Stop Drafting Joe Mauer

Sep 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) drives in a run in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

While there is no doubt that Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins is one of the best catchers to come through baseball in the past decade, there is no reason for you to draft him to your fantasy team.

You are still paying for a name, very little production, and almost no value now that he lost his catcher eligibility for 2015.  You are paying for minimal power, inconsistent health, and a player who will be 32 next season.  It is a relatively high price just to pay for a potentially decent batting average.

In 2014, Joe Mauer slashed .277/.361/.371, which is a severe drop-off from his career average of .319/.401/.459.  There is no question that Joe Mauer used to be a great hitter, which is evidenced by his three batting titles as a catcher.  I still appreciate Mauer for the baseball talent he is, but I can do that by watching games and not seeing him on my fantasy roster.

When Mauer moved from behind the backstop to first base, his fantasy value evaporated completely.  You are targeting only 10 home runs as well as maybe 70 runs and RBI’s.

Joe Mauer came up with the Minnesota Twins in 2004, but he has never played more than 147 games in a season in his entire career.  Yes, catching takes a toll on your body, but Mauer has always been injury prone.

The only fantasy relevant thing that Mauer can contribute is his potential for an average over .300.  However, that is not even worth a draft pick because first base is absolutely loaded.  Generally, one of your top players will be your first baseman because they tend to be guys who offer elite power and sometimes the promise of an excellent slash line as well.

It is a shame that Joe Mauer is no longer a fantasy commodity, but it was great to watch the homegrown kid dominate the Majors from 2006 to 2010.