Camp Storylines: Byron Buxton’s Health

Byron Buxton signed a seven-year, $100-million extension with the Minnesota Twins before 2022 and produced an All-Star season that summer. He was limited to just 92 games, though, and a knee procedure left his status uncertain for 2023. He did not play in spring training games last year, and the team announced he would not play in the outfield even once the season began. The goal for Rocco Baldelli was to see his starting center fielder back on the grass eventually, but it was going to be a process.

Playing in just 85 games, all as the designated hitter, Buxton never made it back to his defensive role. Though Buxton ranks among the best outfield defenders in the game, that was a skillset that the Twins never saw last season. Pregame knee treatment became constant, and working with only his bat, Buxton failed to produce a league-average OPS+ for the first time since 2017.

While cautious optimism is probably the most anyone can muster at this point, Buxton is trending in the right direction. Speaking with reporters as camp opened in Fort Myers, the smile had returned, and it was evident that a renewed sense of excitement was there for the outfielder.

“I’m excited," Buxton said to a cadre of reporters including Twins Daily's John Bonnes. "Now that I know I’m not DH’ing, knowing I’m going to go out there and do what I was doing before all the injuries. I’m nervous for that first fly ball; I haven't seen a fly ball in a couple of years. That’s pretty nerve-wracking, but in a couple of weeks, I’ll be back to normal.”

It’s not just being back out there that excites Buxton, though, it’s that he can do it without restrictions.

“I’m fully healthy, and that puts my mind at ease to be able to go out and have a normal spring training.”

That is something the Twins are excited about, too. His contract structure is a constant reminder of the risk tied in with his injury history. Still, Minnesota wasn’t thinking they’d be getting just a portion of Buxton’s services, and having him back in the fold as an everyday player certainly makes the team better. When talking about his desire to remain on the field during the uniform unveiling last offseason, Buxton noted his 92 games played being the most in a single season since 2017. After trying to gut it out and provide availability last season, a clean bill of health should energize him to take on the game as a whole.

It was clear that playing the designated hitter role last season was tough on Buxton. It’s a skillset not every player has, and his defense certainly sets him apart. “I missed being able to help the team. I’m a big defensive person. Any way to get an out for our pitchers is a way for me to flip a game or turn the page on a situation. I didn’t have that last year.”

It’s not lost on Buxton that being able to play defense could also help his offense. “Last year, if I had a couple of games where I didn’t get a hit, one diving catch could help to take my mind off of it. When you don’t have that distraction, which is something I tried to find all last year, it’s harder to do that when what you love to do is taken away from you. You try to tell yourself you have to flip the page because you have to go back up there; you have to trick your mind a lot when you DH because you have all that time to think.”

At his best, Minnesota employs a former Platinum Glove winner, and Buxton has shown that he can provide some of the best defensive value in the sport. That is something of a calling card for his game, and it wouldn’t be unexpected to see him flourish while being able to contribute in multiple facets again. The Twins didn't necessarily prioritize a backup plan for Buxton, as they did last year in acquiring Michael A. Taylor. The late addition of Manuel Margot fits that bill, though, and with him not projected to be a regular, the starter should be all systems go.

Health isn’t something Buxton is taking for granted, and after having to deal with plenty of pain and heartache last year, he’s just happy to be where he is now.

“The pain is gone. The last couple of years were painful. Waking up feeling like a knife was in your knee every morning," Buxton said. "Mentally, I wanted to play. This past year, you start realizing that’s not helping the team, because you can’t go and do the things you want to do even if it’s in a limited role.”

Having had an arthroscopic procedure that removed the plica in his right knee, the thought process is symptoms of knee tendinitis will subside. While he has had knee procedures previously, this is a stone that was otherwise unturned.

While he will still be eased back into action (as most veterans are during spring training), the restrictions are removed for Buxton, which could make an immense difference for Minnesota. Carlos Correa and Buxton were shells of themselves last season, and getting healthy versions of each should only help the Twins pursue a repeat division title.

Derek Falvey filled the DH spot in other ways this offseason, signing Carlos Santana to play first base and push Alex Kirilloff into the DH role more often. Only Margot represents true insurance for center field. If there’s an internal belief bubbling up in Buxton being both a difference maker in the field and at the plate, the upside for the roster is huge. Watching Buxton get back to a Gold Glove and MVP-caliber level is something all of Twins Territory is pulling for, and this may be the best opportunity to watch it come to fruition that we have seen in years.