It shouldn’t be rocket science that Byron Buxton is integral to everything the Minnesota Twins intend to do in the immediate future. The former second overall pick signed a seven-year contract extension before the 2022 season. Although he missed time last year, he played in more than 100 games for just the second time in ten big league seasons.
When Derek Falvey attempts to create a blueprint for the Twins roster in 2025 and beyond, Buxton’s place on it represents an asset . The Twins are strapped for cash from a payroll perspective, and that will force the front office to get creative. The organization has different levels of value for players throughout it. The Georgia native is among the most necessary to focus on, however.
Minnesota Twins remain thankful for Byron Buxton
There was a time in which it seemed plausible that the Minnesota Twins could move on from Byron Buxton. His market would have been interesting given the litany of injury issues. Still, he has produced 22.2 fWAR to date as a big leaguer, and teams would have lined up to pay that. When looking at his present and future value, The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman still sees the centerfielder among Minnesota’s greatest pieces.
“Byron Buxton was absent from last year’s list following a season compromised by knee problems, but 2024 was a comeback story. He returned to center field with his elite range largely intact, played 100 games for the first time since 2017, hit .279/.335/.524 to place second among MLB center fielders in OPS behind Aaron Judge and ranked second on the Twins in bWAR and WPA .
Because of his injury history, much is made of Buxton’s contract paying him $15 million per season from 2023-28. However, that’s not even one of the 100 highest salaries in MLB and he produced 3.6 bWAR in 2024, which carries a standard valuation of $28.8 million. This list is about providing excess value and Buxton has it again with four years and $60 million left on his deal.”
Aaron Gleeman on Byron Buxton’s value (The Athletic)
Gleeman placed Buxton as the Twins’ eighth greatest asset in his top 20 list this season. That checks in just behind Joe Ryan, and just ahead of David Festa . The mix of his known production abilities and team control continue to keep him among the most necessary pieces on the roster. He doesn’t have the future functionality of a Walker Jenkins (1st) or Royce Lewis (2nd), but Buxton is hardly a lacking commodity at this point.
Related: BR Makes a Case for Why Minnesota Twins Should Trade Byron Buxton
When teams spend as the Twins do , generating a value surplus is a must. Buxton being an asset that can be counted on to do so has been a positive the past few seasons. It would be great for him to remain on the field in a more consistent capacity, but we saw a positive trend there in 2024.
Related: Twins’ Byron Buxton Feeling Really Good About His Knee
What the Twins get from Buxton in 2025 remains to be seen. The volatility of his body could keep him outside of consideration at all. A step forward from 2024 may have him flirting with top five consideration.
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