Byron Buxton. is already one homer and five stolen bases away from his first 20/20 season as we pull up on the All-Star break.
The talent has always been undeniable with “Big Bux”. He is the epitome of a complete player — possessing an elite hit tool with massive power, platinum glove-level defense in centerfield, and speed that rivals the best in baseball. But there has always been a caveat with his game – an inability to stay healthy.
Byron Buxton’s Extensive Injury History Has Hindered Ascension To Superstardom
The Twins centerfielder battled injuries for 10 of his last 11 professional seasons. From wrist contusions to hip issues to hamstring strains, Buxton’s body has been battered since he joined the Minnesota Twins organization. Coming into 2025, his career high notch in games played was 140 games. The next closest number was when he played in 102 games in 2024.
The potential to produce one of the best seasons in baseball have always been there. Buxton had a 1.005 OPS in 2021 but only played in 61 games due to two separate extended IL stints. As his career has progressed, the Twins have attempted to mitigate Buxton’s issues with staying on the field. He has seen more frequent days off and increased times at DH instead of center.
Byron Buxton Having Best Season OF Injury-Plagued Career
But in his age-31 season, Buxton is on track for his best season. He has already accrued 3.4 fWAR, which places him 11th in MLB. He is on pace to blow past his career-high 4.6 fWAR that he posted back in 2017. He is slashing .281/.347/.566 with a 151 wRC+. Defensively, he’s continued to be stellar, amassing five outs above average.
There has always been swing-and-miss in his profile, but Buxton is maximizing when he does make contact. He continues to hit the ball hard consistently, boasting a 53.8 percent hard hit rate along with a 15.2 percent barrel rate – both marks are in the top eight percentile in the sport. Buxton’s quick hands — evidenced by his 90th percentile bat speed and propensity to pull the ball in the air — amplify his slugging production.
Remarkably with the season Buxton has had, he did not make it to the final round of voting for AL outfielders. But with the numbers he’s put up, Buxton can arguably be the best American League outfielder not named Aaron Judge. He is carrying an inconsistent Twins lineup. It is no secret why the Twins signed Buxton to a seven-year, $100M extension back in December of 2021. Although he won’t be starting in center in the Midsummer Classic, Buxton should be in Atlanta to partake in the festivities.
