Minnesota Twins: Joe Mauer to consider retiring after 2018 season
By Matt Smith
The Minnesota Twins great revealed he will consider multiple factors before making the decision to retire or continue playing.
The Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer, an interview with the Star Tribune’s La Velle E. Neal III, last week admitted he is unsure if he wishes to continue playing past this season. This comes months after saying he would like to continue playing if the Minnesota Twins wanted him to return, but Mauer noted “a lot can change in six months. Personally, professionally, physically”. He also noted:
"There’s a lot that goes into it than just, ‘Do you want to play?’…I have had some conversations with some people close to me and it’s amazing. Getting little bits from different people that are helping me cultivate this [decision]. I still have a lot to think about. I still have people who I want to speak to….The concussion, third baby on the way…So we have a lot of things to go over. I want to do that and take a deep breath and try to think with a clear mind…It’s interesting. It’s a big decision, and I want to make sure I’m 100 percent about it."
Derek Falvey and Thad Levine have reportedly not approached Mauer about his decision yet, choosing to give him as much time as he needs to consider his options, but have maintained an ongoing discussion with Joe about his situation as he wishes to discuss it. The front office pair notes that Mauer has earned the right to have the conversation at his own pace, though suggested they would be willing to discuss terms of a return to the Minnesota Twins should Mauer be interested
After a disappointing year from the Twins, it’s understandable why Mauer may be more seriously considering retirement. The team undeniably took a step back this year, and veterans such as Mauer likely consider the Twins to be further from a World Series contender than the team would like. For someone like Mauer nearing the end of their career, a team appearing to be close to a World Series run would be more enticing to return to.
More from Puckett's Pond
- Minnesota Twins: Grading the Twins’ Joey Gallo signing
- Minnesota Twins: 4 Possible Trade Chips not named Kepler or Arraez
- Minnesota Twins: After missing out on Correa, what comes next?
- Minnesota Twins: Free Agency should be Ace or Bust for the Rotation
- Minnesota Twins: Grading the Christian Vazquez Signing
Beyond that, Mauer has his health to consider as well. Another concussion this year has him thinking about how wise it may be to return for another season, particularly with another child on the way.
There figures to be plenty of space for Mauer on the 2019 roster should he elect to continue playing. Only Tyler Austin is penciled in for Twins’ beginning of season roster next year. There are several first baseman prospects in the farm system, such as Brent Rooker and Luke Raley, but both could use at least another half season in the minors before debuting. Miguel Sano has shown he can cover first base when needed, but he profiles better at third base and DH. Plus the Minnesota Twins would benefit from another season of Mauer being able to mentor a myriad of young hitters on the team.
Next. The Twins may have finally taken something from the Yankees. dark
However Mauer chooses to proceed following this season, he will go down as one of the best players to don the Minnesota Twins uniform. Some of the achievements Mauer has added to his resume this season include recording his 2,000th hit, moving into 2nd place among the Twins all-time hit leaders, becoming the team’s all-time doubles leader, and becoming just the 3rd Twin to score 1,000 runs in his career.