Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton plays for the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
While the Arizona Fall League was definitely a good start to get back into the swing of things, Buxton will face off against major league talent for the first time in Spring Training. For the top prospect in baseball, time in Fort Myers won’t be about making the Twins out of the gate, but could go a long ways in accelerating the timeline.
Often, it’s hard to put stock into statistical output or offensive prowess shown during the spring. That said, if Buxton can show that he has a solid approach and process down early, he could influence the Twins timeline in getting him up to the show. He’s going to start at Double-A, but Buxton’s season will be laid out by how he competes this spring.