Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton Receives Good News After Dodgers Series

· Yahoo Sports

The Minnesota Twins were unfortunately swept this week by the Los Angeles Dodgers. As they continue to slide in the American League Central standings and appear positioned to be sellers at this year's trade deadline, rumors have naturally circulated about a potential Byron Buxton trade. However, Buxton and Minnesota's front office have since shut those down, and Buxton will finish out his team-friendly contract with the Twins.

The reason speculation ran so high is because of just how incredible a season Buxton has had. First, he has turned a corner from a health standpoint, already appearing in 70 games before the All-Star break, something he has rarely done in his 12-year career. Last season he stayed healthy too, logging 126 games, meaning any team acquiring him would be getting a player expected to be a massive contributor.

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That is exactly what Buxton has been this year, posting a .270 batting average, .327 on-base percentage, .912 OPS, American League-leading 25 home runs and 41 RBIs while continuing to play Gold Glove caliber defense in center field.

As a result, Buxton may be heading to his second consecutive All-Star selection. "Step 1 done! Phase 2 🔜 Buck is a finalist to be a starter for the AL outfield! Phase 2 voting starts June 29th!" the Twins wrote on X.

The job is not finished though. Buxton still has to finish in the top three out of the six AL outfielders that advanced to Phase 2 to earn a starting spot. He finished third among all AL outfielders in Phase 1, and although those votes do not carry over, if he can repeat that finish he will earn a starting spot and is clearly deserving of one.

Even if he does not finish in the top three, there is a chance he is selected as a reserve anyway as the Twins' sole representative. Right-hander Joe Ryan is another candidate to represent Minnesota.

Not only would a selection mark Buxton's second straight All-Star nod, but his third overall in a career that has been defined by as much adversity as it has brilliance, dating back to when he was taken second overall in the 2012 MLB Draft out of high school.

He has not won much in Minnesota, but moments like this give Twins fans something to celebrate, and after everything Buxton has been through to get here, the recognition is well earned.

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