Minnesota Twins: The Top 5 Centerfielders in Franchise History

No. 5: Minnesota Twins’ Denard Span

Years with the Minnesota Twins: 2008-2012 (5 Seasons)

Key Stats with the Minnesota Twins: 589 G, 669 H, 360 R, 23 HR, 230 RBI, 90 SB, .284 BA, 17.2 WAR, 4.6 dWAR

As I said earlier, it’s a top-heavy group of centerfielders. Denard Span makes this list as the second-greatest defender at the centerfield position in Minnesota Twins history (Again, give Buxton seven more games). Span finished his time in Minnesota with a 4.6 dWAR, the twenty-fifth best number after only five seasons.

Defense wasn’t his only strong suit. Span also had tremendous speed, swiping ninety bags and scoring 360 runs while splitting leadoff duties with Ben Revere. Span hit the ball well too, earning a .284 batting average, a very solid number for a glove first outfielder.

Though he didn’t hit for a lot of power, he was a fan favorite during his short time with the team, as he was a lone bright spot on a team that lost 195 games over his last two seasons with the team. Twins fans needed someone to make the team worth watching, and Span was it.

Span finished his five seasons with the Twins with a WAR of 17.2, a very good mark for a five-year span. His excellent defense and lovable personality made him a fan favorite in Minnesota, and his trade away saddened many fans. However, all the value he provided earns him the fifth spot on this list.