Twins Star Buxton Preps for WBC and New Season

After a 'different' offseason, the 2025 AL MVP runner-up is focused on representing Team USA and leading Minnesota.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton is preparing for the upcoming World Baseball Classic and 2026 MLB season after a 'different' offseason. Buxton, who finished second in the 2025 AL MVP voting, displayed the results in his home gym as motivation to improve this year.

Why it matters

Buxton is one of the most dynamic players in baseball and a key piece for the Twins as they look to build on their success. His participation in the WBC will give him valuable international experience before the MLB season, but he'll need to stay healthy after dealing with injuries in recent years.

The details

Buxton said he was 'pissed' about finishing 11th in the 2025 AL MVP voting, just two spots shy of winning the award. The 28-year-old outfielder is using that as motivation as he prepares for the WBC, where he'll represent Team USA, and the upcoming MLB season with the Twins.

  • Buxton displayed the 2025 AL MVP voting results in his home gym this winter.

The players

Byron Buxton

A 28-year-old outfielder for the Minnesota Twins who finished second in the 2025 AL MVP voting.

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What they’re saying

“I was pissed. I ain't going to lie to you,”

— Byron Buxton (The Daily Republic)

What’s next

Buxton will represent Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic before rejoining the Twins for the 2026 MLB season.

The takeaway

Buxton's drive to improve after a near-MVP campaign shows his commitment to leading the Twins back to the playoffs. His participation in the WBC will help him prepare for the grind of the MLB season as he looks to stay healthy and cement his status as one of the game's elite players.