Minnesota Twins: The Top 5 Third Basemen in Franchise History
By Otto Johnson
No. 2: Minnesota Twins’ Gary Gaetti
Years with the Minnesota Twins: 1981-1990) 10 Seasons
Key Stats with the Minnesota Twins: 1361 G, 1276 H, 201 HR, 74 SB, 758 RBI, 358 BB, .256 BA, 27.2 WAR, 11.3 dWAR, Three Top-25 MVP Finishes, Two time All-Star, Four Gold Gloves, 1987 World Series Champion, 1987 ALCS MVP
Gary Gaetti is one of the Minnesota Twins’ most famous names, helping carry the franchise to its first World Series in 63 years. Gaetti finished in the Top-25 of MVP voting three times while playing in Minnesota and was a key piece for the franchise, finishing with a WAR of 27.2.
Gaetti was never a good contact hitter, only managing a .256 batting average over ten seasons with the Twins, but he was a power hitter. Gaetti mashed 201 home runs, averaging twenty per season, good for eighth in team history. He knocked in 758 RBI and still managed to steal 74 bases.
He also played excellent defense, winning four Gold Gloves, more than any other Twins infielder. He racked up an 11.3 dWAR rating, fifth best in team history. He made several incredible plays over his time with the team, but his most important contribution was in the playoffs.
Gaetti was a playoff star, winning the 1987 ALCS MVP award and helping bring a title to Minnesota, the first one in the state’s history. He made several key plays on the title run and contributed two home runs and six RBI. Without Gaetti, the Twins likely don’t win that 1987 title, helping make him the second best third baseman in franchise history.