Minnesota Twins: Is Joe Mauer Worthy of the Hall of Fame?

The Minnesota Twins bid farewell to the face of their franchise on Sunday. Joe Mauer likely called it a career in the Twins’ final game of 2018. Is he worthy of the Hall of Fame?

On Sunday, the Minnesota Twins bid farewell to their longtime star, Joe Mauer, in the final game of their 2018 season. The former catcher finished up his eight-year, $184 million contract, following the club’s game against the Chicago White Sox. As Mauer contemplates retirement, we are left to wonder, is Joe Mauer a Hall of Famer?

The conversation starts with a look at Joe Mauer’s career statistics. If he chooses to retire, Mauer will finish his 15-year career with 2,122 hits, 428 doubles, 143 homers, 923 RBIs and 1018 runs scored. The slugger’s final career slash line will be .306/.388/.439 with a wRc+ of 122.

These stats have Mauer placing eighth in total WAR (55.1), among qualified catchers. The Minnesota native sits directly in front of Hall of Fame catchers, Gabby Harnett (53.4) and Mickey Cochrane (52.1) (CBSSports). Also, Mauer’s total of 2,122 career hits would rank 112th among elected position players. Mauer sits between Hall of Famers Mike Piazza and Gary Carter, trailing Piazza by five hits and beating Carter by 30.

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These statistics show that the Minnesota native has placed himself among some of the all-time greats, even if he sits on the statistical fringe. I personally believe that Mauer’s run of dominance from 2006-2010 cements his case for the Hall of Fame.

Mauer was able to differentiate himself as one of the best catchers and overall players in the league. Over those five seasons, Mauer averaged 202 hits, 13 home runs, 80 RBIs and a slash line of .334/.416/.491. The slugger went to the All-Star game in four of those five seasons, won three Gold Glove awards, four Silver Sluggers, and the 2009 American League MVP. Mauer is also the only AL catcher to win a batting title, and he won three. Joe Mauer was the face of Minnesota Twins baseball for a long time. The slugger helped the club to the Playoffs on four occasions.

Joe Mauer was forced to hang up the gear in 2014 due to concussion-related symptoms. Mauer could not catch anymore and was arguably not the same player. These 546 starts at first base from 2014-2018 might be held against Mauer, but his production and legacy as a catcher cannot be forgotten.

We are left to wonder what a full career of peak Joe Mauer could have produced for the Minnesota Twins. Nevertheless, Mauer deserves to be enshrined in Cooperstown for his legacy as one of the leagues best catchers and overall players.