No. 2 Joe Mauer-2009
This first half by Joe Mauer in 2009 received serious consideration for the top spot on this list. In 2018, one sometimes forgets just how historically good Mauer was in his seasons behind the plate. If nothing else this list will provide us with a good reminder of Mauer’s dominance as a catcher.
In the first half of 2009 on his way to his third All-Star selection Mauer slashed an incredible .373/.447/.622 and had a 1.069 OPS. In Mauer’s outburst of power he also launched 15 home runs, 13 doubles, a triple and drove in 49 RBIs. Just so we don’t forget, he did all that while calling the game from behind the plate as a catcher.
Mauer got the start at catcher in the All-Star game and batted third behind Derek Jeter and in front of Mark Teixeira. Mauer went 1-for-3 with an RBI and scored a run on the evening. He didn’t find success in his first two at-bats while facing off against Tim Lincecum and then Ryan Franklin. It was finally in an at-bat against Chad Billingsley that Mauer connected for a double to left field and drove in Jeter.
Mauer finished the season leading the league in all categories found in a slash line with his reading, .365/.444/.587, as well as a league-leading OPS of 1.031. He also hit 28 home runs and 30 doubles with 96 RBIs on his way to a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and Most Valuable Player awards.