Byron Buxton – Minnesota Twins Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Byron Buxton, or “Buck” as fans know him, has become one of baseball’s most exciting players since the Minnesota Twins picked him second overall in 2012.

He was born December 18, 1993, in Baxley, Georgia. Buxton brings a rare mix of speed, power, and defense to the game, and the Twins have counted on him as a franchise cornerstone—even though injuries have often gotten in the way.

In 2022, Buxton locked in his financial future by signing a seven-year contract worth $100 million with the Minnesota Twins, which included a $1 million signing bonus. The Twins showed a lot of faith in him with this deal, and Buxton gained some much-needed security. The contract also has performance bonuses, so if he stays healthy and productive, he can earn even more.

Buxton has always kept his family at the center of his decisions. When he finalized his long-term contract with Minnesota, he made sure stability for his family was a top priority. That says a lot about who he is beyond baseball. His net worth has climbed since his MLB debut, and this contract is now the backbone of his wealth.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Buxton’s journey toward professional baseball started when he was just a kid. His athletic gifts stood out early, and he put in the work to turn those gifts into something special.

His story, from a small-town Georgia kid to a top MLB prospect, really shows off his talent and dedication.

Childhood and Background

Byron Keiron Buxton was born in Baxley, Georgia, on December 18, 1993. It’s a small southern town, and sports are a big deal there.

He didn’t focus solely on baseball at first. As a kid, he also played football and ran track, and he was good at all of them. But baseball eventually won him over.

Buxton started playing baseball at six, learning the game on local fields. His parents, Felton and Carrie Buxton, always supported his passion. They drove him to games and practices, teaching him the value of hard work and sticking with things.

By the time he hit his early teens, Buxton’s blazing speed and natural swing were already making him stand out in youth leagues across Georgia.

High School Baseball Achievements

At Appling County High School, Buxton took things to another level. He went from a promising athlete to a true baseball phenomenon.

His stats during his senior year were wild. He batted .513, racked up 17 doubles, and swiped 38 bases—Baseball Reference has the numbers.

He didn’t stop at baseball, either. Buxton played football and excelled in track at Appling County, showing off just how athletic he was in pretty much everything.

He won the Gatorade Georgia Baseball Player of the Year award for his high school performance. His mix of power, speed, and defense made him a top prospect for the 2012 MLB Draft.

The Minnesota Twins saw his potential and made him the second overall pick in the 2012 draft. That’s how his pro career began.

Professional Career and Achievements

Buxton’s MLB career has been a mix of jaw-dropping talent, tough injury luck, and flashes of brilliance that remind everyone why he went second overall in 2012.

His time with the Twins highlights his elite defensive skills and his offensive upside.

Major League Debut

Buxton made his MLB debut with the Twins on June 14, 2015. He entered the league as baseball’s #1 prospect.

His first season was a bit rough—he hit .209 with two home runs in 46 games. Adjusting to big-league pitching isn’t easy, and he had to learn fast.

Injuries started to become a theme early in his career, interrupting those moments when he looked like a future star. Even so, the Twins and scouts never lost confidence in him.

His speed and defensive instincts jumped out right away, even before his bat caught up. Buxton covered center field like few others, quickly earning a reputation as one of baseball’s best defensive players.

Breakout Seasons and Awards

Buxton’s big breakout came in 2017. He hit 16 home runs, stole 29 bases, and took home his first Gold Glove Award.

His defensive stats were ridiculous that year—he saved the Twins a ton of runs with highlight-reel catches.

In 2019, Buxton showed more power and batted .262, but injuries limited him to 87 games. Then came the shortened 2020 season, where he put up a 124 wRC+—meaning he was 24% better than the average MLB hitter.

Throughout his career, people have recognized his defense:

• Gold Glove Award (2017)
• Platinum Glove Award (2017)
• Multiple MLB top defensive play highlights

MVP-Caliber Performance

In 2021, Buxton finally put together an MVP-level stretch, even if it only lasted 61 games. He hit .306, smashed 19 homers, and posted a 1.005 OPS—some of the best per-game numbers in Twins history.

