As a base salary, Byron Buxton is scheduled to make less in 7 years than what Carlos Correa is scheduled to make in 3 years. With the way this season has started, it seems as though the Twins got a bargain on Byron Buxton.
Of course, there is no shortage of accelerators and incentives in Buxton's contract, but the point remains the same. Byron Buxton has been electric in the 10 games he has played this season, and is already responsible for 1.3WAR, which is somehow more than the entire Twins team. Byron Buxton is going to make his money, and he is going to earn every penny.
Buxton has long been well known for his speed and defense. For years, I've been insisting that, even without a bat, he was a tremendously valuable player. In an era where players are almost exclusively gunning for home runs, having a rangy center fielder is akin to having a top short stop in the Golden Days. The Twins now have one of each, of course.
The thing that sets this season apart is the power. 6 home runs in 12 games is pretty incredible, especially given that the weather has generally been uncooperative for the month of April. Buxton, if he plays 140 games would be on pace for 84 home runs. Half that in as many games would still be an incredible performance, reminiscent of Ken Griffey, all while I was waiting for Buxton to become Kenny Lofton.
Many people, myself included, were surprised that Buxton opted to remain in the Twin Cities long term, especially at a fairly reasonable rate. I thought he felt burned by the organization, but it seems as though he is quite dedicated to the Twins and Minnesota. An added element to his game, something that is emerging this year, is Buxton taking on a leadership role, both as a spokesperson, and through example.
Josh Donaldson, the natural veteran leader of the Pandemic Years was traded away, and the big star acquisition, Correa, has outspokenly been deferent to Buxton, suggesting a clubhouse hierarchy with the centerfielder at the top. Just as importantly, after a very sluggish start, the Twins are back above .500 and atop the central through luck and sheer force of Byron Buxton's will.
Byron Buxton is a special player, and his start to 2022 has been as special as he is. Appreciate it, and appreciate that everything that the Twins organization did was to build for and around him. Buxton is already trying to pay the twins back.
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