Byron Buxton Hits 100 Games: A Milestone We Should Celebrate

[Matthew Taylor]

Byron Buxton has hit a milestone worth celebrating—playing 100 games in a season for just the second time in his career. After years of setbacks, this achievement is one Buxton is proud of, and it’s one we should savor, too. It’s a reminder of the moments that make following this game worthwhile.

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Byron Buxton has finally done it. In Wednesday night's game, he reached the 100-game mark for the 2024 season. This may not sound like a groundbreaking number for a player, but for Buxton, the milestone carries significant weight. It marks just the second time in his career that he’s played at least 100 games in a season, the first being back in 2017, when he suited up 140 times.

We all know the story. Buxton’s career has been a series of brilliant moments, followed by frustrating injuries. From migraines and concussions to fractured hands, injured hips, and troublesome knees, it often feels like he was bitten by a radioactive injury bug, instead of a spider. Each time, it’s a gut punch—not just for fans, but for Buxton himself, a supremely talented athlete who has spent as much time rehabbing as he has wowing us on the field.

When Buxton came up, he was an instant game-changer. His speed and defense was already elite, and as he added power to his game over the years, it became clearer: Buxton had the potential to be an MVP-caliber player. The problem? His body couldn’t always keep up with his ability.

That’s why this 100-game mark isn’t just a stat. It’s a testament to the mental and physical toll Buxton has endured over his career, and his desire to overcome it. Think about it: countless times, he’s been on the verge of putting it all together, only to be sidelined again. And through it all, he’s faced criticism—some of it unfair—from fans frustrated by his inability to stay healthy. It’s almost as if some forget Buxton isn’t purposefully getting injured or trying to disappoint the fanbase. If anything, nobody works harder to get back on the field.

Last year, Buxton set a public goal of playing in 100 games in 2023. Many scoffed, calling it a low bar, and said he should aim for more. But those critics missed the point. For Buxton, 100 games is a massive achievement. He provides more value in 100 games than most players do in 162. So when he fell short, playing in 85 games last year as a designated hitter, it felt like just another example of his body refusing to accommodate his potential.

This year, however, he hit the mark. And fittingly, he celebrated by blasting a 450-foot home run in the middle of a game that had playoff implications. It was vintage Buxton—showing up when it mattered most, just as he’s done so many times.

After the game, Buxton’s wife expressed pride in her husband reaching this goal, something that resonates deeply. It’s easy to get caught up in numbers, trophies, and postseason accolades. But in a sport where we invest half our year following these players and, in Buxton’s case, a decade of our lives, we should take a moment to celebrate what matters to them. This milestone meant something to Byron, and thus, it should mean something to us, too.

Buxton’s 2024 season has been nothing short of remarkable, even apart from the 100 games played. He’s posted a 138 OPS+, delivered in clutch situations (a 1.025 OPS in high-leverage spots), and contributed 3.6 fWAR. Buxton has found ways to give massive value to the Twins, and for that, we should be proud of him.

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about resilience. It’s about a player who’s fought tooth-and-nail to be out there, to make an impact when many wrote him off. So, to Byron Buxton and the 100-game mark—here’s to many more.

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[thelanges5]

Like to see 100 games from Buck. I’ll take it!
Having no viable options for the other 62 though…

[Doctor Wu]

Buxton’s 2024 season has been nothing short of remarkable

Well, a good season for him, but I hesitate to call it remarkable. Happy that he reached the 100 game threshold, but I still expect a lot more from a player with such elite skills. 

[Whitey333]

You are kidding.  Right?  Buxton is so over hyped and overrated.  100 games?  Big deal.  Meh.  He's only done it twice now in 10 years.  I think his biggest achievement was securing a 100million dollar contract for playing part time.  

[Finfineman]

So I guess we celebrate a guy working 61.72%  (100/162)  of the time.  If my employees worked that little, I wouldn't have a business.  I would be bankrupt as would 99.9% of the businesses out there.  I think it's ironic and more than a coincidence that he always seems to be hurt toward the end of the season.  He either comes back just in time for the playoffs or is shut down.  He has made more money on sick pay in one year than most people will make in their lifetime.  

[Patzky]

I'm so happy for Buck and hope he can springboard to next year from this. 115 games? 120? Would be great for the team and the fans. Never mind the crabapples, the fans love him and love to see him do well.

[Hubie29]

We are celebrating a .333 OBP with 18 HR and 56 RBI? Is there any wonder we ended up in 4th place in the Norris?

[HoskenPowell]

I remember the confetti and fireworks when Kirby hit 100 games played!!!!

[Aggies7]

Loser mentality. Curious timing for an article like this, a day after essentially being eliminated 

[CRF]

Nothing against Buxton, but if we're starting to celebrate a guy who's supposed to be a franchise cornerstone, playing in 100 out of 162 games...then I'll just take a pass on the celebrating. 

[Aggies7]

2 minutes ago, CRF said:

Nothing against Buxton, but if we're starting to celebrate a guy who's supposed to be a franchise cornerstone, playing in 100 out of 162 games...then I'll just take a pass on the celebrating. 

Agreed. He wasn’t supposed to just be “a guy” he was supposed to be “THE guy”. Nothing against him personally but we could have really used him that month he was out. Wonder if things would have been different 

[Hubie29]

2 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

Agreed. He wasn’t supposed to just be “a guy” he was supposed to be “THE guy”. Nothing against him personally but we could have really used him that month he was out. Wonder if things would have been different 

I don't think one person could have covered up the many many flaws and issues this team had this year. Is there 1 aspect of this team we can be pleased with? Clutch hitting, rotation, bullpen, defense, health, managerial decisions, acquisitions etc, etc. This team has a long road back to where it left off last year and lightyears away from being elite. 

