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Minnesota Twins: The Top 5 Shortstops in Franchise History

By Otto Johnson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 26: Greg Gagne of the Minnesota Twins turns a double play during World Series game six between the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins on October 26, 1991 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Braves 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 26: Greg Gagne of the Minnesota Twins turns a double play during World Series game six between the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins on October 26, 1991 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Braves 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Twins’ Greg Gagne (Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport) /

No. 3: Greg Gagne

Years: 1983-1992 (10 Seasons)

Key Stats: 1140 G, 844 H, 69 HR, 335 RBI, 79 SB, 188 BB, .249 BA, 17.9 WAR, 12.4 dWAR, 1987 and 1991 World Series Champion

Greg Gagne was a key member of the Minnesota Twins during their most successful period in franchise history, a six-year span from 1987-1992, when the Twins won 515 games, four playoff series, and two World Series titles.

Gagne was the primary shortstop over those six years, playing 841 games at short over that time and earning a 17.9 WAR over his entire career in Minnesota. He totaled 844 hits, 335 RBI, 79 stolen bases and a decent batting average of .249.

Similar to McBride, Gagne’s best skill was his defense, earning a 12.4 dWAR over 1140 games. He is now tied for second in team history behind McBride, and he did it in three hundred fewer games. Gagne’s fielding percentage of .971 was excellent and he never had more than 26 errors in a season.

The most important contribution Greg Gagne made and the reason Gagne is third on this list are the two titles the Twins won during his tenure. Gagne was a key contributor on the two most recent title-winning squads in Minnesota professional sports (the Minnesota Lynx not included).

Gagne helped the Minnesota Twins win two World Series titles. That, coupled with his excellent defense help him earn this spot on the list. Gagne is the most recent Twins’ example of a shortstop that could make a ton of plays on defense.

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