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Minnesota Twins hope Byron Buxton reaches his incentives in 2022

By Kevin Henry

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 13, 2021 in New York City. New York Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 13, 2021 in New York City. New York Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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When Byron Buxton signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with the Minnesota Twins that should keep him with the franchise until 2028, the extension was filled with plenty of incentives that could add to Buxton’s wallet.

While that may take some money out of the coffers of the Minnesota Twins, the franchise will assuredly be happy to pay if it means Byron Buxton is staying on the field.

When Buxton inked his deal, including in the wording were some financial incentives that can only be hit if the 28-year-old outfielder stays healthy and performs at a high level for the Minnesota Twins. Among those incentives are earning $8 million if he is named the American League Most Valuable Player. Additionally, he’ll receive $7 million if he finishes as the AL MVP runner-up and can even earn up to $3 million if he ends up between sixth and 10th in the balloting.

Additionally, Buxton is awarded $500,000 increments if he reaches 502, 533, 567, 600, and 625 plate appearances in any given season.

Now, here’s why that is important. Since making his MLB debut on June 14, 2015, Buxton has only reached 500 plate appearances in one season, totaling 511 during the 2017 season where he finished 18th in AL MVP voting, won a Gold Glove, and slashed .253/.314/.413 with 16 home runs and 51 RBI while swiping a career-high 29 bases.

Each season, Buxton has dealt with injuries that have cost him considerable time on the field. That included last season when Buxton hit .426 in April and seemed to be finding his stride when hamstring issues and a hip strain shelved him on May 7. As he was working his way back into the lineup, he fractured his left hand when he was hit by a pitch. He landed back on the injured list on June 22 and wasn’t activated again until August 27. After returning, he went 34-for-132 at the plate (.257) and hit eight home runs in September, reminding the Twins what he can bring to the lineup.

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Buxton being healthy and producing at the plate would be a big boost for the Twins as they battle in what could be an improved AL Central in 2022.

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