[LambchoP]

I love watching Buck when he's healthy and on a good run. However, I think it's past time to stop relying on both him and Correa as our superstars who will get us to playoffs. Both these guys, especially Buxton are part time players who maybe hit 15-20 homers with 50-60 RBIs and no stolen bases. You would have to put both these guy's seasons and stats TOGETHER to get a true all-star. Hopefully Correa can put a whole productive season together next year since we're paying him almost 40 million. But even a full season will most likely be a 300 hitter w less than 25 HR and 75 RBIs. Buxton on the other hand, maybe half a season with 10-15 hr. Time to look for a new face of the franchise I think.....

[theBOMisthebomb]

33 minutes ago, CRF said:

Nothing against Buxton, but if we're starting to celebrate a guy who's supposed to be a franchise cornerstone, playing in 100 out of 162 games...then I'll just take a pass on the celebrating. 

It's a low bar for success that should not be celebrated. Possibly acknowledged, not celebrated. 

[Brett]

I think $15M for 3.6 fWAR is an excellent return on investment. I don’t care to see him playing hurt…we’ve seen enough others do that.

[Coach Wheels]

1 hour ago, HoskenPowell said:

I remember the confetti and fireworks when Kirby hit 100 games played!!!!

Kirby hit that mark in game 104!!! That's why we won 2 World Series and was an MVP.

[HoskenPowell]

4 minutes ago, Coach Wheels said:

Kirby hit that mark in game 104!!! That's why we won 2 World Series and was an MVP.

Kirbys career low was like 108 in the strike shortened season so he missed a chance to play in like 6 more weeks

[PatPfund]

I am truly happy he got to 100, and had impact when he played. But it is fairly depressing that the organization essentially threw away the effort by spending its meager resources on used-up RPs and ineffective veteran bats (most of whom will be lucky to be playing at all next year). 

[sampleSizeOfOne]

Woohoo!

Party on, dude!

[LloydInMN]

The idea of "celebrating" a player suiting up for 100 games in a 162-game season, is straight up ridiculous. Additionally, as the author documents, Buxton's 100 game "season" is a high-water mark for his appearances over the past several years. 

How many readers would be allowed to miss work 40% of the time they're supposed to be on the job over many years? Try ZERO.

Looking for a guy who is worth the money he's being paid? Try Freddie Freeman and at least two dozen others. Sano was a lingering mistake and Buxton's part-time visits to the ballpark have become a running joke throughout the game. Sure, he's an important contributor when he shows up but his "guest star" status throughout the 2024 season greatly enabled KC and Detroit to stay within striking range and send the Twins down the tubes.       

[Mike Sixel]

Some of the comments.....

I think it's great he played the most games he has in years. I also think it makes roster construction very difficult if your starter can only play half the time in the field. I think they're in a tough spot here. 

[Patzky]

1 hour ago, Hubie29 said:

I don't think one person could have covered up the many many flaws and issues this team had this year. Is there 1 aspect of this team we can be pleased with? Clutch hitting, rotation, bullpen, defense, health, managerial decisions, acquisitions etc, etc. This team has a long road back to where it left off last year and lightyears away from being elite. 

Guess another Pohlad RightSizing is right around the corner.

[ewen21]

4 hours ago, Whitey333 said:

You are kidding.  Right?  Buxton is so over hyped and overrated.  100 games?  Big deal.  Meh.  He's only done it twice now in 10 years.  I think his biggest achievement was securing a 100million dollar contract for playing part time.  

Is this the Twilight Zone?   100% agree with your comment.

Honestly, if we are going act like playing 102 games out of 162 is an achievement then it’s a sad state of affairs.

[Aggies7]

4 minutes ago, ewen21 said:

Is this the Twilight Zone?   100% agree with your comment.

Honestly, if we are going act like playing 102 games out of 162 is an achievement then it’s a sad state of affairs.

I think some of these articles are written to elicit anger and thus more clicks and traffic. “I know we just completed the worst regular season collapse in team history a mere 12 hours ago, but at least our star only missed two months worth of games this year!! Yay!”

I guess we’re playing in to their hands by commenting 😂

[ewen21]

2 hours ago, Aggies7 said:

Loser mentality. Curious timing for an article like this, a day after essentially being eliminated 

It is.  

[Schmoeman5]

Celebrate good times, come on! Another rainbows, puppies, and everyone should feel good daily piece. Thank you. I feel much better now Matthew.

[BillyBallLives]

In his 12 year career Puckett averaged 148 games a year... slightly higher if you factor in he didn't join the team until May in his rookie season. 

Just trying to get some perspective here. 

I'm not about to break out the pom-poms for Buxton.

[bean5302]

I honestly would have made a $20 bet Buxton would never play 100 games again in his career after the last couple seasons. The Twins got more playing time from him this year than they could have expected. I expect 80 games a year. That said, he's still an 80 game a year guy in my eyes.

[rv78]

Another feel good article for Buck. You gotta appreciate a guy that can tie on the cletes for $15M and play part-time. Of course he isn't there when they need him the most. That's too much to expect. Maybe someday this organization will go back to signing full-time players instead of role players, washed up veterans and injury prone part-timers. 

[jkcarew]

You spend 10 years lowing the bar, and 100 games is celebrated…86 games started in CF…just over half a season…but again, noteworthy for Buxton. And apparently, just in time to be moved off CF if some rumors are to be believed.

This was the most consistently good offensive season for Buxton, IMO. And the first season EVER where he’s been a fully-functioning offensive factor coming down the stretch.

So, YAY to that.