After an iconic career in Minnesota, is Joe Mauer a Hall of Famer?

MINNEAPOLIS, MN-SEPTEMBER 11: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates following the game against the New York Yankees on September 11, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Yankees 10-5. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 9: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins reacts to striking out against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of the game on April 9, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Astros defeated the Twins 2-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Why Mauer Shouldn’t Be In The Hall Of Fame

All the numbers listed above are impressive, but are they hall of fame worthy? One of the biggest things holding Mauer back is the position change. For the last five years, he’s played first base instead of catcher.

If Mauer was catching still at this point in his career I’m not sure we’re having this debate, but since he switched to first this debate becomes necessary.

Since making the switch to first base, Mauer has been mediocre to average at the position. He’s averaged a .277 batting average, 8 home runs, 57 rbi, and an OPS of .745 at first base in those seasons. Those numbers aren’t Hall of Fame worthy.

The debate then becomes, is it the Hall of Fame or the Hall of Very Good? Some will argue that Mauer is a very good player who is a Twins legend but not Hall of Fame worthy, and over the past five years, it’s hard to argue that logic.

His lack of power may cost him in the modern era. Mauer hit over 20 home runs just once in his career and he has 143 total over 15 years at the MLB level.

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