After two injury-riddled campaigns, the Minnesota Twins are set to deploy a different strategy for star outfielder Byron Buxton. Buxton is set to be a primary DH to start the 2023 season, a plan that can keep him on the field and make him a tantalizing asset for fantasy baseball players.
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A Look at Buxton
Twins outfielder Byron Buxton — who we ranked 86th in our initial pre-season fantasy rankings for 2023 — could be considered one of the game’s elite talents. The 29-year-old had a dominant, yet brief stretch in 2021. Buxton hit .306/.358/.647 with 19 home runs and 32 RBIs that year, but was limited to just 61 games due to injuries.
The Twins outfielder played 31 more games in 2022, a year that saw Buxton make his first All-Star Game appearance. His average dipped to .224, but he cranked 28 home runs and drove in 51. The speedy outfielder also tallied six swipes for Minnesota last year.
Put together Buxton’s previous two seasons into one, and these are the numbers:
- 2021-22: 153 G, .257/.327/.576, 111 R, 47 HR, 83 RBI, 15 SB
Just 24 players between 2021-22 have at least 45 home runs and 15 stolen bases in that timeframe. Buxton, though, accomplished that feat in far fewer games than anyone else in the league. Blue Jays outfielder George Springer came the closest, as he had 47 homers and 17 steals over 211 games over the last two seasons. Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neill, meanwhile, had 48 HR and 30 SB in 235 games.
Health has been a major concern with Buxton. Hence, it shouldn’t be a shock that manager Rocco Baldelli told reporters this week that Buxton will begin the season as the team’s primary designated hitter. The plan is for the Twins to slowly ramp the 29-year-old for work in the outfield.
2023 Fantasy Outlook
The Twins need Buxton to stay healthy in order to complete in 2023 — plain and simple. After all, very few can match the 29-year-old’s ability to impact a game with his bat and glove. While Buxton won’t have the opportunity to do so early on with his fielding prowess, this plan does give Minnesota the ability to trot out elite defender Michael A. Taylor in center and hopefully keep the electric outfielder in the lineup.
Buxton’s durability issues are a thorn in his fantasy value. But, a healthy Buxton is an impact player and a potential steal. Don’t expect a ton of steals, but he does have the potential to hit 30 home runs in the 2023 season. If he can stay on the field, one should expect good things from him.
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