When Was the Last Time the Twins Had a Good Defense?

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of Joy R Absalon, USA Today

Defense doesn't always receive the attention that home runs and strikeouts do, but it has quietly been one of the biggest issues for the 2026 Twins. Last week, I looked at the club's SABR Defensive Index totals through games played in early June. While there have been individual bright spots, the overall picture was far less encouraging. Too many routine plays have turned into extended innings, and there have already been multiple games this season where below-average defense directly contributed to losses.

That wasn't always the case. For years, strong defense was part of the Twins' organizational identity. Under Tom Kelly, the franchise consistently emphasized fundamentals, positioning, and limiting mistakes. That philosophy carried into Ron Gardenhire's tenure, where Minnesota routinely ranked among baseball's better defensive clubs. In recent seasons, however, the Twins have struggled to reach those standards, even with one of the game's premier defensive center fielders patrolling the outfield.

Looking back at the best defensive Twins teams of the last two decades illustrates both how good the club once was and how much ground it has to make up.

2020 Twins: 8 OAA, 18 DRS, 6.5 DEF

The shortened 60-game season makes any evaluation a little more difficult, but Minnesota still fielded a respectable defensive club. As expected, Byron Buxton led the way. He accumulated 4 Outs Above Average (OAA) while posting 11 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), continuing to establish himself as one of baseball's elite defensive center fielders. The Twins also benefited from Marwin Gonzalez, whose versatility allowed him to contribute across the diamond. He finished with 2 OAA while playing multiple positions. Eddie Rosario remained an interesting case, posting 4 DRS despite finishing at -1 OAA. Max Kepler and Mitch Garver each contributed 3 DRS.

The biggest weakness came on the infield. Jorge Polanco struggled defensively, finishing with -6 DRS, preventing the Twins from climbing even higher among their recent defensive seasons.

2021 Twins: 9 OAA, 20 DRS, 15.7 DEF

Although the Twins endured a disappointing season in the standings, they remained an excellent defensive team. The offseason acquisition of Andrelton Simmons immediately paid dividends with the glove. Long considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of his generation, Simmons posted an incredible 16 OAA along with an 18.5 DEF rating.

Max Kepler and Byron Buxton each added 7 OAA of their own. Buxton's 13 DRS matched Simmons despite playing significantly fewer innings because of injuries, highlighting just how dominant he remained whenever healthy. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Miguel Sanó struggled defensively. He finished with -5 OAA and -6 DRS, making him the club's biggest liability in the field.

2010 Twins: 35.4 DEF

Outs Above Average wasn't introduced until years later, but DEF provides a strong picture of just how fundamentally sound Minnesota was during the inaugural season at Target Field.

Joe Mauer anchored the defense behind the plate, posting a team-leading 12.7 DEF while capturing his third and final Gold Glove Award. The middle infield was outstanding. J.J. Hardy finished with 11.8 DEF, while Orlando Hudson added 10.5 DEF (6 DRS), giving the Twins one of baseball's better double-play combinations.

The supporting cast was equally impressive. Denard Span, Jason Repko, Justin Morneau, and Nick Punto each recorded DEF marks above 8.4, providing quality defense throughout the roster. Punto, Morneau, and Repko were worth 7 or more DRS. 

Not everyone contributed positively. Delmon Young (-11 DRS), Jason Kubel (-8 DRS), and Michael Cuddyer (-14 DRS) all finished with negative defensive values, but the club's strength up the middle more than compensated for those shortcomings.

2017 Twins: 67 OAA, 36 DRS, 58.1 DEF

No recent Twins team comes close to matching the defensive excellence displayed in 2017. This was Buxton at the absolute peak of his defensive powers. He produced an astonishing 26 OAA and 23 DRS while finishing with 23.9 DEF, earning the American League Platinum Glove Award as the league's top overall defender.

