I generally don’t like to repeat post topics—one of the great things about baseball being the endless opportunities for new stories or discussions. But after extolling the virtues of Byron Buxton at the end of the 2025 season, I am compelled to do the same at this juncture.
In recent seasons, Twins fans have been subjected to…
- A 2024 season wasted on the vine—including a long broadcast TV absence—when nothing was invested after the 2023 success
- A 2025 trade deadline that decimated the entire organization’s bullpen
- A 2026 campaign that has not featured over-.500 play since April 21 even after ownership group leader Jim Pohlad’s promises of competitiveness
In short: a rough go since October ‘23.
But through it all, Byron Buxton has remained a Twin—and is by leaps and bounds the biggest reason to be a fan at the moment. As such,
I’d like to extend three thank-you’s to Lord Byron…
Thank You #1: For persevering through injury
Exactly twice in 11 major league seasons has Buxton eclipsed 500 PA. On both of those occasions he put up 5.0-WAR campaigns. All other 162-game slates have been marred by various game-related incidents (crashing into walls, sliding into bases, etc.) or chronic health issues (knee & hip). But Buck has continued to fight through these countless setbacks and rehab stints—no small feat either physically or mentally.
Thank You #2: For believing in yourself
Early in his MIN tenure, various Twins coaches saw Byron’s freakish athleticism and envisioned him as a “slap the ball on the ground and run” batsman. Buxton’s 124 career stolen bases and ridiculously-low 12 caught-stealings have certainly borne out his speed potential, but he’s also now racked up 191 long balls and a .496 SLG. He can—and has—won games as easily by blasting balls into the bleachers as by pilfering 90 feet at a time.
Thank You #3: For sticking around
Even in the midst of organizational dysfunction—he has now been a part of 2016’s Total System Failure and 2025’s Bullpen Blow-Up—Buck has never showed an iota of inclination to leave Twins Territory. Perhaps his small-town roots (the roughly 5,000-person town of Baxley, GA) make the Land of 10,000 Lakes a good fit. But Byron could have almost certainly leveraged a more lucrative deal than his 2021 John Hancock with MN, and at any time from 2024-present could have rabble-roused enough and waived his no-trade clause to get ‘outta Dodge. Instead: uncommon loyalty to the only organization he has ever suited up for.
That’s it. I’ve said my piece and will let it lie. Byron Buxton, thank you for putting a smile on my face at the ballpark or in front of my television. In turbulent ownership times, it has meant the world to this Twins fan.
