. Left-hander Jim Merritt pitched 227.2 innings, 11 complete games, 4 shutouts and a 2.53 ERA, as well as a 138 ERA+.

Dave Boswell was the fourth pitcher on this staff and he threw 222.2 innings, 11 complete games, 3 shutouts, and a 3.27 ERA. Mudcat Grant also grabbed some starts in 1967 for the Twins. Grant logged 14 starts and appeared in 27 games total for the Twins.

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This group of pitchers put together quite the impressive WAR resume as Chance had a season of 5.8 WAR, Kaat 4.1 WAR, Merritt 6.5 WAR, and Boswell 4.5 WAR. Those four pitchers together combined for a 20.9 WAR and find themselves as the best starting rotation in Twins history.

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