The Minnesota Twins announced an update on center fielder Byron Buxton.
The Minnesota Twins entire 40-man roster is beginning to shift their focus fully back to the regular season following the conclusion of the World Baseball Classic, and one of their most important players is now back in camp.
After representing Team USA on the international stage, Byron Buxton’s return to spring training carries added importance as the Twins try to get their roster fully prepared for Opening Day.
Buxton’s time at the WBC was a unique opportunity, marking his first appearance in the tournament after years of injuries kept him from participating. While the experience itself was valuable, his performance at the plate left plenty to be desired.
In limited action, Buxton struggled to find a rhythm, going hitless in a small sample size and eventually losing his starting role in the lineup to Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong during the tournament’s most important games.
That is why getting him back into the lineup is incredibly important and the organization did just that on Friday. Buxton was slotted in at the leadoff spot for Minnesota's spring training matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays. "Guess who's back?!" the club announced on X.
That update is a welcome one for Minnesota, as Buxton will need as many at‑bats as possible before the season begins. With just a handful of appearances over the past couple of weeks, getting his timing back at the plate is a priority. The Twins are counting on him to be a central figure in their lineup once again, especially after his impressive 2025 season.
Last year, Buxton finally managed to stay relatively healthy, appearing in 126 games and delivering one of the best campaigns of his career. He posted a .264 batting average, .327 on‑base percentage and .878 OPS while crushing 35 home runs, driving in 83 RBIs and stealing 24 bases. That performance earned him his second All‑Star selection and his first Silver Slugger Award, firmly reestablishing him as one of the game’s best center fielders.
Despite that individual success, the Twins struggled as a team and ultimately shifted toward a younger roster after selling off talent at the trade deadline. That has led to ongoing speculation about the organization’s long‑term direction and where Buxton fits into it. While he does have a no‑trade clause, his future could become a topic of discussion if Minnesota falls out of contention again.
For now, the focus remains on getting him ready for Opening Day. If Buxton can quickly shake off the rust from the WBC and build on last year’s momentum, he gives the Twins their best chance to stay competitive in what could be another transitional season.