Team USA made a decision involving Byron Buxton before Sunday's World Baseball Classic game against Dominican Republic.
The World Baseball Classic has reached the semifinal stage, and Team USA is preparing for its toughest matchups yet against the Dominican Republic. The American roster is stacked with talent across the diamond where several elite defenders and power hitters are competing for playing time.
For Minnesota Twins All-Star Byron Buxton, the tournament has already been meaningful regardless of how much he has played. The 2026 event marks the first World Baseball Classic appearance of his career, something that had eluded him in previous years due to injuries.
After finally staying healthy enough to participate, Buxton entered the tournament hoping to make an impact for Team USA.
Team USA announced its lineup for Sunday’s semifinal game against the Dominican Republic, and unfortunately for Twins fans, USA manager Mark DeRosa opted to start Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong over Buxton in center field.
The decision is simply because Crow‑Armstrong has been one of Team USA’s hottest hitters during the tournament. Through the early rounds of the WBC, the Cubs outfielder has gone five‑for‑14 with two home runs and six RBIs while also drawing two walks. That production has made him the second‑best hitter in the American lineup so far.
Meanwhile, Buxton has struggled to get going offensively in limited opportunities. The 32-year-old is hitless in five at‑bats across three appearances in the tournament, and Sunday’s semifinal marks the second straight game he will begin on the bench after also sitting during Team USA’s quarterfinal matchup against Canada.
Despite the quiet showing in the WBC, Buxton is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. In 2025, he earned his second career All‑Star selection, won his first Silver Slugger award and finished 11th in American League MVP voting. Buxton posted a .264 batting average, .327 on‑base percentage, .878 OPS, 35 home runs, 83 RBIs and 24 stolen bases across 126 games.
Once the WBC concludes, Buxton will turn his attention back to Minnesota as he prepares for his 12th MLB season with the Twins. The former first overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft remains a central figure in the organization.
Buxton is signed through the 2028 season on a seven‑year, $100 million extension that includes a full no‑trade clause. While the Twins have said they want to remain competitive, the roster still has questions.
If Minnesota struggles again and falls out of contention, the front office could consider moving players at the trade deadline, though any deal involving Buxton would ultimately require his approval.
For now, however, his focus remains on helping Team USA chase gold and to remain ready off the bench.