Byron Buxton Is More Important To The Twins Organization Than You Think

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton hit his 16th home run of the season Sunday afternoon in the series finale of a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

 

The long ball was Buxton’a 16th of the year, matching his career-high for a season. That was in 2017, which is the last time the injury-prone dynamo has played at least 140 games.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told MLB.com:

“He’s been basically the best player in baseball for the time that he is on the field. I don’t think anyone can say that they have affected their team’s outcomes more, and he does it all. The peripheral stuff for us, too, because guys love it when he is out there playing and the energy he brings.”

Fans of Buxton might no longer see such home run trots in the future as the Twins must make an important decision on the contract of their superstar center fielder. 

Although such decisions can be difficult, It depends on how essential and impactful the organization believes the often injured MLBbro could be; As either the lone savior for his current franchise, or maybe he could land somewhere else where he could prominently display his five tools — and win. 

Since making his return from injury last month, Buxton has slumped through 27 games, slashing .212 with an on-base percentage of .294 and slugging .423.

YIKES!

His play on the field is never in question, but inconsistency largely attributed to injuries has hampered his flow as he has appeared in just 197 games since 2019.

With 210 at-bats in 56 games, he has 61 hits, 39 runs, 28 RBI, 18 doubles, 16 home runs, 12 walks, and seven stolen bases, for a slash line of .245/.296/.451. 

Although those numbers may give respective franchises the cause to pause, as mentioned earlier, the mere presence of Buxton is contagious, and the numbers tick up a notch when he is healthy and in the lineup.

His glovework on the defensive side of the ball is exceptional as he’s accounted for 26 saved runs while at the center of attention.

The organization seems stuck between a rock and a hard place as this financial decision could go either way for their slugger depending on what he’s asking.

Both sides were discussing big boy numbers before the start of the season and during league play.

Still, one side is either over valuating or underplaying the scenario, drawing a wedge between the two for a long-term deal. Buxton’s injury history plays a huge role in this as well. How many games can they count on him to be available if they dish out a huge contract to Buxton?

 But understanding your worth is essential.