Twins fans have their own World Baseball Classic battle to focus on in championship

Tonight is the night, folks. The 2026 World Baseball Classic championship is set between the United States and Venezuela. Although the game in itself is exciting thanks to a stable of superstars occupying the roster on both sides, Minnesota Twins fans have their own subplot to follow in this finale.

It's a battle of hitters between a former Twins great and a current Twins star, which ups the ante a bit more for the Minnesota faithful. So, some may see it as a win-win for Twins fans.

Venezuela infielder Luis Arraez spent four incredible seasons with the Twins, and is expected to be a reliable bat Tuesday night for his home country. Team USA outfielder Byron Buxton will hopefully get the start in center field with a left-hander pitching for Venezuela. We'd love to see them both thrive in this environment, making it a night of celebration for these Twins greats.

Luis Arraez, Byron Buxton represent former vs. current Twins hitting stars in World Baseball Classic championship

Arraez has been on a tear during the World Baseball Classic. He is batting .348 during the tournament across six games with two home runs, 10 RBIs, six runs, four doubles, and two walks. His OPS is at 1.168, which is second best on Venezuela. He only trails Rockies infielder Ezequiel Tovar.

Arraez, in four seasons with Minnesota, was an All-Star, Silver Slugger, and batting champion in 2022. He is a career .314 hitter with the Twins, alongside a 119 OPS+.

Then there is Buxton, who has not made as much of an impression for his respective team. Buxton is batting 0-for-6 with one RBI and one run scored. Unfortunately for Buxton, he has lost playing time to Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has three extra-base hits and a 1.074 OPS this tournament.

Twins fans have their fingers crossed that Buxton may get the start on Tuesday night, considering Venezuela is running out a left-hander. Pete Crow-Armstrong swings lefty, so it may be advantageous for Team USA to start Buxton, a right-handed hitter, in the final. Buxton owns a career .819 OPS against southpaws, while Crow-Armstrong has a .591 career OPS facing left-handers. So, maybe we see Buxton at some point in the championship.

And then of course, it doesn't end with Arraez and Buxton. There is also former Twin Griffin Jax in Team USA's bullpen, even if he is not part of the marquee battle between Arraez and Buxton. It would be cool to see him pitch in the final, especially if he got to oppose Arraez. This is another storyline to follow if you are a Twins fan. It should be a memorable one. Twins fans should bask in the moment if their players, whether current or former, get an opportunity to make an impact in the WBC championship.