The Table Setter, Jan 24, 2024: Mauer’s Call From The Hall

With the ballot announced back in November, multiple weeks of voting culminated in the live reveal on MLB Network, taking place in Cooperstown Tuesday night. Adrián Beltré was the only lock to gain entry, but both Joe Mauer and Todd Helton will join him.

Mauer Gets the Call
For weeks, it looked like Joe Mauer was going to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Updates from Ryan Thibodaux’s tracking team had the former Twins legend polling upwards of 83% for some time, and the consistent support on ballots of all types showed some very positive momentum. Just before the results were read, his unofficial total sat at 83.5%, earning votes on 182 of 218 ballots.

What matters now is that Mauer has been inducted as a first ballot hall of famer and will enjoy that title forever. It was much closer than anticipated, though, as the private ballots often reflect a significant decline in support for all players. Minnesota’s catcher cleared the 75% threshold by just four votes. He was chosen on just 111 of the final 167 ballots, a 66.5% share.

Mauer’s induction ceremony will be held on July 21 in Cooperstown, New York. The Twins have announced they will honor him on August 3, prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox.

Sanó is Back
It wasn’t just Mauer who made news on Tuesday. Former Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sanó returned to affiliated ball, after taking the 2023 season off. The Angels signed the aging slugger to a minor-league deal, with an invite to spring training. Given Anthony Rendon's inability to stay on the field (and disinterest in doing so!), and an opportunity to improve the roster as a whole, Sanó should have a real chance to crack the Opening Day roster.

It certainly has been a bit of a rough stretch for Sanó, who was out of the sport last year and posted a 2 OPS+ across 20 games in 2022. That said, he has had some impressive highlight moments during Dominican Winter League action, and he certainly looks to be a much more trim version of himself. Thinking about Sanó providing lineup protection for Mike Trout seems fun, and there’s a vacancy at designated hitter, too, thanks to Shohei Ohtani going to the Dodgers.

Joey Gallo Gets a Shot
Last season, Minnesota spent $11 million on Joey Gallo to provide thump in the lineup and play both corner outfield spots, as well as first base. He started off hot, and then fell off and never truly recovered. Gallo was leaned on heavily at first base after both José Miranda and Alex Kirilloff dealt with injuries, but it was clear that Rocco Baldelli was seeking other options.

Despite not playing from Sept. 5 on and being left off the postseason roster after a rehab assignment, Gallo found a landing spot with the Washington Nationals. Unlike Sanó, he garnered a big-league deal. In fact, he got a cool $5 million, it comes in at less than half of his 2023 number. Joey Meneses is an option at first base, while the outfield features names like Jake Alu, Jacob Young, Victor Robles, and Lane Thomas. A chance to rebound in a low-pressure situation may suit the 30-year-old well.

Were you surprised by how close the vote was for Mauer? Who do you think has a better season in 2024, Sanó or Gallo?