Byron Buxton very excited after signing contract extension with Twins
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Twins center fielder Byron Buxton uttered the word "excited" many times on Wednesday morning at Target Field, recapping the opportunity to be under contract through the 2028 season. Buxton, in many ways, is now the face of the Twins’ franchise.
***Click the video box above to watch the Buxton press conference***
Buxton’s deal is for seven years and $100 million. It has full no-trade power through the 2026 season, then limited in 2027 and 2028.
The deal also includes MVP bonuses that would trigger if he finishes as high as 10th in the American League Most Valuable Player voting during the contract.
Other incentives include number of plate appearances achieved per season. In other words, if Buxton stays healthy, an issue in his career, he’ll be rewarded even more so financially.
Twins president of operations Derek Falvey, left, Twins CF Byron Buxton, center, and GM Thad Levine pose for a photo after the news conference.[KSTP/Joe Caffrey]
Buxton is considered one of the most talented players in the big leagues, but has had trouble staying on the field due to multiple injuries during his seven seasons with the Twins. In 2021, Buxton played in only 61 games but hit .306 with 19 home runs and a .647 slugging percentage. Buxton was set to become a free agent after the 2022 season.
The Twins selected Buxton with the second overall pick in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft. He won a Gold Glove Award with the Twins in 2017.