Buxton’s Impact on Center Field and Rotation: Twins Notes

Exciting news for Twins fans today as Byron Buxton is fully recovered from knee surgery, according to La Velle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune. The 29-year-old is on track to return to baseball activities by the end of 2023. This update, coupled with comments from Derek Falvey, suggests Buxton may return to center field for the 2024 season.

Last season, due to injuries, Buxton served mainly as the designated hitter, playing only 80 games. He struggled at the plate with a .207/.294/.438 slash line and a wRC+ that fell below the league average at 98.

However, Buxton’s potential when healthy is undeniable. From 2020-22, he demonstrated exceptional offensive and defensive skills, despite missing a significant portion of playing time due to injuries.

With Buxton’s substantial injury history, the Twins acquired Michael A. Taylor from the Royals as a backup plan. Taylor performed well, but with his departure, there’s uncertainty at the center field position for the Twins.

If Buxton faces another injury, the team lacks a permanent center fielder. While Austin Martin and utility players Willi Castro and Nick Gordon provide options, the club may need to consider free agent additions like Cody Bellinger, Kevin Kiermaier, or Harrison Bader.

Additionally, the Twins are seeking to bolster their starting rotation and first base positions this offseason. The addition of a “front-line starter” is a priority, possibly through the trade market. However, they face competition from other teams looking to acquire top pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Dylan Cease, Shane Bieber, and Tyler Glasnow.