Who Is Tommy Watkins? Meet the Lifelong Twin Pitching to Byron Buxton in the Home Run Derby

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

When Byron Buxton steps up for the 2025 Home Run Derby in Atlanta, his chosen pitcher will be Tommy Watkins, the Twins’ third base coach and an organizational icon. It’s a deeply personal connection that underscores Watkins’ impact on the team.

A Story 27 Years in the Making
Drafted in the 38th round in 1998, Watkins became affectionately known as “The Mayor of Fort Myers” during his time in the Twins organization. He was never seen as a top prospect, but moved his way up the system through hard work and forming life-long relationships that would serve him in his future career. 

After 10 seasons in the minors, amassing hundreds of games at Triple-A, Watkins finally got the call from GM Terry Ryan himself, during a visit to Rochester. Former Red Wings manager Stan Cliburn called it “one of the most emotional call‑ups [he had] ever been involved with,” describing how the news “set off a joyous celebration in the clubhouse, because of everyone's love, passion and respect for Tommy.” In his big-league debut at age 27, Watkins hit .357 (10-for-28) with four walks and only four strikeouts over nine games. It was a reward for his dedication to the organization, and he performed well in his cup of coffee at the big-league level.

Building Bonds That Endure
Fast forward to July 2025, and Watkins stands alongside Buxton as his Derby pitcher, an assignment that means more than just lobbing meatballs. When asked about the Derby, Watkins was “caught off-guard… honored, and it was a little emotional. … I think I teared up, and he started to, too.” 

Their connection goes way back. Watkins coached Buxton at Class‑A Cedar Rapids back in 2013, when Buxton was considered baseball’s best prospect and was still attempting to refine himself as a player. They reunited when Watkins was named the Twins’ first‑base coach in 2019, and have been through the ups and downs that have defined Buxton’s career. 

Buxton told MLB Network he’s been "just getting into the box, no turtle [batting cage], just feels like you're on an island by yourself a little bit. So, just getting used to the Derby effects and not having the turtle, having a catcher back there and getting used to Tommy."

For Watkins, the spotlight isn’t his to steal.

“This isn’t about me—this is about Buck,” he told reporters earlier this week.

A Coaching Career Forged in Loyalty
The moment Watkins donned a Twins uniform for the last time in 2009, a new path opened. In 2009, he started his coaching journey with the GCL Twins, progressing through Beloit, Cedar Rapids, and Double‑A as hitting coach and manager. In 2017, he led Cedar Rapids to a 75–65 record and a playoff berth.

By 2019, he was in The Show as the Twins’ first-base coach (2019–21), later moving to third base in 2022. That's where he remains today, now deep into his 16th season and having spent six years at the MLB level. He’s also worked closely with Rocco Baldelli on outfield instruction, helping shape players like Buxton.

The Derby: A Moment Defined by Connection
This Home Run Derby isn’t just a performance; it’s a celebration of personal stories. Buxton is having the best season of his career, with 21 homers, a perfect 17-for-17 in steals, and top-tier defensive metrics. Yet, the Derby pairing reminds us of the mentorship and bond that have matured behind the scenes.

So, as Watkins lobs to Buxton under Atlanta lights, he’ll carry decades worth of loyalty, respect, and the emotional weight of a journey few get to witness. This is Tommy Watkins, a late-draft kid who carved out a career through dedication, earned devotion, and remains the man Buxton trusts most with Derby pitches.

Watkins isn’t just a coach or a Derby pitcher, he’s the embodiment of Twins devotion. When you see him in Atlanta, know that you’re looking at the end of a 27-year storybook that speaks to what this franchise truly values: clarity, connection, and community.

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[BrokenCompass]

Nice article, thanks for the writeup! Who knew Watkins retired with a .350 average! Pretty nice. 

[CRF]

If he's as good at throwing cookies to Buxton tonight, as he is at waving runners around 3rd...then Buck is in real trouble. 

[DocBauer]

Watkins has a career as a "good soldier" utility player in the Twins system. He finally got a cup of coffee in 2007 at the ML level. IIRC, he may have gotten hurt shortly after hus debut, but memory fades sometimes.

He worked his way through the system, and has the respect of the players, and always has. I just think it's crazy how awful a 3B coach he is when a player gets thrown out, and yet he's never complimented when he makes a good call and sends the runner for a score.

In baseball, the manager is always the biggest villain when things don't go right. #2 on the list is whoever the 3rd base coach is.

Watkins is a good guy and a respected coach. I hope he lobs the balls in perfectly for Buck to make a show of things. But I'm actually more excited for Byron's son to bring his dad a towel, drink, or bat, whatever he needs. This is a special moment for Buxton, his family, and for Twins fans.