Byron Buxton: Complete Player Profile

MLB Player Analysis

Overview Stats Injuries Highlights Future

Byron Buxton

/ˈbaɪrən ˈbʌkstən/
Center Fielder Minnesota Twins

Position: Center Field

Debut: June 14, 2015

📊 Career Statistics

Batting

.248 career batting average

Buxton has 110 career home runs.
Byron Buxton holds a .779 career OPS.
Offense

Defense

Platinum Glove winner (2017)

Buxton has elite defensive metrics.
Byron Buxton covers exceptional ground in center field.
Defense

Speed

96th percentile sprint speed

Buxton has 80 career stolen bases.
Byron Buxton consistently ranks among MLB's fastest players.
Athleticism

When healthy, Buxton combines elite defense with above-average power and game-changing speed, making him one of baseball's most valuable players.

🔄 Career Comparison

2022 Season

28 home runs in 92 games

.224 batting average

1.005 OPS in first half

Career Averages

19 home runs per 162 games

.248 batting average

.779 career OPS

🏥 Injury History

2015-2019
5 IL stints

Migraines, wrist, toe injuries

2020-2023
8 IL stints

Hip, hand, knee injuries

Notable Injuries:

Impact on Career

  • Never played more than 140 games in a season
  • Multiple seasons with <100 games played
  • Frequent position changes to DH to reduce injury risk

🎯 Career Highlights

Awards

2017 Platinum Glove

Buxton won Gold Glove in 2017
Byron Buxton was Twins MVP in 2021
Achievements

Records

Twins defensive WAR leader

Fastest Twins player since 2015
Most defensive runs saved in 2017
Milestones

Moments

Walk-off home runs

Buxton 2021 Opening Day HR
Byron Buxton 2022 All-Star selection
Memorable Plays

Contract Details

Signed: 7-year, $100M (2022)
Incentives: Up to $8M annually for games played

⚠️ Career Challenges

Key Limitations:

Buxton has been consistently healthy (False)

Reality: Injuries have significantly limited his playing time

Buxton is a below-average defender (False)

Reality: When healthy, he's among MLB's best defenders

🔮 Future Outlook

2024 Projections

1. Buxton expected to DH more frequently
2. Twins planning reduced outfield workload
3. Target: 120+ games played

1. To preserve health and maximize offensive production

2. Likely sharing CF duties with other players

3. Would be career-high since 2017

Career Potential

If healthy, Buxton could:

• Win multiple Gold Gloves
• Hit 30+ home runs annually
• Steal 20+ bases per season

Corrections Needed

Identify and correct:

1. Buxton has played 150+ games multiple times
2. Buxton is a below-average runner
3. Buxton has never won defensive awards

1. Buxton has never played 150+ games in a season

2. Buxton is among MLB's fastest players

3. Buxton won Platinum Glove in 2017