The players I’m about to mention aren’t necessarily Twins that everyone forgot, but Twins everyone likely has issues remembering competing in an All-Star Game.
3 forgotten Twins All-Stars
Righty reliever Brandon Kintzler - 2017
Kintzler made the 2017 American League All-Star team with Miguel Sanó and Ervin Santana after posting a 2.29 ERA with 24 saves, 24 strikeouts and eight walks in 39 ⅓ innings before the All-Star break. Although it was a great season for Kintzler, his All-Star nod is easily forgotten. He joined the Twins in 2016, had a solid year with a 3.15 ERA and 17 saves in 54 ⅓ innings, but got traded to the Washington Nationals at the 2017 Trade Deadline, making his time in Minnesota short. The Twins traded Kintzler because they thought making the playoffs was a long shot, but they actually made it to the American League Wild Card game without their All-Star closer.
Righty starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi - 2019
In the year of the Bomba Squad, it’s hard to remember much about the Twins besides their dominant offense, but clearly Odorizzi impressed enough on the mound to make the All-Star game. Odorizzi joined teammates Jose Berrios and Jorge Polanco on the American League’s roster in 2019.
Before the 2019 All-Star break, Odorizzi posted a 3.15 ERA with 96 strikeouts and 30 walks in 88 ⅔ innings. He joined the Twins via a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018 and was with the organization through the 2020 season before signing with the Houston Astros.
Catcher Kurt Suzuki - 2014
Although Suzuki, who was with the Twins from 2014-2016, had a very good career, he made an All-Star Game appearance just once during his time in MLB. In 2014, Suzuki earned a spot on the American League All-Star team after slashing .309/.365/.396 with two homers and 37 RBIs before the All-Star break.
In a special moment, Twins closer Glen Perkins, a Minnesota native, earned the save in the 2014 All-Star Game with a scoreless ninth inning with Suzuki catching. What made it even more special is that the game occurred at Target Field in Minneapolis.