Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer announces his retirement

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball, according to a report from Star Tribune Sports.

Mauer wraps up an amazing career, all of which was spent with the Twins.

His 15-year career included six all-star seasons, as well as one season when Mauer was dubbed the American League’s most valuable player. Throughout his decade-and-a-half in the majors, Mauer slashed .306/.338/.439 with more than 2,000 hits and nearly 150 homers. He played over 100 games in every season, with the exception of his rookie year, and his 2011 season.

In his final season in the majors (2018), his Twins finished second in the American League Central to the Cleveland Indians. Mauer spent the season slashing .282/.351/.379 through 127 games, recording 48 runs batted in. His season home runs total was just six, but he continued to be an extra-base hit machine, cranking out 27 doubles and a triple.

Mauer’s career featured action at catcher, first base, right field, and designated hitter. Along with MVP and several all-star appearances, Mauer won three American League batting titles, as well as three Gold Glove awards and five Silver Slugger titles.

Mauer was also once the youngest player in the majors, in his rookie season back in 2004, when he was 21 years old.

Throughout his career, Mauer has earned lots of money for his skills. His career earnings surpass $200 million, and includes eight straight seasons with a $23 million salary (2013-18).

Congratulations to Joe Mauer on an amazing career. He goes down as one of the best catchers of his time, and he had a significant impact on the Minnesota Twins organization, as well as baseball in general.