Twins Teammates Cherish Byron Buxton On and Off the Field

The All-Star outfielder is celebrated for his loyalty, leadership, and dedication to the team and community.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:05am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game or match broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of the sport.Buxton's leadership and team-first mentality have made him an invaluable part of the Twins' clubhouse culture.Cleveland Today

Twins outfielder Byron Buxton is being celebrated by his teammates for his exceptional character and leadership both on and off the field. Despite reaching 10 years of major league service time, a milestone achieved by fewer than 10% of all players, Buxton's teammates say it's his dedication to the team, his family, and the community that makes him truly special. Buxton is known for his thoughtfulness, his willingness to mentor younger players, and his unwavering loyalty to the Twins organization that drafted him.

Why it matters

Buxton's story highlights the importance of having a team leader who embodies not just on-field talent, but also strong character, selflessness, and a commitment to the organization and community. His example sets a high standard for what it means to be a professional athlete and a role model, inspiring his teammates and fans alike.

The details

Buxton, who was the second overall pick in the 2012 draft, has blossomed into a two-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner, and Silver Slugger. But it's his actions off the field that have truly endeared him to his teammates. He is quick to offer encouragement and advice, whether it's boosting the confidence of a struggling young player like Royce Lewis or gathering the team together after a tough trade deadline. Buxton also shows his appreciation for his teammates through small gestures like buying them customized shirts and belts. His dedication to his family and the way he treats everyone he encounters, from waiters to bus drivers, with respect, has also earned him widespread admiration.

  • Buxton celebrated 10 years of major league service time on Sunday, April 8, 2026.
  • Buxton signed a seven-year contract extension with the Twins in 2021 that takes him through the 2028 season.

The players

Byron Buxton

A two-time All-Star, Gold Glove Award winner, and Silver Slugger Award winner for the Minnesota Twins, known for his exceptional on-field talent as well as his strong character, leadership, and dedication to the team and community.

Torii Hunter

A former MLB player who had a longstanding relationship with Royce Lewis's father and gave Lewis advice about Buxton when he was a young player.

Royce Lewis

A top draft pick of the Twins who was mentored by Buxton and has adopted some of Buxton's habits, like eating the same pre-game meal.

Austin Martin

A Twins teammate of Buxton who has praised Buxton's leadership and dedication to the team.

Taylor Rogers

A Twins reliever who was drafted in the same class as Buxton and has praised Buxton's respectful treatment of everyone he encounters.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody thinks of him extremely highly, not only for the talent that he is but just who he is off the field.”

— Austin Martin, Twins Teammate

“He's top-notch. He respects everybody, treats everybody well, with respect.”

— Taylor Rogers, Twins Reliever

“When it's all said and done, I don't really care what people think of me as a player, but I care about what my teammates thought of me in the locker room.”

— Byron Buxton

What’s next

Buxton will continue to be a key leader for the Twins as they look to build on their success and make a deep postseason run in 2026.

The takeaway

Byron Buxton's story is a testament to the power of strong character, selfless leadership, and unwavering loyalty in professional sports. His example shows that true greatness is measured not just by on-field achievements, but by the positive impact a player has on their teammates, organization, and community.