It hasn't been a great week for the admins in charge of ESPN's social media account. After the passing of former Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks last week, ESPN's post simply referred to Jenks being "on the roster" of the 2005 World Series team. Completely ignoring that Jenks was a two-time All-Star during his time with the White Sox, and was the pitcher on the mound for the White Sox during the final game of the World Series. ESPN's latest social media gaffe hits closer to home for Minnesota Twins as they completely botched a cool Byron Buxton moment.
Fresh off declaring his loyalty to the Minnesota Twins, Buxton was among the participants in Monday's home run derby. After tallying 20 homers in the first round of the derby, Buxton was eliminated by Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Regardless, it was an impressive showing for the Twins' All-Star center fielder. Unfortunately, Buxton's power showcase is not the reason he is going viral ahead of the All-Star game on Tuesday. Instead, Buxton is going viral for horrible gaffe made by ESPN.
The 'Worldwide Leader' stays hot
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) July 15, 2025
That's Byron Buxton @espn pic.twitter.com/hReECJgWeF
ESPN just proved they don’t know Byron Buxton — and fans noticed
Now, to be clear, James Wood was putting on a laser show during his derby performance on Monday night and was worthy of electric reactions. However, the man pictured in ESPN's post very much is Buxton, and not Caminero. Another example of how the "worldwide leader in sports" isn't quite living up to that reputation when it comes to their baseball knowledge.
Junior Caminero advances to the Home Run Derby final after hitting 8 home runs to knock out Byron Buxton (7) 💪 pic.twitter.com/Hz8k6KVE9c
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 15, 2025
There are several factors that could have led to the mix-up, but one thing is clear, there might be a need for ESPN to have a sports fan who is fact checker. That would save some embarrassment when it comes to common things that every baseball fan knows--like Jenks' importance on the White Sox and who Buxton is.
Of course, there is some irony in Buxton being snubbed by ESPN as part of their coverage of MLB All-Star week. Buxton was named to the American League All-Star roster as a reserve, but his numbers overwhelmingly make it clear that he's the best outfielder in the AL not named Aaron Judge.