Much like the current theatrical film of the same name, Byron Buxton took Minnesota Twins fans on a big, bold, beautiful journey in 2025. In a year that appalled a large section of the fanbase, Buxton managed to post a season for the ages.
Let’s take a look at what I consider to be the top five moments of Byron’s ‘25 spectacle. Going chronologically…
1. Walk-off catch
You know that scene at the end of Superman (1978)—where Christopher Reeve extends his arms and smiles as he soars above the Earth as its protector? That’s
what Lord Byron turned into on the night of April 22.
I was sitting just up from 3rd base at Target Field that night and my immediate thought when bat-met-ball was “well, we’re gonna need a B9”—perhaps with a few “colorful metaphors” thrown in. But somehow, Buxton (as always) was there and we all went home happy.
2. The Cycle
As I’ve mentioned, my Aunt had a formative role in my Twins-loving development via numerous trips to the Metrodome in the 2000s. She now lives out-of-state, so ballpark outings are fewer and farther between. But we happened to sync up on July 12 and saw one of the most exciting moments of my entire Twins fandom.
Somewhat hilariously, I was a little mopey to start this contest as I wasn’t able to see Paul Skenes pitch the night before. But the frown quickly turned upside down when Buxton singled in the first inning, tripled in the 2nd, and doubled in the 3rd. After a measly single (how dare he stoop to such normality!) in the 5th, the next cycle opportunity presented itself in the 7th—and Buck trucked.
Before #25 could even complete the curtain call, compadre Willi Castro went deep on the next pitch—pandemonium at Target Field!
3. Home Run Derby & All Star Game
For those who recall the early (2015-2018) usage of Byron Buxton, you could be forgiven for being shocked at his participation in a Home Run Derby. At first, he was a beat-the-ball-into-the-ground-and-fly-to-1B type of player, but over the years he developed a natural power stroke.
Of course, to Byron simple participation is never enough—he made it past the first round, out-homering the likes of Matt Olson & Brent Rooker! Seeing Buxton do this in front of his home-state (Georgia) fans was special.
The next night’s main exhibition contest? A double and a run scored. All-star, indeed.
4. “I ain’t going nowhere”
Imagine—as a competitor—hearing your ownership group sold you out and immediately rendered the last two months of your seasonal livelihood utterly uncompetitive. To boot: some of the individuals traded away may have been close personal friends. Then, you find a microphone in your face asking for your reaction.
Buxton would have been wholly justified in going on an anti-ownership rant. He didn’t. Not only that, he actually re-iterated his desire to remain a member of the Twins organization.
Byron has never seemed like a real vocal leader in terms of “rah rah”—coming across more as a laid-back Southern guy who just loves to play baseball. But via his play, his contracts, or his words, one thing has remained rock-steady: he wants to stay in Minnesota. That’s a form of powerful leadership in and of itself.
5. Final stretch power surge
By the time September was winding down, the Twins had been playing meaningless baseball for quite some time. No matter to Buck. In his final four games he crushed five hits—4 of them dingers. Battling until the bitter end for this final 2025 tally: 126 G, 542 PA, 97 R, 35 HR, 83 RBI, 24 SB, .264 BA, .878 OPS, 4.9 WAR.
The only other player in the MN Twins 30 HR-20 SB club: #34.
All things—most notably health—considered, this was Byron Buxton’s finest season in a Twins uniform. It certainly seems like he may never wear another. For that—and his extremely enjoyable athletic talent to behold—we can all be thankful from a season that was otherwise a lump of coal.