Brian Dozier complemented Buxton perfectly at second base. He posted 16 OAA and 14.5 DEF while winning his own Gold Glove Award. The rest of the roster featured quality defenders as well. Jason Castro contributed 10 DRS behind the plate, and Joe Mauer was worth 15 DRS as he transitioned to first base.

The defensive blemishes belonged to Sanó (-3 OAA) and Polanco (-8 DRS). Both players were overmatched on the left side of the infield. Even that wasn't nearly enough to offset one of the most impressive team defensive performances the Twins have assembled in recent memory.

The Standard Has Changed

Looking at these teams reveals a common theme. The Twins were at their best defensively when they were strong up the middle. Whether it was Mauer, Hardy, Hudson, Dozier, Simmons, or an elite version of Buxton, Minnesota consistently featured premium defenders at the game's most important positions. They turned balls in play into outs, limited extra bases, and helped their pitching staffs outperform expectations.

The current roster hasn't reached that level. Buxton continues to provide strong defense in center field, but one good (and certainly no longer elite) defender can't carry an entire team. Defensive inconsistency across the infield and corner positions has too often extended innings and created unnecessary pressure on the pitching staff.

If the Twins hope to return to consistent contention, improving the defense needs to become a priority again. Their best teams weren't just built around pitching and timely hitting—they routinely converted difficult plays into routine outs. Until Minnesota rediscovers that identity, the 2017 club will likely remain the benchmark for what good Twins defense looks like.

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How would you rank the teams listed above? How can the Twins get to a better defense at the big-league level? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[offensive_loons_fan]

Everything was always cooler when you were young, but man I miss the days of Torii Hunter stealing home runs and Doug Mientkiewicz doing the splits at first base. Team wasn't elite, but it was a ton of fun.

[Cody Christie]

28 minutes ago, offensive_loons_fan said:

Everything was always cooler when you were young, but man I miss the days of Torii Hunter stealing home runs and Doug Mientkiewicz doing the splits at first base. Team wasn't elite, but it was a ton of fun.

It could be fun to have an outfield of Buxton, Walker Jenkins, and Emmanuel Rodriguez. Obviously, health is a big question, but that would be one of baseball's best defensive outfields. 

[LA Vikes Fan]

I agree. It makes me wonder why we play Gray at SS instead of Kriedler. A good SS and CF elevates an entire defense, and bad defenders at either position drags everybody else down. We have the CF. Kriedler can be that SS; Gray cannot. 

[Andy MacPhail]

Past philosophy of big bats is everything while striking out, fundamentals & defense isn't important, have really hurt the Twins. Besides losing a ton of games, the games became more boring. Playing the game the way it should be played with spectacular defense, there's nothing more entertaining.

[Road trip]

39 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

I agree. It makes me wonder why we play Gray at SS instead of Kriedler. A good SS and CF elevates an entire defense, and bad defenders at either position drags everybody else down. We have the CF. Kriedler can be that SS; Gray cannot. 

Yes, shortstops matter.

JJ Hardy.  Sigh.  Traded for absolutely nothing in one of Bill Smith's most inglorious trades, a year after Smith had paid a king's ransom to get him (trading a soon-to-be-a-star Carlos Gomez).  Not a coincidence that the Twins totally fell apart the next year.

[JADBP]

1 hour ago, Cody Christie said:

It could be fun to have an outfield of Buxton, Walker Jenkins, and Emmanuel Rodriguez. Obviously, health is a big question, but that would be one of baseball's best defensive outfields. 

I have been waiting all season for this to happen.....WHEN!!!!??!??!?!?  We keep throwing out retreads in RF and LF and it has been a merry-go-round with inept players flying off in all directions.  Why can't we just start the future RIGHT NOW?  Bring up Jenkins and Emma right now. 

We kidding ourselves if we think Martin and Larnach (or Wallner, Fedko, Roden, Kreidler, etc) will ever be as good as Walker Jenkins and Emma Rodriguez.  These are complete players, both with 60-grade power and 60-grade arms.  Jenkins is a 5-tool player and our top prospect--our next Buxton.  So, what the heck are we waiting for.  Time to get their feet wet in the MLBs, get through that initial slump, and start learning how to be an MLB star.  We are ready now.  

