The Minnesota Twins had one of the better seasons in recent memory. They were making the postseason for the first time since 2020, breaking a few long-standing playoff streaks along the way. With loud crowds at Target Field, thousands showing up for watch parties at the park, and some spectacular All-Star performances from Carlos Correa and Pablo López. They were close to making it to Game 5 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros after an unforgettable sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays in the Wild Card round.
It was a good season, regardless of the outcome. However, when Minnesota released their postseason roster for the first series against Toronto, Byron Buxton’s name was notably absent. Some fans and analysts were left wondering why Buxton, one of Minnesota’s most valuable players, was not included in the playoff roster.
Buxton had a heartfelt and emotional 20-minute conversation with Rocco Baldelli a few days before the end of the regular season. Buxton wanted Baldelli to include him on playoff roster but understood why he wasn’t on it. Despite not being on the team since early August, Buxton had been working around the clock to prove he was ready for the postseason.
Despite Buxton’s best efforts, the Twins organization decided not to include him on the final Wild Card roster. It felt like he would remain off the roster if the Twins advanced. The decision was surprising, given Buxton’s immense talent. Before his injury in August, Buxton was slashing .207/.294/.438 with 17 home runs and 42 RBI.
It initially shocked me not to see Buxton on the playoff roster. Minnesota’s all-time winning record with Buxton is 365-305 vs. 315-371 without. However, after a few minutes of reflection on the Twins season, it became clear that the organization made a wise move. Buxton’s injuries and lack of contribution this season were sufficient to keep him off the playoff roster, especially considering the impressive performances of rookies like Royce Lewis and Edouard Julien.
With Lewis and Julien rotating out the designated hitter spot during the postseason, and Michael A. Taylor occupying center field. When Lewis wasn’t playing third, they needed the DH spot because he was coming off a hamstring injury. Buxton acknowledged that there likely needed to be more room for him to help in his current state.
“I ain’t going to say I couldn’t play,” Buxton said after Game 1 of the AL Wild Card series. “I probably could have played. It’s all about contributing. I can go out there and do what I want to do, but it wouldn’t probably be at the speed I want it to be. That’s one of those where I don’t want to hurt the team.”
Before Game 4 of the ALDS, the Twins surprised everyone by swapping Alex Kirilloff for Buxton. Kirilloff had suffered a shoulder injury the previous game; Buxton was on the bench but available to play. Buxton made a brief appearance in the bottom of the 8th inning, replacing Taylor as a pinch hitter. However, his at-bat ended with a pop-up.
By initially leaving Buxton off the roster, the organization demonstrated that they had the talent to win games without him. Now, this doesn’t mean they don’t need or want Buxton. They simply proved they don’t need to rely on him to win ball games or carry the team to the postseason. He still remains an essential player for the team, and fans are eagerly anticipating his return next season.
It was just one of those frustrating years for the 29-year-old who only played in 85 games this season and hadn’t stepped onto the field in over two months before his appearance in Game 4 against the Astros. Buxton wasn’t at 100% when he made his postseason appearance. Although the circumstances could have been better, Buxton still got his chance to help his teammates when they needed him the most. We didn’t get the storybook ending we were all hoping for, but the ALDS set the stage for what could be an incredible journey in 2024.
