Minnesota Twins Byron Buxton must be healthy if this team wants to return to the playoffs for the 2025 season. Now in his eleventh season, he has the longest tenure of any Twins player on the roster.
Reason to be Optimistic
After coming back from right hip inflammation last September, Buxton hit .300 with two home runs and seven RBIs over 12 games. He said it was the best he’d felt all season long. Buxton has a reason to be hopeful and positive. He reported to Spring Training with a strong focus and emphasis on staying healthy. Buxton also mentioned this offseason was the first time in a long time he was not recovering from injuries. Furthermore, there was no physical therapy needed, and was able to work out often.
Veteran Leadership
Coming into Spring Training being healthy is a good indication that Buxton is in a good frame of mind. He reported a few days early to see the coaches and manager Rocco Baldelli. With Max Kepler and Caleb Thielbar gone, he is now the longest-tenured member on the Twins roster. He has taken on the veteran leadership role and talked about working with others in camp.
Lack of Availability
Byron Buxton must be healthy, knowing everyone grumbles about his lack of availability to play. He is making $15 million per season as part of the seven-year, $100-million contract he signed leading into the 2022 campaign. Fans and local media outlets have said his contract is overpriced due to his history of injuries. They also point out he has only played in over 100 games only twice in his career.
Finish his Career
Buxton wants to finish his career playing for only the Minnesota Twins. He said in an interview that this is his second home and does not want to play anywhere else. He wants to join the family of Twins players who have played their entire career for this organization only.
Being Counted on
Buxton is being counted on to be a contributor both offensively and defensively. Playing in 120 to 125 games is a goal for him. He also wants to contribute more as a base-stealer. Considered one of the fastest and smartest base runners he wants to utilize that to get more runs across.
Defensively he wants to be a Gold Glove winner again. The Twins and Buxton will need to continue to keep on eye on his workload to avoid nagging injuries. There are no guarantees when it comes to Buxton’s health but the Twins plan to give him occasional off days like they did last season.
Back in the Playoffs
Byron Buxton must be healthy if this team wants to get back in the playoffs. Last season the Twins were among the best teams for two-thirds of the season—before their epic collapse. That downfall left them out of the playoffs. Their offense has a mix of veterans like Harrison Bader and Carlos Correa and young players like Brooks Lee and Royce Lewis ready to contribute. A healthy Buxton in the mix means the team has a good core of players moving forward. If he can stay healthy and remain injury-free—or as injury-free as possible—they should be able to contend for a playoff spot.
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