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

Twins star outfielder Byron Buxton looks to build on MVP-caliber 2025 season after trade rumors and disappointment in awards voting.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Byron Buxton, the star center fielder for the Minnesota Twins, 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, just two points shy of a top-10 finish. He was also frustrated by trade rumors surrounding him during the offseason, wishing the Twins had publicly committed to keeping him earlier. Now, with new manager Derek Shelton and executive chair Tom Pohlad assuring him he's part of the team's plans, Buxton is focused on representing Team USA in the WBC and leading the Twins in 2026.

Why it matters

Buxton is one of the most talented and exciting players in baseball when healthy, and the Twins' success is closely tied to his performance. After a career-best season in 2025, Buxton's mindset and commitment to the organization will be crucial as the Twins look to build a contender around their star center fielder.

The details

Buxton spent the offseason training at home in Georgia, with a trip to Disney World mixed in. He received a call from Team USA manager Mark DeRosa to join the WBC team, which Buxton jumped at. To prepare, he started training about a month earlier than normal. While the trade rumors earlier in the offseason bothered Buxton, new Twins manager Derek Shelton and executive chair Tom Pohlad have assured Buxton he is a key part of the team's plans going forward.

  • Buxton finished 11th in the 2025 AL MVP voting.
  • Buxton met with new Twins manager Derek Shelton in November 2025.
  • Buxton received a call from Team USA WBC manager Mark DeRosa after returning from Disney World.

The players

Byron Buxton

The star center fielder for the Minnesota Twins, known for his elite defense and power potential when healthy.

Derek Shelton

The new manager of the Minnesota Twins, who communicated to Buxton that he is part of the team's plans.

Tom Pohlad

The new executive chair of the Minnesota Twins, who visited Buxton to assure him of his role with the team.

Mark DeRosa

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

What’s next

Buxton will leave Twins spring training to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, which runs from March 5-17. When he returns, he will be a key part of the Twins' roster as they look to build a contender around their star center fielder.

The takeaway

Buxton's offseason frustrations with trade rumors and MVP voting disappointment have fueled his determination to lead the Twins to success in 2026. The organization's commitment to keeping him and building around him has Buxton focused and ready to take the next step as one of baseball's elite players.