I'm ready for an outfield of Buxton, Jenkins and Emma, with probably Roden as a 4th OFer.  We all know this will likely be the starting OF by the end of the season.  Let's get started already!!!

[gman]

33 minutes ago, JADBP said:

I have been waiting all season for this to happen.....WHEN!!!!??!??!?!?  We keep throwing out retreads in RF and LF and it has been a merry-go-round with inept players flying off in all directions.  Why can't we just start the future RIGHT NOW?  Bring up Jenkins and Emma right now. 

We kidding ourselves if we think Martin and Larnach (or Wallner, Fedko, Roden, Kreidler, etc) will ever be as good as Walker Jenkins and Emma Rodriguez.  These are complete players, both with 60-grade power and 60-grade arms.  Jenkins is a 5-tool player and our top prospect--our next Buxton.  So, what the heck are we waiting for.  Time to get their feet wet in the MLBs, get through that initial slump, and start learning how to be an MLB star.  We are ready now.  

I'm ready for an outfield of Buxton, Jenkins and Emma, with probably Roden as a 4th OFer.  We all know this will likely be the starting OF by the end of the season.  Let's get started already!!!

You do know that the minor league outfielders you mentioned have all been injured most of the year?

[Linus]

It’s quite a stark contrast from the TK days where fundamentals were coached extensively and expected to be performed. I think Shelton must be doing some things behind the scenes because compared to last year they are playing cleaner baseball but it mostly boils down to having well rounded athletes on the field. Our defense(or baserunning for that matter) is likely not getting better until we add different players to the lineup. 

[Saxophone Joe]

3 hours ago, offensive_loons_fan said:

Team wasn't elite, but it was a ton of fun.

Close to elite imo, but as we all know too well, couldn't rise to the occasion in the playoffs. The Twins of 2002-2010 were probably the best team in MLB to not make the World Series during that period. Despite the playoff futility, so many good memories watching those clubs.

[Cody Christie]

40 minutes ago, JADBP said:

I have been waiting all season for this to happen.....WHEN!!!!??!??!?!?  We keep throwing out retreads in RF and LF and it has been a merry-go-round with inept players flying off in all directions.  Why can't we just start the future RIGHT NOW?  Bring up Jenkins and Emma right now. 

Jenkins just returned from injury at Triple-A. Rodriguez is out until the second half. It likely won’t be until late in the season when all three can be on the same outfield. 

[lecroy24fan]

1 hour ago, Road trip said:

Yes, shortstops matter.

JJ Hardy.  Sigh.  Traded for absolutely nothing in one of Bill Smith's most inglorious trades, a year after Smith had paid a king's ransom to get him (trading a soon-to-be-a-star Carlos Gomez).  Not a coincidence that the Twins totally fell apart the next year.

That trade was a bunch of Hoey.

[tony&rodney]

Patience will be required. Players are already being shifted around with obvious positive results and as prospects prove themselves ready the team will improve in the field.

I believe in the current coaching staff and manager. Hopefully the front office and owner falls in line to support them.

[KirbyDome89]

1 hour ago, Linus said:

It’s quite a stark contrast from the TK days where fundamentals were coached extensively and expected to be performed. I think Shelton must be doing some things behind the scenes because compared to last year they are playing cleaner baseball but it mostly boils down to having well rounded athletes on the field. Our defense(or baserunning for that matter) is likely not getting better until we add different players to the lineup. 

Eh, I don't think Shelton has much of anything to do with maybe marginal defensive improvement. 

Removing Wallner in RF almost instantly raises your defensive floor.

Lee and Gray have been combined to be markedly worse at SS this year.

Bader was better than anybody who has started in a corner OF spot this year. 

Keaschall has looked pretty rough at 2B. 