When he’s healthy, Buxton looks like one of baseball’s rare five-tool players. He combines power and speed in a way that just isn’t common anymore.

In 2022, he hit a career-high 28 home runs, even while battling injuries.

Buxton’s impact on the Twins is huge. The team simply wins more when he’s in the lineup. That’s a big reason why Minnesota gave him a seven-year, $100 million contract in December 2021.

He’s never played more than 140 games in a season, but when he’s on the field, Buxton helps the Twins reach the playoffs and changes games with his talent.

Byron Buxton Contract Overview

The Minnesota Twins made a major financial commitment to Buxton, betting on his talent and hoping he stays healthy.

His current deal mixes guaranteed money with performance incentives, which makes sense for both sides.

Current Contract Terms

Buxton is currently playing under a 7-year, $100 million contract he signed in 2022. The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus and keeps him in Minnesota through 2028.

For the 2025 season, he’s set to earn $15 million. The salary increases over time, showing the Twins’ belief in his ability to make a difference when he’s healthy.

This contract gives both sides some stability. Buxton gets long-term security, and the Twins lock in a star centerfielder at a price that could turn out to be a bargain if he stays on the field.

Incentives and Performance Bonuses

The contract comes with a bunch of performance incentives that could boost Buxton’s earnings quite a bit. These bonuses reward him for staying healthy and playing well, which addresses the injury concerns.

Here are some of the main incentives:

• MVP Bonuses: Up to $8 million for winning, with smaller payouts for finishing high in the voting
• All-Star Selections: Extra money if he makes the team
• Gold Glove Awards: More bonuses for great defense
• Games Played: Bonuses for hitting certain games-played marks

These incentives line up Buxton’s financial interests with the Twins’ hopes of keeping him on the field. When he’s healthy, he’s worth every penny.

Recent Contract Negotiations

Before this long-term deal, Buxton and the Twins worked out a few shorter contracts. He signed for $535,000 in 2017 and $570,000 in 2018 as he developed into a star.

The negotiations for his current contract got a lot of attention around the league. Several teams tried to trade for him, but the Twins made it clear they wanted to keep their homegrown star.

They found a middle ground. Buxton agreed to a lower guaranteed total than some stars get, while the Twins accepted the injury risk.

The no-trade clause in his contract shows Buxton’s commitment to Minnesota. He wants to stay with the team that drafted him.

Net Worth, Endorsements, and Financial Growth

Buxton’s finances have grown a lot since he entered the league. His net worth jumped after landing his big contract with the Twins and picking up some endorsement deals along the way.

Salary and Earnings Breakdown

Right now, Buxton’s net worth is estimated at $12 million, but some newer estimates bump that up to $115 million if you count the full value of his contract.

His financial situation changed dramatically in 2021 when he signed the 7-year, $100 million deal with the Twins.

Here’s the breakdown:

• $1 million signing bonus
• $100 million fully guaranteed
• Average annual salary of about $14.3 million

For 2025, he’ll make $15 million, one of the bigger years in his contract. His salary went up steadily from his rookie deal to this big payday, reflecting the Twins’ trust in him.

Major Endorsement Deals

We don’t have exact numbers for Buxton’s endorsement deals, but he’s worked with several big names in sporting goods. As one of the most athletic outfielders in baseball, equipment companies want him to represent their top products.

His main endorsements include:

• Athletic apparel brands
• Baseball equipment companies
• Some Minnesota-based businesses

These deals add to his MLB salary and help grow his financial portfolio. Unlike some MLB stars, Buxton keeps his endorsements pretty focused on baseball and local partnerships.

Economic Impact and Local Development

Buxton’s role on the Twins has a real economic impact in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Star players like him boost ticket sales, merchandise, and TV ratings, which ripples through the local economy.

The benefits look like this:

• Target Field attendance: Fans show up to watch Buxton’s exciting play
• Community engagement: He supports local charities and development projects
• Minnesota sports economy: As a franchise face, he helps keep the Twins brand strong

The Twins’ investment in Buxton is about more than just baseball. Committing $100 million signals their belief in his value as both a player and a key figure in the community.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Buxton juggles his baseball career with a busy personal life. He’s dedicated to his family, gives back to the community, and finds time for hobbies that help him unwind from the grind of MLB.

