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Minnesota Twins: 5 Reasons why Byron Buxton’s Extension is a Big Deal

By Otto Johnson

Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins reacts to flying out against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning during their MLB game at the Rogers Centre. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins reacts to flying out against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning during their MLB game at the Rogers Centre. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Twins
Thad Levine, General Manager and Derek Falvey, Chief Baseball Officer for the Minnesota Twins. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Reason No. 1 why Buxton’s deal is so Important for the Minnesota Twins: Proof the Team is Committed to Winning

Early on in the offseason, Derek Falvey echoed Jim Pohlad’s midseason words, saying this about rebuilding: “I’m not using that word,” Falvey said, adding: “We’re going to find a way to invest in next year’s team. This is not with an eye toward five years down the line.”

Fans have heard lines like that before, but would need more than just empty promises to believe that they were committed to winning. Trading or failing to extend Byron Buxton would send the opposite message to a fanbase that wants to believe this team can still contend.

Extending Byron Buxton is proof of that message. Since 2019, the Twins are 100-64 with Byron Buxton on the field. Without him, a mere 106-106. Yes, he misses a lot of games, but the team is so much better with him on it.

The Twins know this, but had to be willing to take a risk that Buxton would be able to play all seven seasons and stay healthy enough to live up to his deal. They did, showing that they’re looking to contend (About that pitching though… No, enjoy this moment, we’ve got four more reasons to go).

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