http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9960329/minnesota-twins-moving-joe-mauer-first-base

Joe Mauer will be moving up the line as the former MVP will move from catcher to be the full-time first baseman for the Minnesota Twins in 2014, the team said Monday.

The Twins said they consulted with Mayo Clinic doctors and team physicians, and Mauer and the organization agreed the move was in the best interest of his long-term health given the inherent injury risks behind the plate. The Twins said Mauer is symptom-free now and has begun offseason workouts without restriction.

He played eight games at first base last season. 

The face of the franchise, Mauer, a three-time AL batting champion, will make $23 million a year for the next five seasons.

After throwing out just 14 percent of basestealers in 2012, Mauer's arm strength returned and he caught 43 percent of basestealers, which was tops in the AL.

"I have every intention of coming back and catching. That's what I do," Mauer said after being shut down late last season. "But right now I have to take care of the situation so I can. I look forward to getting back out on the field next year as a catcher and whatever else they need me to do."

The Twins had an opening at first base after Justin Morneau went to the Pittsburgh Pirates late last season. Josmil Pinto could be a candidate to be the Twins' catcher.

The first overall pick of the 2001 draft by the Twins, Mauer has a .323 career batting average and won three Gold Gloves as a catcher.