Byron Buxton is ready to turn back the clock a bit.
The Minnesota Twins veteran Buxton appeared over the weekend at TwinsFest, the annual event for fans of the team. Buxton thrilled those in attendance with his response when asked if he would be playing center field for Minnesota next season.
“Oh yeah, I’m back,” replied Buxton, per Dan Hayes of MLB.com.
That is a big change from last season for the former All-Star Buxton. He was a full-time designated hitter for the Twins in 2023 in order to limit the wear and tear on his body. But Buxton only hit .207 with 17 homers and 42 RBIs and was still limited to just 85 games with hamstring and knee issues.
There is obvious risk with the oft-injured Buxton returning to his natural position of center field, where he won a Gold Glove Award in 2017 but has not played in full-time since the 2021 season. Buxton is 30 years old now and has only appeared in 100 or more games once in his nine-year career.
But Buxton can play center field well (as his highlight reel demonstrates), and it sounds like the Twins will let him do so again in 2024 if he is up to it.
