Sports Reference, home of Baseball Reference, is running a fun project this week, encouraging fans to “remember some players.” The idea is simple: instead of always focusing on Hall of Famers or MVPs, take a moment to appreciate the quirky, flawed, and sometimes frustrating players who shaped the fabric of baseball fandom.
With that in mind, I decided to put my own spin on the exercise. My first instinct was to jot down some of the greats of the last quarter-century (e.g. Joe Mauer, Johan Santana, Joe Nathan), but those names are etched deep in Twins lore already. Instead, let’s highlight another side of Twins history: the players who made you hold your breath (for all the wrong reasons) whenever a ball came their way. Here are the nine worst defenders for the Twins since 2000, based on FanGraphs’ DEF metric and a little common sense.
9. Josh Willingham, LF
FanGraphs: -20.8 DEF
Nobody signed Willingham for his defense. The “Hammer” arrived in 2012 and immediately delivered 35 home runs, a Silver Slugger, and some much-needed pop in the Twins’ lineup. Unfortunately, his work in left field was as lumbering as it was uninspiring. Slow jumps and stiff routes didn’t stop him from being a fan favorite, but he was a liability with the glove.
8. Kurt Suzuki, C
FanGraphs: -23.8 DEF
Suzuki provided a steady veteran presence behind the plate, and his All-Star selection in 2014 was a memorable moment, especially catching Glen Perkins’s save in front of a packed Target Field. But Suzuki’s defensive shortcomings were apparent. He routinely allowed more stolen bases than any catcher in the league, and his arm wasn’t scaring anyone. Still, he found ways to stick, thanks to his on-base skills and clubhouse presence.
7. Jacque Jones, RF
FanGraphs: -25.3 DEF
At first glance, seeing Jones here might raise eyebrows. After all, he was a central piece in the early-2000s resurgence, posting strong offensive seasons and bringing energy to the top of the order. But defensive metrics weren’t kind to him. His long tenure in right field led to a significant accumulation of negative value. Still, his bat and personality helped overshadow the flaws.
6. Justin Morneau, 1B
FanGraphs: -63.2 DEF
The former MVP and face of the franchise was a steady hitter, but the metrics don’t love his glove. Morneau logged nearly 10,000 innings at first base, far more than almost anyone else on this list, which inflated the negative total. He was never a butcher, but rather slightly below average over the course of his long career. The sheer playing time pushes him up these rankings, though his bat will always define his legacy.
5. Miguel Sanó, 3B/1B
FanGraphs: -33.3 DEF (combined)
Sanó’s defensive journey mirrored his rollercoaster career. Signed as a shortstop, he slid down the defensive spectrum with each passing year. Third base didn’t stick, his outfield experiment was forgettable, and first base became his long-term home—though “home” might be generous. He had power in his bat, but his glove often left Twins fans wishing for a DH-only role.
4. Ryan Doumit, C
FanGraphs: -33.8 DEF
Doumit’s time in Minnesota was short but, defensively, unforgettable in the worst way. He was among the league’s worst catchers at throwing out runners, and advanced metrics like Defensive Runs Saved rated him harshly. In less than 900 innings behind the plate, he posted one of the ugliest defensive profiles in Twins history. He’s become an infamous example of the importance of understanding pitch framing, because he was so bad that as soon as those numbers proliferated, he lost his place behind the dish. Per inning, it’s tough to find anyone worse.
3. Delmon Young, LF
FanGraphs: -62.8 DEF
Young’s defense was infamous. His routes were comically poor, his throws often sailed offline, and his effort level was, at best, inconsistent. He brought occasional offensive bursts, but in the field, fans often groaned before the ball even landed. Defensive stats back up the eye test, because Young’s glove was a drag on the roster.
2. Jason Kubel, RF/LF
FanGraphs: -65.8 DEF (combined)
Kubel was once a five-tool prospect, but a devastating knee injury in the Arizona Fall League derailed that trajectory. The speed and range he once had never returned, and he became a corner outfielder/DH type earlier than expected. His bat kept him in the lineup, but his glove remained a liability. He finishes with one of the lowest defensive WAR totals of any Twin in the modern era.
1. Michael Cuddyer, RF/1B
FanGraphs: -78.1 DEF (combined)
This one might sting. Cuddyer was a two-time All-Star, a leader in the clubhouse, and a versatile hitter who carved out a long MLB career. But defensively? The numbers are brutal. Whether in right field or at first base, he graded as well below average. While fans remember his professionalism and bat, his glove was consistently a drag. Baseball Reference backs it up with a -10.1 dWAR. He may have been beloved, but he was never smooth in the field.
Defense isn’t everything, and many of these players had productive careers despite their shortcomings with the glove. But it’s worth remembering the moments that made fans cringe, too. That’s part of what makes baseball so much fun: the highs, the lows, and the players we’ll never forget (for better or worse).
Do you agree with this ranking? Who would you include in your own list of the Twins’ worst defenders? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Are you interested in Twins history? Then check out the Minnesota Twins Players Project, a community-driven project to discover and collect great information on every player to wear a Twins uniform!