The C position might've been worse even before the Jeffers injury. 

If Wallner was plodding along, even at last season's uninspiring pace, he'd probably still be starting in RF. If Culpepper hadn't played well at AAA, or Lewis hadn't crashed out earlier in the year, Idk if Brooks Lee is moved off SS. I agree that the defense overall isn't getting better until a new group of players starts taking over, but that seems more circumstantial than anything.

[mikelink45]

St Louis Cardinals with Ozzie Smith and the Aparacio/Fox White Sox will always be memorable teams - I like fielding. 

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, Road trip said:

Yes, shortstops matter.

JJ Hardy.  Sigh.  Traded for absolutely nothing in one of Bill Smith's most inglorious trades, a year after Smith had paid a king's ransom to get him (trading a soon-to-be-a-star Carlos Gomez).  Not a coincidence that the Twins totally fell apart the next year.

Traded away because Gardy didn’t like his defense…

[HerbieFan]

It's an organizational (Falvey) failure.....drafting, player development and coaching

[ashbury]

3 hours ago, gman said:

You do know that the minor league outfielders you mentioned have all been injured most of the year?

3 hours ago, Cody Christie said:

Jenkins just returned from injury at Triple-A. Rodriguez is out until the second half. It likely won’t be until late in the season when all three can be on the same outfield. 

[mluebker]

We’re not going to see another championship team unless there’s an organizational shift from defensive versatility to defensive excellence. Too many young guys on the roster whose best option is going to be DH because they never learned to play a position well enough to own it. 

[Trov]

This was part of the change of the FO.  The old FO and managers had the have them put the ball in play and have a good defense plan.  They would put defense at SS and 2nd above hitting.  Then Falvey wanted power.  He wanted better hitters that could hit for extra base hits over a defenders that would walk and hit singles. 

Overall it is about the balance.  Rarely will you get elite at both, even in Buck's younger years of prime defense he was not an elite hitter all the time.  Then you had HOF Mauer behind plate, easy to plug and play him.  Overall though you need to decide who is the best player weighing their hitting and defense. 

[Road trip]

13 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Traded away because Gardy didn’t like his defense…

I kind of have similar recollections as well.  Or maybe that was an excuse because he got in Gardy's doghouse somehow?  Hardy wasn't fast, but in my recollection had everything else you would want at SS.  Gold gloves aren't a perfect measure, but Hardy went on to win several in Baltimore almost immediately after getting traded.

And I think it came on the heels of the infamous Nishioka signing.  Quite an avalanche of bad decisions.. 

[DJL44]

38 minutes ago, Trov said:

This was part of the change of the FO.  The old FO and managers had the have them put the ball in play and have a good defense plan.  They would put defense at SS and 2nd above hitting.  Then Falvey wanted power.  He wanted better hitters that could hit for extra base hits over a defenders that would walk and hit singles. 

Terry Ryan had his fair share of poor up the middle defenders. The 2010 team was actually Bill Smith in charge.

[ashbury]

14 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Traded away because Gardy didn’t like his defense…

46 minutes ago, Road trip said:

I kind of have similar recollections as well.  Or maybe that was an excuse because he got in Gardy's doghouse somehow?  

I hope I'm not completely off-base but my own recollection is that there was a clubhouse scandal of some type.  Anyone else share that?

[Elliot]

 

The Twins may be on the verge of doing something they have not done in 60 years. If Marek Houston continues his trajectory, he could provide them with a well above average defensive shortstop who was drafted/signed and developed by the Twins. The 60 years goes back to Zoilo Versalles, my hero as a young fan.

The best defensive shortstops for the Twins have been aging vets at the end of their careers such as Carlos Correa, Leo Cardenas, Andrelton Simmons, and JJ Hardy; or trade acquisitions in their young minor league careers. Examples would be Christian Guzman, Greg Gagne, or Jason Bartlett. Roy Smalley, although not a great defender, but considered one of the better SS’s they have had, was also a trade acquisition.

