Twins Defy Expectations with Hot Start

Center fielder Byron Buxton rallies team to early-season success despite low preseason projections.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Twins baseball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and white conveying the team's dynamic energy and determination.The Twins' early-season success defies preseason projections, showcasing the team's unity and determination to prove doubters wrong.Fort Myers Today

The Minnesota Twins have defied low preseason expectations with a hot start to the 2026 MLB season. Led by veteran center fielder Byron Buxton, the Twins came together during spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, to rally around doubters and prove they can compete at a high level.

Why it matters

The Twins' early-season success is a surprise to many baseball pundits who predicted the team would struggle this year due to ownership's unwillingness to invest in the roster. Buxton's leadership in galvanizing the team has been crucial in overcoming those low expectations.

The details

During spring training in Fort Myers, Buxton delivered a message to his Twins teammates, urging them to tune out the outside noise and focus on proving their doubters wrong. The veteran outfielder, who has spent his entire career with the Twins organization, has been a driving force behind the team's strong start to the season.

  • The Twins began spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, in February 2026.
  • The 2026 MLB regular season began in early April 2026.

The players

Byron Buxton

A veteran center fielder who has spent his entire MLB career with the Minnesota Twins organization.

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What they’re saying

“He had heard the outside noise saying the Twins weren't going to be worth following this season, with ownership unwilling to open up”

— Byron Buxton, Twins Center Fielder

What’s next

The Twins will look to continue their hot start as they navigate the early portion of the 2026 MLB season and try to prove the preseason doubters wrong.

The takeaway

The Twins' early-season success, led by veteran Byron Buxton, shows the power of team unity and determination to overcome low external expectations. Their hot start has the potential to galvanize the fanbase and change the narrative around the franchise.