At one time within the 2000s and the early a part of the 2010s, Minnesota Twins catcher Mauer was once one among MLB’s perfect natural hitters.
He by no means had an excessive amount of energy, however his touch skill was once exceptional, particularly for a catcher.
Traditionally, catchers don’t hit a lot and are anticipated to be defensive belongings fairly than middle-of-the-lineup manufacturers.
However Mauer was once a distinct hitter: a unprecedented specimen.
Throughout his occupation, he slashed .306/.388/.439 with an .827 OPS, 143 house runs, 1018 runs and 923 RBI.
For a catcher, that was once very, very cast.
An Spectacular Record Of Achievements
If you happen to take a look at his trophy case, it’s additionally relatively populated.
He was once a six-time All-Celebrity (2006, 2008–2010, 2012, 2013), the AL MVP in 2009, a three-time Gold Glove Award winner (2008–2010), a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2006, 2008–2010, 2013), and a three-time AL batting champion (2006, 2008, 2009).
That’s relatively a resume.
Joe Mauer boasts 3 batting titles, 3 gold gloves, 5 silver sluggers, 6 all-star appearances, and an MVP in ’09 (he led all offensive classes together with OPS+). He was once additionally the primary catcher to steer the American League in hitting. He merits to be within the HOF. What a occupation. https://t.co/5CBP804Mhp
— Dan Slaubaugh (@DanSlaubaugh) January 28, 2022
The Twins retired his quantity 7, an indication of the maximum recognize for him.
Mauer was once, along with a perfect hitter, a excellent defensive catcher within the early a part of his occupation.
He was once then a excellent defensive first baseman within the ultimate 3rd of his sensible MLB tenure.
However is he a Corridor of Famer?
He might not be provide on subsequent yr’s poll, however he’ll be eligible for enshrinement in 2024, as a result of he retired in 2018.
A number of excellent and revered main leaguers will input the poll that yr: Adrian Beltre, David Wright, Chase Utley, Jose Bautista, Matt Holliday, and Jose Reyes, but even so Mauer.
Here’s a record of avid gamers who’re eligible for Corridor of Popularity vote casting in 2024 🗳️
Who’s entering into? %.twitter.com/boy4XklLbS
— FOX Sports activities: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 27, 2022
In the beginning look, Beltre seems like a surefire first-ballot Corridor of Famer.
The remaining? A few of them have a powerful case.
Mauer is surely one among them.
First, he has the {hardware}: he wasn’t a perennial MVP as a few of his friends, however did win the award as soon as in 2009, and he was once very, superb that yr.
He batted .365/.444/.587 that yr, with 28 house runs, 94 runs, and 96 RBI.
He additionally has the frame of labor: he gathered 52.5 occupation Wins Above Substitute (WAR) consistent with FanGraphs and 55.2 in step with Baseball Reference.
He Belongs In The Corridor
He ranks 15th all-time amongst MLB catchers together with his FanGraphs’ WAR output, which isn’t too shabby and higher than a number of Corridor of Famers, corresponding to Mickey Cochrane or Roy Campanella, for instance.
Complicating issues is the truth he performed best 15 seasons.
Maximum Corridor of Famers play no less than 18 or 20, from time to time extra.
Indubitably, had he performed a little bit extra, he may have surpassed Gabby Hartnett or Invoice Dickey within the all-time WAR record.
However he got here shut.
Moreover, Mauer additionally had the height efficiency.
Between 2006 and 2010, Mauer totaled 29.6 WAR, or 5.9 consistent with season.
That’s relatively spectacular.
Recognized persona problems that might doubtlessly have an effect on his symbol amongst writers? None: if truth be told, he was once observed as a pacesetter and a excellent teammate.
Steroid hyperlinks? Additionally, none.
Mauer is probably not a first-ballot Corridor of Famer (possibly he’ll!), however he surely has a very good probability of coming into sooner or later, most likely faster than later.
He belongs within the Corridor of Popularity and is, lovely obviously, one of the vital perfect offensive catchers of all time.
