Should a Return to Designated Hitter Be in the Plans for Byron Buxton?

[Nick Nelson]

Image courtesy of David Frerker-Imagn Images

Back in spring training, Byron Buxton was asked by KSTP report Alec Ausmus if he envisioned himself moving anywhere other than center field. "No, not really," Buxton replied. "I mean, if someone else come here and is faster than me, then I will move over, but until then, I ain't going nowhere. Like … that is home for me."

Well, no one faster has come along as of yet. In fact, Walker Jenkins, who has taken over center field for the final stretch for the Twins, is a below-average runner according to Statcast, and a far cry from Buxton's blazing 97th percentile sprint speed. But as the team looks ahead to 2027, the planning and decision criteria at center field might need to be a little more involved than "who can run the fastest."

 

Buxton's desire to remain in center field is perfectly understandable. He's been an All-Star at the position in back-to-back years. When on the field, he still impacts games positively on defense. And the last time he tried moving away from center, during the 2023 season when physical limitations ruled out a defensive role, was the low point of his career. 

It's well established that some players aren't that well suited for designated hitter. They hit better when engaged on the defensive side rather than sitting on the bench for long spells between every at-bat. There's a fair chance Buxton is one of those players, even if he hasn't said so outright. That 2023 campaign was a trying one offensively, with Buxton batting .207 with a .311 wOBA. Of course, you wonder how much the health situation hindered his production.

Heading into 2027, the Twins have a new set of outfielders set to take the reins, and we saw all in the lineup together for the first time on Sunday: Emmanuel Rodriguez in left, Jenkins in center, Luke Keaschall in right. 

The presence of this players on next year's team feels non-negotiable. Rodriguez has to be on the active roster coming out of spring training due to being out of options. Jenkins could theoretically start back in the minors, but I wouldn't expect it unless he really struggles in camp. And while Keaschall is not necessarily locked into an outfield role, the Twins have shown no appetite for using him in the infield since June.

There are ways you could shift things around to facilitate a return to center field for Buxton. Rodriguez could open the season in a backup role. Jenkins could open the season in Triple-A. Keaschall could relocate to second base again, or spend most of his time as DH. But all of these moves would feel like kicking the can down the road, in ways that aren't even necessarily beneficial short-term, for the sake of bowing to the will of a 33-year-old player nearing the end of his contract. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with the Twins giving Buxton a large say in his handling. He's earned that. But at the end of the day, Minnesota's decision-makers have to do what's best for the team, and it's future. Importantly, moving Buxton off center field also might be what's best for him.

Increasingly, the hip injury that plagued him throughout this 2026 season and ultimately cut it short was flaring up while he played the outfield. On August 21st, he made a sensational diving catch in San Diego but was in clear discomfort afterward, hunching on the field for several moments before gingerly trotting off. 

 

Buxton remained in the game against San Diego, but four days later in Sacramento, he was unable to bend over and pick up a rolling ball in the gap. He lumbered off the field in pain, and that proved to be the end of his season.

We're all hoping that Buxton's upcoming surgery, scheduled for later this week, does much to resolve the hip issues that have repeatedly bothered him over the years. But either way, drop-offs in the second half have become the norm for him over many years. If the Twins have true aspirations of stepping forward into legitimate contention next year, keeping Buck going in August and September will be imperative.

As it happens, the DH spot is one of the few on next year's team that is completely open. Josh Bell, who has started 117 of 149 games there for the Twins this year, is headed for free agency and unlikely to return. Buxton, who made the second-most DH starts this year with 20, is a natural successor — especially because his pre-injury offensive production would look great there.

That sets up some sensitive but necessary conversations between Buxton and the Twins this offseason. He has earned a meaningful voice in how the final years of his career take shape, but the organization also owes it to him (and itself) to seriously consider whether leaving center field behind gives him the best chance to stay healthy, productive and on the field when the games matter most.

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[Jack Pine]

Depending on the type of hip surgery he may no longer be the fastest man on the field.

[Whitey333]

Finally a good logical and common sense story about Buxton and his status on the Twins.  He should not be considered a fixture in generally field anymore.  He should not just be given that position and possibly be blocking younger players from playing.  Now we could move him to DH and put up with more games missed just in a different spot.  It is so past the time to move on from Buxton.

[bean5302]

DH's still need to run the bases. Moving Buxton to DH won't meaningfully help his health. I've seen no evidence suggesting moving to a new position on the baseball field (including DH) makes chronic issues disappear.

Jenkins is just as injury prone as Buxton so far, but Jenkins probably isn't going to be a good center fielder, though he may be adequate. Have to wait for a little more sample size, but right now, his initial sprint speed is poor. League average runners don't belong in CF.