Buxton Preps for WBC and New Season After 'Different' Offseason

Twins center fielder reflects on trade rumors, MVP voting, and commitment to Minnesota

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Byron Buxton, the Minnesota Twins' star center fielder, is preparing for the upcoming World Baseball Classic and 2026 MLB season after a 'different' offseason. Buxton was disappointed to finish 11th in the 2025 AL MVP voting, missing out on a $3 million bonus. He was also unhappy about being involved in trade rumors, despite publicly committing to the Twins organization. Now, Buxton is focused on representing the U.S. in the WBC and returning to lead the Twins roster.

Why it matters

Buxton's performance and commitment to the Twins are crucial for the team's success. As one of the league's top players, his involvement in trade rumors and disappointment over the MVP voting results could have impacted his mindset and relationship with the organization. However, the Twins have now publicly declared their plans to build around Buxton, López, and Ryan, providing clarity and stability for the star outfielder.

The details

Buxton spent the offseason training at home in Georgia, with a trip to Disney World as a highlight. He received a call from U.S. WBC manager Mark DeRosa, which Buxton jumped at the chance to accept. Buxton said he started preparing for the WBC a month earlier than normal, as the tournament runs from March 5-17. When he returns to the Twins, he will once again be the heart and soul of the roster.

  • Buxton finished 11th in the 2025 AL MVP voting, missing out on a $3 million bonus.
  • At the beginning of the offseason, the Twins' plans for the roster were unclear.
  • In December, Twins officials declared they would keep Buxton, López, and Ryan and build around them.
  • In November, Buxton met with new Twins manager Derek Shelton, who told him he was part of the team's plans.
  • Buxton received the call from U.S. WBC manager Mark DeRosa right after returning home from Disney World.

The players

Byron Buxton

The Minnesota Twins' star center fielder who is preparing for the World Baseball Classic and the 2026 MLB season.

Derek Shelton

The new manager of the Minnesota Twins, who told Buxton he was part of the team's plans.

Tom Pohlad

The new executive chair of the Minnesota Twins, who visited Buxton.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of the United States' World Baseball Classic team, who called Buxton to invite him to join the team.

Derek Falvey

The former president of business and baseball operations for the Minnesota Twins, who was uncertain about the team's plans for the roster.

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What they’re saying

“I was pissed. I ain't going to lie to you. You surprised yourself a little bit and thought you put yourself in a good position, and you didn't. It's fire.”

— Byron Buxton, Twins Center Fielder (grandforksherald.com)

“If you know me and you know who I am, I don't like my name being blasted around all the time. So this offseason for me was a little different — peaceful, but different.”

— Byron Buxton, Twins Center Fielder (grandforksherald.com)

“All it takes is for somebody at the top to go to the media (and say), 'We're not trading you.' Trade rumors stop. Now, we don't have those conversations. That's how simple this could get.”

— Byron Buxton, Twins Center Fielder (grandforksherald.com)

“To be able to have that opportunity, to be able to put that jersey on, finally, is something special.”

— Byron Buxton, Twins Center Fielder (grandforksherald.com)

“It's very important to me that he is a Minnesota Twin. As important, it's important to him. He said it publicly prior to me being here. He said it publicly after I got here. … We want him to be a Minnesota Twin. He made a commitment to the organization, and the organization made a commitment to him.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager (grandforksherald.com)

What’s next

Buxton will join the U.S. team for the World Baseball Classic, which runs from March 5-17. When he returns to the Twins, he will be the heart and soul of their roster as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season.

The takeaway

Buxton's commitment to the Twins and his desire to represent the U.S. in the WBC show his dedication to both his team and country. Despite the disappointment of the MVP voting and trade rumors, Buxton remains focused on leading the Twins to success and cementing his legacy as one of the game's top players.