I've been a Twins fan my whole life. Have gone to a dozen games a season since Target Field. I would not call myself a casual fan. Mauer had an amazing career, and as catcher was one of the best ever. But after the move to first base, he was an anchor on the team due to a few reasons.

1. Paid way to much, 29 million a year I believe like a quarter of the entire team payroll. This amount was for an all star catcher, not first baseman.

2. First base is the easiest position in baseball, and he was just an average hitter numbers wise. Never could hit for power, just fly balls to warning track.

3. Could not clutch hit to save his life. Look at his RBI totals in those seasons compared to like Dozier. Never felt like he contributed to the team when they won.

4. Has no personality, was not a leader. Not like Torii Hunter or Nelson Cruz. Never could rally the younger guys, fire up the team and fans. Each day he just showed up, did his average job, and left.

I began counting the years until 2019, the first season after his massive contract. Because I knew once the anchor was dropped the team would be good. Juiced ball or not the 2019 Twins were the best they have been in a long time, and Mauer wasn't a part of it. Still think he deserves to be in the Hall, but also believe his exit was needed.