Ready to begin WBC play, Byron Buxton says Twins clubhouse is in good spot

Buxton prepared for World Baseball Classic, believes Twins are ready to challenge themselves

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Minnesota Twins All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton is excited to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic after feeling physically prepared and believing the Twins clubhouse is in a good spot. Buxton emphasized the importance of belief and aggression to his Twins teammates before leaving camp, and manager Derek Shelton believes the team is ready to challenge themselves. Meanwhile, Twins pitcher Joe Ryan is optimistic about the possibility of starting for Team USA in the later rounds of the WBC, and Bailey Ober is pleased with how he's throwing the ball ahead of his next outing.

Why it matters

Buxton's leadership and messaging to his Twins teammates before leaving for the WBC highlights his growing role as a veteran presence in the clubhouse. The Twins are hoping Buxton's confidence and challenge to his teammates will translate to a strong start to the season, while Ryan's potential WBC role and Ober's progress on the mound are positive signs for the Twins' pitching depth.

The details

Buxton played in back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday to prepare for the WBC, accruing 15 plate appearances as part of a plan devised with Twins manager Derek Shelton and broadcast analyst Justin Morneau, who has WBC experience. Buxton emphasized the importance of belief, aggression, and challenging oneself to his Twins teammates before leaving camp. Twins pitcher Joe Ryan, who pitched for Team USA in the 2021 Summer Olympics, is optimistic about the possibility of starting for Team USA in the later rounds of the WBC, while Bailey Ober is pleased with how he's throwing the ball ahead of his next outing.

  • Buxton flew to Houston on Sunday to join Team USA.
  • Buxton could be away from Twins camp until March 18, depending on how far Team USA advances in the WBC.

The players

Byron Buxton

A Minnesota Twins All-Star outfielder who is excited to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins who worked with Buxton to prepare him for the WBC.

Justin Morneau

A Twins broadcast analyst who has played in the WBC tournament four times for Team Canada and provided advice to Buxton and Shelton.

Joe Ryan

A Minnesota Twins pitcher who is optimistic about the possibility of starting for Team USA in the later rounds of the WBC.

Bailey Ober

A Minnesota Twins pitcher who is pleased with how he's throwing the ball ahead of his next outing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The tone setting, I think we've done that. There's a pretty good feel in our clubhouse. (Buxton) did a good job preparing. We tried to amp up his at-bats and back-to-backs. I think he's ready. It'll be exciting to watch him play.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins manager (nytimes.com)

“(The) only thing I said is believe in yourself. If you want to throw a curveball, throw, believe, believe in the curveball. Hit your spot. Throw it with conviction. Don't sugarcoat for the most part. Come out and challenge yourself. Whatever you're doing, whether you're on the mound, whether you're in the box, believe in what you're doing. Don't be afraid to strike out. Don't be afraid to give up a homer. Trust the person. … Be more aggressive. Don't take the passive side out. We got to start being on the fight side a little bit more and attack.”

— Byron Buxton (nytimes.com)

“The communication … has just been super helpful in easing (me) mentally. I feel really good about it. I think DeRo feels really good about it. JZ feels good about it. I don't want to speak for them necessarily, I guess, but it seems like from the communication we've had, everyone's in a good spot. We'll progress and try to reach those goals. But yeah, I'm excited.”

— Joe Ryan, Twins pitcher (nytimes.com)

What’s next

If all goes well, Joe Ryan would then make a start for the Twins after participating in a live batting practice session this week.

The takeaway

Buxton's leadership and messaging to his Twins teammates before leaving for the WBC, combined with the positive progress of pitchers like Ryan and Ober, suggest the Twins clubhouse is in a good spot and ready to challenge themselves as the new season approaches.