Calen Culpepper is the next in line for the 2026 SS shuffle. I have nothing against that move; however, my hope is that he will be at 2B to start 2027, teaming with Houston to give the Twins an internally developed high end defensive middle infield.

One final thought. This year’s draft has two SS in the consensus top 3 players. The Twins should not hesitate to take either if the opportunity arises. The MLB draft differs greatly from the NFL in that positional need should not be a big criteria. Even a fast riser won’t get to the MLB for 3 or 4 years, and a lot can change with a team in that amount of time. And when he gets there, he may very well be playing a different position. Keep in mind that the Twins could very well have 4 first round SS’s playing the 4 infield positions going into next year.

And if Houston works out at SS and this year’s 1st rounder does as well, they will have one of the most valuable trade assets they could hope for.

 

[jctwins]

17 hours ago, Linus said:

It’s quite a stark contrast from the TK days where fundamentals were coached extensively and expected to be performed. I think Shelton must be doing some things behind the scenes because compared to last year they are playing cleaner baseball but it mostly boils down to having well rounded athletes on the field. Our defense(or baserunning for that matter) is likely not getting better until we add different players to the lineup. 

This is the answer.

Gardy rode TK's reputation for good defenses, but I saw with my own eyes at Spring Training it's because TK was still doing the work on the field while Gardy laughed with the guys. 

As TK stepped away, this got lost. He was uniquely relentless on developing players vs. counting on talent.

 

 

[Linus]

2 hours ago, ashbury said:

I hope I'm not completely off-base but my own recollection is that there was a clubhouse scandal of some type.  Anyone else share that?

I recall that Hardy got hurt a couple times and Gardy got irritated to the point that he thought Hardy was a china doll. Gardy had a lot of influence on Bill Smith to the detriment of the club usually as I’m pretty sure it was Gardy pushing to get rid of Hardy. 

[Pykkman]

9 hours ago, mluebker said:

We’re not going to see another championship team unless there’s an organizational shift from defensive versatility to defensive excellence. Too many young guys on the roster whose best option is going to be DH because they never learned to play a position well enough to own it. 

I agree.   Positional flexibility leads to jack of all trades…. master of none type players.   The ownership issues tying the front office’s hands to properly construct a roster contributed to this mess.  But the musical chairs infield and outfield position changes has to come to an end.   

[Bangkok Twins Fan]

On 7/2/2026 at 1:24 AM, Cody Christie said:

2021 Twins: 9 OAA, 20 DRS, 15.7 DEF

Although the Twins endured a disappointing season in the standings, they remained an excellent defensive team. The offseason acquisition of Andrelton Simmons immediately paid dividends with the glove. Long considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of his generation, Simmons posted an incredible 16 OAA along with an 18.5 DEF rating.

Simmons got a lot of flack from many Twins fans on this board that season, but overall he did a pretty good job on the field. 

[hitterscount]

Ryan's last start was a prime example of what bad defense can do for the team and the pitcher. A hard hit ball at Lewis, literally at him, not sure how it didn't hit him, not only doesn't he make the turn for a DP to end the inning, he doesn't get a glove on it and it's ruled a base hit. Instead of Ryan being out of the inning at 12-13 pitches no runs allowed  he goes on to throw 25 more pitches and gives up 5ER's and is knocked out. This team gives away too many outs, doesn't make many really good plays and the starting rotation pays the price. At times I am in awe of a nice defensive play when those types of plays is what you should expect. Yes errors happen, but overall I hope we get back to a philosophy of above average defense, putting the ball in play and team speed.....  with that said, they have exceeded my expectations for the season.... not that I'm buyers at the trade deadline, but they for the most part have been entertaining.

[RpR]

4 hours ago, Bangkok Twins Fan said:

Simmons got a lot of flack from many Twins fans on this board that season, but overall he did a pretty good job on the field. 

Bat first closed minds trashed him all season.  His glove never stopped working but he lost his batting skills suddenly.