15 for 15: Ranking the Top 15 Minnesota Twins from the Last 15 years
By Otto Johnson
Top 15 Minnesota Twins from the Past 15 Years: No. 10-No. 6
No. 10: Francisco Liriano (2007-2012)
Francisco Liriano’s best season with the Twins came in 2006, which is just outside of the fifteen year range. Regardless of that, Liriano still lands in the Top 10 based off of his ace-level 2010, his no-hitter, and his impact on the franchise.
No. 9: Taylor Rogers (2016-Present)
As Taylor Rogers prepares for free agency this upcoming offseason, it’s clear that he’s put up some of the best numbers by a reliever in Twins history. He may not be a tried and true closer, but his 3.15 ERA (3.00 FIP), 361-76 K-BB ratio, and somehow continually improving K/9 and BB/9 numbers earn the All-Star a spot on this list.
No. 8: Glen Perkins (2007-2017)
The only reliever from the last fifteen years that’s better than Rogers, Glen Perkins was well-deserving of a spot on this list. The 3-Time All-Star was a lights-out reliever once the Twins made the decision to move him to the pen. Injuries ended his career prematurely, but the Minnesota native was excellent here. He belongs on the list.
No.7: Eduardo Escobar (2012-2018)
Eduardo Escobar might not have put up the best numbers of his career in Minnesota, but the versatile fielder was loved by the fans, the organization, and his teammates. He was a joy to watch play, and was one of the lone bright spots from a very dark point for the organization.
No. 6: Byron Buxton (2015-Present)
The only reason Byron Buxton is this far down on the list is that he hasn’t been able to prove as much as the five players ahead of him. His resume so far on the other hand, that’s quite impressive. A Platinum Glove, and solid averages despite a slow start to his career mean he’s just getting started.