Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Byron Buxton, 32-year-old Minnesota Twins center fielder, has been performing exceptionally well in 2026 with a .260/.311/.565 slash line, 13-15 home runs, and elite defensive metrics (91st percentile OAA, 97th percentile sprint speed). However, he was recently scratched from the lineup on May 14 with right hip flexor soreness and has missed multiple consecutive games. He is currently day-to-day and progressing through baseball activities, with hopes of returning soon. While his power production and defense remain elite, concerns persist about his durability given his extensive 12-year injury history. He has struggled with runners in scoring position early in the season but is making a strong All-Star argument overall.
Strengths
- + Elite barrel percentage (97th percentile, 20.5%)
- + Exceptional power production (13-15 home runs in ~35 games)
- + Elite defensive metrics (91st percentile OAA)
- + 97th percentile sprint speed with 4 stolen bases
- + Strong All-Star caliber performance
- + Progressing well through baseball activities and on-field work
- + Recently homered twice in a game against Cleveland
- + Improved durability compared to career history
Weaknesses
- - Right hip flexor soreness causing recent absence
- - Missed 4+ consecutive games due to injury
- - Extensive injury history throughout 12-year career
- - Never reached 550 plate appearances in any season
- - Surpassed 400 plate appearances only twice in career
- - Struggles with runners in scoring position (1-for-25 early season)
- - Below-average walk rate (20th percentile)
- - High strikeout rate (30th percentile)
Injury Status: day-to-day
About
Byron Buxton is a center fielder for the Minnesota Twins.
Player Overview
CF
Minnesota Twins
Recent News
Bryan Abreu was called on for the final out in a 2-1 win over the Twins on Tuesday.
May 19, 2026
Byron Buxton, future Brave? Braves fans sound off
May 19, 2026
Byron Buxton (hip) is back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Astros.
May 19, 2026
Byron Buxton: Rejoining lineup Tuesday
May 19, 2026
Byron Buxton (hip) is back in the lineup on Tuesday against the Astros.
May 19, 2026