There are few plays in baseball that rival an acrobatic catch from Byron Buxton. Since he debuted with the Twins in 2015, Byron Buxton’s athleticism and prowess in center field have never ceased to impress. Of course, we’re all aware of the downside such fearless play brought too. The violent crashes into the wall and diving plays that have left him hobbled are etched into our memories. The Minnesota Twins organization remembers those downsides as well, and they’ve opted to use Buxton exclusively as a designated hitter so far in the 2023 campaign. While I miss watching Buxton patrol the Target Field grass, it’s hard to argue with the results. 

As of today, Byron Buxton has 87 plate appearances. Last season, Byron didn’t reach a similar amount until the end of May. In 2021, he wouldn’t reach 90 plate appearances until May 5. Sacrificing Buxton’s time in center field for his regular presence in the Twins’ lineup is a tradeoff the club seems comfortable with. It’s hard to argue with their decision, at least so far. Michael A. Taylor has been a revelation, and Royce Lewis and/or Austin Martin may find time in center field as they make their way to the big league club. With that in mind, should we accept that the former Gold Glove winner may never return to center field? Could it be time to evaluate Byron Buxton not as a center fielder but something else entirely? Clues can be found in the 2022 season and comparisons to the league’s best designated hitters. 

Last year, Byron Buxton appeared in 92 games for the Minnesota Twins. Of those appearances, 52 came as the starting center fielder. His remaining 40 appearances came as either a DH or as a pinch hitter. His usage so far in 2023 suggests that ratio could become lopsided in the other direction. And frankly, it is the most pragmatic decision. 

When compared to the best designated hitters across MLB, the evidence is clear: Byron Buxton’s game-changing ability as a hitter is worth the sacrifice. Over the last two seasons, Byron Buxton posted an average of 18.65 Park Adjusted Runs Above Average and is earning an average annual value of $14.3 million. Byron’s slow(ish) start to 2023 notwithstanding, that parallels with similar players. Over that same two-year period (2021 and 2022), Giancarlo Stanton posted 16.75 Park Adjusted Runs Above Average and is earning $25 million annually; Michael Brantley owns 10.75 Park Adjusted Runs Above Average for $12.0 million a year; and J.D. Martinez has 16.95 Park Adjusted Runs Above Average with a $10 million one-year contract. 

In the often praised Ted Lasso, the character of Leslie Higgins posits: “I try to love [him] for who he is and forgive him for who he isn't.” Buxton, of course, doesn’t need forgiveness for not playing center field regularly – he’s sacrificed his body plenty – but it’s time to love Buxton for what he is: a designated hitter, corner outfielder, or maybe at first base.