Harrison Bader Calls Byron Buxton The Best He's Ever Played With

[Nick Nelson]

Image courtesy of © Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

In a recent dugout interview with Alex Tantum shared on TikTok, Harrison Bader was asked to name the most underrated player in baseball. Without hesitation, Bader went with Byron Buxton, and he didn't stop there. "Best position player I've ever played with, hands down," Bader said.

Tantum was almost taken back by the claim. "Wow. That's high praise right there." No kidding. He broke in to the majors with a Cardinals team led by Future Hall of Famer Yadier Molina, with Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado later coming aboard. From there he went to New York and played alongside some guy named Aaron Judge for a couple of partial seasons. He spent last season with the Mets, calling Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso teammates. Now he shares a clubhouse in Philly with Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Max Kepler. (Hehe.)

@alextantum Harrison Bader says that Byron Buxton is the best player he’s ever played with ? #mlb #baseball #sports #buxton #minnesotatwins ♬ original sound - Alex Tantum

None of them stack up the greatness of Buxton, in Bader's eyes. Is he biased, by recency or stylistic likeness to his own game? Perhaps. But his perception as a total outsider who passed through the Twins organization for only a few months, witnessing Buck's game firsthand over half of a season, speaks volumes. It's another reminder for us all to appreciate what we're seeing from a healthy and uninhibited Byron Buxton. 

At age 31, he's still flying around the field and running as fast as anyone in baseball. He's making spectacular catches in center, swiping bases flawlessly, and putting up the best production of his career with 31 homers and 5.0 fWAR. 

In some ways, this brilliant and long-awaited breakthrough season for Buxton has been a source of fan frustration, spawning an array of what-ifs and what-could-have-beens. Given the overall malaise of this year for the Twins, it can feel difficult to fully enjoy and appreciate what Buxton has done. But make no mistake: it is never overlooked by his teammates, or by his manager, who was once again marveling recently about the center fielder's determination to fight through anything on the field — and how it clashes with the "injury-prone" or "fragile" labels that have dogged him throughout his career.

There's a universe in which Byron Buxton stays healthy and avoids the injuries that started derailing him before his MLB journey even began. In that world, he may very well have been a player worth naming in conversations with Judge and Harper, and headed toward the same type of inner-circle treatment.

That didn't come to pass, but players like Bader still see the raw ability in there, and it's awesome that we're all getting to see it on display in an otherwise dismal Twins season.

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[rdehring]

Thanks, Nick.  Appreciate seeing this and couldn't agree more with Bader.

[thelanges5]

I see Bader didn’t waste any time making his Phillies crop top. For Buck’s sake I hope FO and Pohlads put together a team that can compete in 2026. 

[D.C Twins]

We are officially on the "Buck waiving his no trade clause for a select handful of teams" watch. 

He should bring back a good return with only 15 mil/season guaranteed.... 

[DJL44]

Eric Davis

[Nshore]

Casting about desperately for something positive for next year, a line-up with Buxton, Keaschall, and Martin at the top gives them some dynamic, speedy players to work with.

[ashbury]

If Buxton decides to waive his no-trade clause, and actually demands a trade, that's grounds for immediate dismissal of the FO.

[tony&rodney]

14 minutes ago, ashbury said:

If Buxton decides to waive his no-trade clause, and actually demands a trade, that's grounds for immediate dismissal of the FO.

The FO earned that designation long ago. There isn't anyone minding the store.

[Doctor Gast]

It's good that Buck is finally getting some recognition. Sometimes I think other FOs think more highly of Buck than ours.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

That’s nice praise coming from a praise who seems to be a really knowledgeable baseball guy.  My guess is that he thought it was really fun to play next to Buxton in the OF and that likely gave Byron a few extra points.  

[JD-TWINS]

22 hours ago, D.C Twins said:

We are officially on the "Buck waiving his no trade clause for a select handful of teams" watch. 

He should bring back a good return with only 15 mil/season guaranteed.... 

Why trade a really good, committed guy that just had his best season ever and has played over 100 games in back to back years? As you point out, he’s very affordable and that’s not changing. I have him on the field as much as possible for the next 4-5 years.

Atlanta wanted him and openly made it known (through channels) to the Twins at the All-Star Break, and Georgia is his home - he didn’t want Twins to entertain the trade.

Martin - Larnach - Wallner on the periphery for ‘26………. Jenkins - Gonzalez - Rodriguez are coming …….

Churning veterans (continuously) that can play, for “prospects”, isn’t a plan to a winning Club…….it’s just musical chairs. I see the same comments about Lopez and Ryan - two more guys that can play at known costs for 2-3 years…………..why trade them to get a guy that “might be the next Ryan?”

[Jeff K]

Extraordinary comments from Bader who I think many of us really enjoyed during his short time with the Twins.  As for the Buck Truck, it has been a great pleasure watching it come together for him this season.  In baseball, it's hard to imagine anything more exciting than watching Buck fly around the bases.  Electrifying!

[Taildragger8791]

2 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Why trade a really good, committed guy that just had his best season ever and has played over 100 games in back to back years? As you point out, he’s very affordable and that’s not changing. I have him on the field as much as possible for the next 4-5 years.

Atlanta wanted him and openly made it known (through channels) to the Twins at the All-Star Break, and Georgia is his home - he didn’t want Twins to entertain the trade.

Martin - Larnach - Wallner on the periphery for ‘26………. Jenkins - Gonzalez - Rodriguez are coming …….

Churning veterans (continuously) that can play, for “prospects”, isn’t a plan to a winning Club…….it’s just musical chairs. I see the same comments about Lopez and Ryan - two more guys that can play at known costs for 2-3 years…………..why trade them to get a guy that “might be the next Ryan?”

Because ownership likes money, and conversely they hate players who make money. If they go through with dumping Ryan & Pedro, who should be more than worth their salaries, then even Buxton won't be able to sell tickets on the resulting 100 loss team.

[OBX 3 6 28 29 34]

I really enjoyed watching Bader and Buck playing together. Buck gave the respect right back to Bader for defense, contributions on offense, and the fire that Bader brought to the dugout/clubhouse. Buck was having fun too with his protege and wingman. I'd sign Bader again if not for the tight wallet and outfielders on the way.

[OBX 3 6 28 29 34]

I see an even higher level of joy in playing together with Lee and Keaschall. They are good for each other and challenge each other to be better. Luke is already making Brooks a better hitter and they both have the fielding instincts that are on the same page. I read here comments about Lee moving to a utility role but I would like to see these two play together at SS and 2B and watch them grow into the leaders of this team. That joy and desire to win is priceless.