Last season, Minnesota Twins second-baseman Brian Dozier hit 28 home runs. Since making his MLB debut in 2012, Dozier went from hitting six home runs to 18, then 23, then 28. This season with roughly 20 games remaining, Dozier is sitting at an astonishing 40 home runs. Again, Dozier plays second base, not designated hitter or first base or a corner outfield spot; positions more synonymous with big power numbers. Yesterday, Dozier set a new American League record for home runs by a second baseman when he left the yard again. The record was previously set in 2003 when Alfonso Soriano hit 39 for the Bronx Bombers. The MLB record for home runs by a primary second baseman is held jointly by Rogers Hornsby and Davey Johnson who both hit 42 in 1922 and 1973 respectively.
Brian Dozier Quietly Making History
What makes Dozier’s season even more remarkable is the fact that his season was in the gutter before the All-Star break. Dozier was hitting an anemic .246 with 14 home runs in 83 games. In the 55 games since, Dozier is hitting .319 with 26 home runs. Unfortunately for Dozier, his season is largely being overlooked because he plays for the lowly Twins. The Twins are an AL worst 53-91, a mere 30.5 games back of the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central.
Dozier is under contract with the Twins through 2018. His base salary for this season is $3 million, it then jumps to $6 million next season and $9 million in 2018. This season, among MLB second baseman, Dozier’s salary ranks 18. Even with next year’s salary jump he is still very affordable. Next year at a salary of $6 million, 12 second baseman are still more of a cap hit than Dozier.
The Twins have struggled in recent years and Dozier could soon become a trade chip. His power as a second basemen, his contract years remaining and his salary could net some big returns for the Twins if they decide to trade Dozier in the off season. Dozier is going to set the MLB record for home runs in a season at his position. Hopefully if the Twins decide to move Dozier his talents will be better appreciated.
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