Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton began the season poorly, hitting just .182/.258/.273 with a 48 wRC+, zero homers and one RBI. While some fans may have been concerned by Buxton's slow start, most of Twins Territory knew the star center fielder would turn things around.
He will be okay 👍👍 just needs to find his groove 🔥⚾💔🔥⚾ pic.twitter.com/rWLgOhAGsh
— @leatherman 69🇺🇲🇺🇸⚾️♥️⚾️🇺🇲🇺🇸 (@Daviddix69) April 6, 2026
prior to last year i feel like he has always been a pretty slow starter if i remember right
— Dylan (@Dylan5789432349) April 6, 2026
In Buxton's 16 games after his aforementioned slow start to the year, the center fielder posted an impressive .319/.364/.722 slash line with a 195 wRC+, nine home runs and 12 RBI. He's also looked great defensively in 2026, posting 2 Outs Above Average (91st percentile). Not to mention, his 29.4 mph spring speed this season ranks in the 97th percentile.
Byron Buxton has nine homers in his last 16 games after hitting none in the first 14 games of the season pic.twitter.com/0iijLGN5jf
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 2, 2026
Buxton ranks second on the team in bWAR (1.1), tied with outfielders Trevor Larnach and Austin Martin. Right-handed starting pitcher Taj Bradley leads the team (1.4). Buxton also ranks first on the team in fWAR (1.1), tied with right-handed starting pitcher Joe Ryan. The center fielder holds a slash line of .260/.317/.528 with a 129 wRC+.
Buxton's lack of consistent plate appearances with Team USA during the 2026 World Baseball Classic could have been a major reason for his poor stats during the first couple of weeks of the season. Buxton began the WBC as USA's starting center fielder, but Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong quickly took the role after a strong start to the tournament in his limited opportunities.
While Buxton has had an overall great season thus far, he's gone 0-for-19 with runners in scoring position. However, fans shouldn't be concerned. He should improve in those situations as the season progresses. Last year, Buxton slashed .313/.390/.594 with runners in scoring position in 118 plate appearances.
Twins struggling depite Buxton's insane hot stretch
Unfortunately, despite Buxton's great numbers this year, the Twins have a poor 14-19 record after beginning the season 11-7. While Buxton's poor stats with runners in scoring position certainly haven't helped the team, his overall great numbers outweigh the small negative to take away from his performance this year. Most of Minnesota's hitters have struggled to produce when it matters lately, and its bullpen has been abysmal all season. As of Saturday morning, Minnesota's relievers ranked 27th of all 30 MLB teams in ERA (5.03), 29th in strikeout rate (18.8%) and 20th in walk rate (11.3%).
Buxton's name will likely be featured in trade rumors again this summer unless the Twins unexpectedly turn their season around. But even if Minnesota is in seller's mode at the deadline, Buxton, who is under team control through the 2028 season, has made it clear he wants to be a Twin for life.
Add us as a preferred source on Google