Twins Have a New Problem After Byron Buxton's Injury

Keaschall remains part of Minnesota’s solution, but he should not be the only answer. His versatility is most valuable when Derek Shelton can move him around the field, and his profile has limits: four home runs, a .341 slugging percentage, a 2.8% barrel rate and minus-one Outs Above Average in center field. Adding a natural center fielder would preserve Keaschall’s flexibility and avoid asking a developing defender with limited power to replace Buxton every day.

Minnesota does not need to trade a king’s ransom to get center field depth. Daulton Varsho would offer the strongest defensive fit if the selling Blue Jays make the pending free agent available, although his value could make him more than a rotational addition.

Lane Thomas better matches the reserve role: Kansas City signed him to a one-year deal because he can play all three outfield positions, and the selling Royals are open to moving their expiring contracts. Either would protect Minnesota in center without blocking Keaschall once Buxton returns.

Buxton’s latest absence should not change Minnesota’s decision to buy, instead, it should sharpen how the front office approaches it. The Twins remain close enough to justify improving the roster, though their margin for surviving another injury has narrowed. Adding outfield insurance won’t replace their most dynamic player, but it will give Minnesota a better chance to remain in the race until he returns.