MINNEAPOLIS - Joe Mauer will retire after 15 seasons with the Minnesota Twins.
The Twins released a retirement statement from Mauer that will run Sunday in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Mauer, who missed significant time this season with a concussion, says in the ad that his decision "came down to my health and my family."
"Thank you, Minnesota Twins, and thank you, fans, for making my career as special and memorable as it was," Mauer writes. "Because of you I can leave the game I love with a full and grateful heart."
Mauer wrote a letter to his fans.
The Twins drafted Mauer first overall in the 2001 MLB draft.
The St. Paul native and high school sports star at Cretin-Derham Hall turned down a football scholarship to play quarterback at Florida State.
Mauer began his career with the Twins as a catcher. He went to the All-Star Game six times as a catcher and won three Gold Gloves.
In 2009, he was named American League MVP.
Mauer is 35 and his eight-year, $184 million contract expired after this season.
Mauer's adviser, Ron Shapiro, declined to comment on the report. He said he would let Mauer confirm it when he is prepared to.