Over the years, Bryon Buxton has been known for his Gold Glove-caliber defense in the outfield. Since making his MLB debut, Buxton has been a human highlight reel and won a Gold Glove in 2017. Despite his success defensively, Buxton has struggled mightily with the bat. The former top overall pick has never finished a season batting above but, in a shortened 2020 campaign, has started to break through offensively.
Through 118 at-bats this season, Buxton is hitting .271 with a slugging percentage of .602. The Georgia native has already hit 12 home runs, which is four short of his career-high, and has 24 runs batted in. The Twins’ centerfielder has 15 extra-base hits and has been on a tear since returning from the injured list last week.
Over the past week, Buxton hit .360 in 25 at-bats. His power has been on full display as over that span, Buxton has hit six home runs. The Twins centerfielder has been Minnesota’s offensive leader as over the past week he has driven in nine runs and has a slugging percentage of 1.167. Part of Buxton’s success is due to his improved plate discipline.
Bryon Buxton has more athleticism in his pinky than all of us combined pic.twitter.com/4s68XED2VE
— Fuzzy (@fuzzyfromyt) September 7, 2020
During Buxton’s hot stretch, he has only struck out four times in 24 at-bats. Over the past week, Buxton has only struck out multiple times in a game once. Over that stretch, Buxton’s average has risen nearly 30 points to .271, which would be a career-high if the season ended today. The 26-year-old has homered in five of his past nine games.
As the Twins continue their march to the postseason, Buxton’s play will be key. The offense has been a strength this season, but Buxton’s recent surge has been a welcoming addition. However, the Twins will need Buxton to continue his aggressive approach as they look to make a deep playoff run.
Additionally, over the past two weeks, Buxton’s swing rate is up 10 percent. With his current production, the Twins’ lineup has become more dangerous in one of baseball’s most competitive divisions. Buxton also now has the second-most home runs on the team and is only four short of matching his career-high. Although Buxton may be running out of time to match his career, it has still been a productive season.
BYRON BUXTON CANNOT BE STOPPED pic.twitter.com/oMVMVnlUIz
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) September 17, 2020
As the regular season winds down, the Twins’ focus will shift to the playoffs. With Buxton on a tear, Minnesota will be harder to stop as Buxton is living up to his potential.
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