MLB Pipeline Views Byron Buxton As Fastest Prospect

The Minnesota Twins continue to pile up accolades from media outlets around baseball. Just last week, MLB Pipeline applauded the Twins suggesting they have six prospects that all belong amongst the top 50 in all of baseball. Before that, Keith Law suggested the Twins owned the second best farm system. Now, Byron Buxton is again being brought up.

More from Minnesota Twins Prospects

• Minnesota Twins: Who’s in and who’s out after the 2022 Rule 5 Draft
• Minnesota Twins: Four Prospects added to the 40-Man Roster at Deadline
• Minnesota Twins: Is Edouard Julien legit and can he help in 2023?
• Minnesota Twins: Front Office finally making the Right Call with Call-Ups
• Minnesota Twins: Matt Wallner called up, Former Top 30 Prospect DFA’d

When taking a look at the makeup of prospects filling out farm systems, MLB Pipeline broke down each aspect of a player’s game, and graded prospects on each category. When the dust settled, the Minnesota Twins own Byron Buxton stood atop the speed category.

Quite often as he has risen through the system, we have heard those within the organization remark in regards to Buxton’s speed. Tom Kelly mentioned he was easily the best runner he had ever seen, and as a talent evaluator, TK has been through the ringer.

In looking at why Buxton is such a special speed threat, MLB.com’s Jim Callis had this to say about the best prospect in baseball:

"Buxton can get from the right side of the plate to first base in 3.9 seconds, which is Billy Hamilton territory. He has yet to approach his basestealing potential (72 steals at a 75 percent success rate in 204 pro games) because he’s still refining his reads and jumps. Buxton’s instincts are more developed and his speed plays better in center field, where he covers both gaps with aplomb and makes difficult plays look easy."

As a Twins fan, that should make you more than excited. Needing that speed to cover the expansive territory in the outfield that is Target Field, the Twins will also employ Buxton as a threat all over the basepaths. Add in the fact that Byron Buxton is a guy who can stretch bases as well as beat out infield hits, and Minnesota has a multi-function player that should be a cornerstone for years to come.

Next: MLB.com Sees Twins Prospects Favorably In Top 100

More from Puckett's Pond

• Minnesota Twins: 2022 Year in Review for Twins Baseball
• Minnesota Twins: Making the Case for the Current 2023 Rotation
• Minnesota Twins: Does the MLB or the Twins have a Spending Problem?
• Minnesota Twins: 2 Possible Free Agent Reunions for 2023
• Minnesota Twins: Holiday Wish List for the rest of the Offseason