The Minnesota Twins know what kind of player they have in Byron Buxton, and they would like to lock him up long term. It sounds like Buxton is interested in that as well.
MLB Network Radio’s Jim Bowden reported on Monday that the Twins and Buxton have had contract extension talks.
Byron Buxton has interest in signing a long term deal with the #Twins and the feeling is mutual as both sides have had conversations according to sources
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) March 5, 2018
Buxton is just 24 and under team control through 2021, which sounds like a while. But the former No. 2 overall pick last year performed to the level the Twins were hoping for and think he can become a star. Last season, Buxton played 140 games and batted .253/.314/.413 with 16 homers and 29 stolen bases. He earned high marks in baserunning and defensive metrics according to Fangraphs, which placed his WAR at 3.5 last season.
Finding center fielders who can steal bases, play good defense, and hit for some power is not easy, which is what makes Buxton a valuable commodity. The Twins are hoping he will be a franchise player for years to come and would love a chance to buy out some of his free agent years.
