Minnesota Twins willing to lose Byron Buxton over $20 million

There is no question as to what Byron Buxton means to the Minnesota Twins. The Twins have been 36 games over .500 with Buxton in the lineup since the start of the 2019 season, and a .500 ballclub when he has been sidelined. While it is nearly impossible to say that one player can make a major impact upon a team, Buxton transforms the Twins when he is in the lineup.

Minnesota’s front office is clearly aware of Buxton’s value to the franchise. They have been attempting to sign him to an extension, reportedly offering $80 million over seven years. Buxton, meanwhile, reportedly wanted incentives that could push the value of the contract to $100 million over those seven years, which the Twins are refusing to consider.

Minnesota Twins valuing dollars over sense with Byron Buxton

There is an inherent risk with handing Buxton a long term extension. He has appeared in just 187 games over the past three seasons as he has continued to be plagued by injuries. In fact, in his seven years in the majors, Buxton has appeared in more than 92 games just once, doing so in 2017.

There is also no question as to Buxton’s talent. The former top prospect in baseball has produced a .277/.321/.575 batting line in his 684 plate appearances over the past three years, hitting 42 homers and 56 doubles while stealing 25 bases. Defensively, he has saved 29 runs in that span, proving that he is a true five tool player.

Given his injury concerns, it is understandable that the Twins would not want to commit $100 million in guaranteed money to Buxton, even if it is over a seven year period. However, the difference involves incentives that Buxton may not even reach. He cannot make that extra money unless he is on the diamond, essentially protecting the Twins from what they may consider to be an overpayment.

Yet there is no question that when Buxton is on the diamond he is worth every penny. And there is no question that Buxton makes a difference in the Twins’ fortunes when he plays. Instead of realizing that, and giving in on non-guaranteed money to keep their star player in Minnesota, they are going to risk letting him walk over $20 million.

The Minnesota Twins are not willing to give Byron Buxton $20 million in incentives. They are choosing hypothetical dollars of sense.