The Resurgence of Byron Buxton

Photo: Harrison Barden, USA TODAY Sports

The date is April 25, 2017.

The Minnesota Twins have just clinched a victory on the road against the Texas Rangers, 8-1. Center fielder Byron Buxton had been struggling in the batter’s box for the entire month of April, but just recorded a two-for-three night with a run-batted-in and a walk. What makes his line even more impressive is the fact Buxton avoided striking out, as he had come into the game with a strikeout rate of 42.6 percent. To put that stat into perspective: Los Angeles of Anaheim Angels center fielder Mike Trout (whom Buxton was compared to skill-wise once upon a time) was striking out in 23.2 percent of his at-bats and batting .364 in 31 more plate appearances.

Buxton (.133 batting average) had fans questioning the outcome of their young, potential star. The strikeouts were the biggest problem for the 23-year-old, as consistent contact was non-existent. The Baxley, Georgia-native was expected to continue a strong last-half of 2016 into the 2017 season. Instead it was a dreadful start, and Buxton would struggle for the rest of the first-half of this season. May would prove to be a month of a little redemption, as Buxton finished with a .254 batting average/.321 on-base percentage/.380 slugging percentage/.701 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. Compared to a .147/.256/.176/.433 line in April, strides were taken for the better. However, Buxton would struggle once more in the month of June, where in 28 games he had a sub par .184/.237/.287/.524 line. The All-Star Game arrived and Buxton was only hitting .216.

Then, something changed.

The date is now August 27, 2017.

The former second overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft had just hit his third home run of the day in Toronto against the Blue Jays. Since the All-Star Break, Buxton is hitting .333/.370/.667/1.027 and one of the main reasons the Twins are currently in position to make the playoffs as a wild card team. His defense had been there all along, but the confidence and swagger coming off the bat of the speedy Buxton has finally arrived.

With a month remaining in the regular season, time will tell if Buxton can keep the pace and prove the doubters wrong. Along with Eddie Rosario, Max Kepler, Joe Mauer, Miguel Sano (who should be returning sometime before the regular season is over) and the hot bats of Brian Dozier and Jorge Polanco, the Twins have a vital piece in Buxton that will get them over the bump and into the postseason for the first time since 2010.

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