Family and Partners

Buxton shares his life with his wife, Lindsey Tillery. They’ve known each other since high school, which is kind of rare these days. The couple married in 2016 and have built a strong foundation together, even while handling the chaos of a pro baseball career.

They have two sons: Brixton, born in 2013, and Blaze, who arrived a few years later. Even with his packed schedule with the Minnesota Twins, Buxton carves out family time during the off-season.

The Buxtons keep a home in Georgia, where Byron grew up. That way, they stay close to extended family.

His parents, Felton and Carrie Buxton, play a big role in his life. You’ll often spot them cheering him on at games.

Community Involvement

Buxton gives back to causes in both Minnesota and Georgia. He jumps into the Twins’ community outreach programs, visiting kids in hospitals and backing youth baseball initiatives.

In Minnesota, he’s worked with economic development programs that open doors for underprivileged youth. These programs focus on giving kids access to sports facilities and educational resources in places that don’t always have them.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Buxton stepped up and donated to food banks in the Twin Cities. His community work really shows how much he cares about making a difference.

He’s also pitched in during the Twins’ annual Hope Week, spending time with different charities across the country.

Interests and Hobbies

When he’s not on the field, Buxton likes to get outside. Fishing is a favorite—he says it gives him a chance to unwind and think, which sounds pretty nice during a hectic season.

He’s into hunting too, and often explores the outdoors in Minnesota and Georgia. These hobbies help him balance out the pressure of professional sports.

Video games are another way he relaxes. Buxton admits he’s pretty competitive when it comes to sports games and sometimes streams online with fans.

He’s also a car enthusiast and has been seen at automotive events. His collection includes several performance cars, which makes sense for someone who loves speed and precision—kind of like his style on the field.

Challenges, Injuries, and Long-Term Prospects

Byron Buxton’s career has mixed incredible talent with a lot of health setbacks. He’s had some amazing moments with the Twins, but injuries have interrupted his journey more than once.

Injury History and Recovery

Buxton has dealt with a long list of injuries that have kept him off the field. Since he debuted in MLB in 2015, he’s rarely played a full season. Wrist problems, toe fractures, migraines, concussions, and knee issues have all been part of his story.

In 2022, he missed a big chunk of the season with a knee injury. That forced him to spend most of his time as a designated hitter instead of roaming center field. Still, he kept pushing through.

Over time, he and the Twins have changed up his recovery routines. The team set up strategic rest days to help him avoid more injuries. This plan has helped him stay on the field, even when he’s not 100%.

Team medical staff say Buxton’s dedication to his rehab and strengthening programs stands out. They believe he’s putting in the work to stay healthy in the future.

Future with the Twins and Beyond

The Twins showed their faith in Buxton by signing him to a 7-year, $100 million contract that runs through 2028. The deal includes incentives based on how much he plays and how well he performs, which makes sense given his injury history.

When he’s healthy, Buxton brings enormous value. Some reports say he’s delivered almost $163 million in total value to the Twins while earning about $51 million, so his contract looks like a steal.

The Twins’ long-term plan seems to center on Buxton’s talent while managing his health carefully. Team leaders keep saying they see him as a cornerstone player.

As he gets older, his role might shift. He could see more time as a DH to help him stay healthy and keep his bat in the lineup.

Rumored Trade Interests

Even with all his injuries, Buxton’s rare talent keeps drawing trade interest from several teams.

The New York Mets, for example, have apparently kept tabs on him through recent offseasons. They seem to think he could seriously shake up their outfield.

Other contenders have checked in about Buxton, especially when the Twins look like they’re rebuilding. Still, Minnesota usually holds onto him, probably because they know he’s got a skill set you just can’t find anywhere.

Whenever Buxton gets hurt, trade rumors start swirling again. The Twins front office, though, keeps saying he’s a franchise cornerstone and they stick by him.

His current contract actually gives him some limited no-trade protection. So, if Minnesota ever wants to go in a new direction, Buxton can at least have a say in where he lands.

Some industry folks think his trade value jumps all over the place, depending on how healthy he is at any given time.