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Twins Make Byron Buxton Decision After One Missed Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 7:56 PM ET

Center fielder Byron Buxton is in his 11th major-league season as a member of the Minnesota Twins.

The 31-year-old star was selected second overall in the 2012 MLB Draft and made his debut in 2015 at age 21.

Buxton’s career thus far has been derailed by injuries; he’s appeared in at least 100 games in just two of his eleven seasons. But whenever he’s been on the field, there’s never been a question about his talent. Because of his potential production, Buxton signed a seven-year, $100 million contract with the Twins in December 2021. That deal—including a no-trade clause—runs through the end of 2028, and he is now in the fourth year of that agreement.

Buxton won a Gold Glove Award in 2017, and last week he earned his second All-Star selection of his career.

Buxton was hit by a pitch in the first inning of Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. He stayed in the game, ran the bases after being awarded first base and even scored a run, but was removed before his next at-bat.

After sitting out the series finale against the Cubs, Minnesota inserted Buxton back into the lineup today against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Byron Buxton is back in the #MNTwins lineup two days after being hit on the hand by a 97.7 mph fastball.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) July 11, 2025

In 2025, it has come as a pleasant surprise that Buxton is playing in one of the most durable seasons of his career, already appearing in 75 games before the All-Star break.

This season has also been highly productive for the Twins’ star center fielder. Through those 75 games, he’s batting .270 with an exceptional .881 OPS, driving in 53 runs, smashing 20 home runs and stealing 17 bases.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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