Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer Will Move Permanently To First Base in 2014

The Minnesota Twins have decided to move All-Star catcher Joe Mauer from behind the plate to first base next season, the team announced Monday.

Aug 14, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Pedro Florimon (25) slides into home plate before Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer (7) can catch the ball in the fourth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

After having consultations with Doctors from the Mayo Clinic, team doctors and the inherent risks of future injuries at the catcher position, the club and Mauer have decided that it would be in the best interest for everyone that this change happens.

Mauer is the 2013 American League Silver Slugger winner he hit .324 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs in 113 games this year, but was taken out for the season after he suffered a concussion on a foul tip off his mask on August 19^th. He was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list on August 20^th.

Mauer is now symptom-free from the concussion and is starting his regular offseason workouts with no restrictions. He has some experience with 1^st base, he played 56 career and only committed four errors in 536 total chances for a .993 fielding percentage.

Mauer has caught in 920 games and earned three Rawlings Gold Glove Awards as a catcher (2008-10). He was named the AL MVP while winning his third batting title in 2009 and has made six trips to the All-Star Game, four as the AL’s starting catcher.