Twins’ Byron Buxton Feeling Really Good About His Knee

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Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins completed a historic collapse last week and their offseason is already underway. They should have been in the postseason, but instead get vacation time early. For a few key players, the additional rest could be a positive thing heading into the 2025 season. Byron Buxton needs to build on what he was able to accomplish this season.

Minnesota Twins need Byron Buxton’s knee to continue getting stronger

Over the past handful of years the Minnesota Twins have seen Byron Buxton miss a substantial amount of time due to injuries derived from knee issues. Prior to 2024, he last played in 100 games during the 2017 season. It’s because of his knee health this year that has him feeling good heading into the offseason. Before turning the page on the year, Buxton spoke with Dan Hayes of The Athletic.

“Whereas Correa’s recovery will at least continue into October, Byron Buxton said two words during his exit interview he hadn’t since 2017: normal offseason. Each of his previous two seasons ended with knee injuries that resulted in surgery.”

Dan Hayes on Byron Buxton’s offseason schedule (The Athletic)

Buxton was, and deserves to be, proud of reaching the century mark for games played. That gives him renewed excitement for the state of his knee as well. He plans to take advantage of the situation this offseason presents him.

“Relaxation. A lot of relaxation. Not a lot of going in and out of (physical therapy). Just my normal offseason, so for me it’s the first in six years. Oh, yeah. I’m definitely enjoying it. It wasn’t like this in spring training. We managed. We managed. Still work to do, but we managed.”

Byron Buxton on his offseason plans (The Athletic)

The Minnesota centerfielder has been through an immense amount in recent years as he tries to stay on the field. This season saw him post a 137 OPS+ and 3.7 fWAR, both of which are near the best of his career. The more he can distance himself from the previous ailments, the better off his future prognosis looks.

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Rocco Baldelli will need Buxton to hold down centerfield to the extent he did this season again next year. If there is an ability to expand upon that, everyone will benefit.

Byron Buxton once again established stardom for Twins

The greatest thing to ever hold Byron Buxton back for the Minnesota Twins has been his health. As he has dealt with time on the injured list, or played through pain, his performance has slid. In 2023 the role as a designated hitter didn’t work in that he was just a shell of himself offensively. He came roaring back to contribute everywhere this season, and that was extremely positive to see.

Minnesota still owes Buxton $15.142 million each of the next four seasons. His contract baked in the fact that his availability could constantly be in question. The more he can surpass that value, the better. This season Fangraphs estimated his production as being worth $29.4 million. That production is largely rooted in contributing in the field as well.

Related: Minnesota Twins Claim They’re Done Cutting Payroll

Should Buxton go through a normal offseason with the ability to build up for additional games in 2025, everyone will get the best case scenario in the year ahead.

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