Byron Buxton, a standout in Major League Baseball (MLB), has carved a name for himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league. Known for his exceptional speed, defensive prowess, and power at the plate, Buxton has been a cornerstone of the Minnesota Twins since his MLB debut in 2015.
With a career spanning over a decade, he has achieved remarkable milestones both on and off the field. Buxton continues to captivate fans while solidifying his financial standing through contracts and endorsements. This article explores his personal life, career journey, and financial achievements.
Byron Buxton’s Biography
| Full Name | Byron Keiron Buxton |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 18, 1993 |
| Age | 31 years |
| Education | Appling County High School |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 190 lbs (85 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
| Salary | $15 million |
| Wife | Lindsey Buxton |
| Children | Three sons |
| Instagram Profile | @buckdaddy103 |
| Twitter Profile | @OfficialBuck103 |
Early Career
Byron Buxton’s early career is a story of exceptional talent and dedication that began in Baxley, Georgia. Raised in a small town, Buxton’s athleticism was evident from an early age.
He started playing baseball at the age of six and quickly developed into a multi-sport athlete at Appling County High School, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. His impressive performances on the field earned him the nickname “Buck,” and he soon became one of Georgia’s most promising young athletes.
During his senior year of high school, Buxton showcased his remarkable abilities as both a pitcher and hitter. He achieved a 10–1 win-loss record with a 1.90 ERA and struck out an astounding 154 batters in just 81 innings pitched. On offense, he batted .513 with 17 doubles, three home runs, and 38 stolen bases in 39 games.
His speed was extraordinary, clocking a 6.6-second time in the 60-yard dash, which scouts rated as “well above average.” These feats culminated in leading Appling County to the Georgia Class AA State Championship, where Buxton struck out 18 batters in the decisive game while still throwing 91 mph in the seventh inning.
Scouts began noticing Buxton when he was just 15 years old. He played on traveling summer teams and participated in prestigious showcases such as the East Coast Pro Showcase and the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game. These events further solidified his reputation as a five-tool player—a rare combination of hitting ability, speed, arm strength, fielding skills, and power potential.
Buxton’s talent caught the attention of major league teams, and he committed to a college baseball scholarship with the University of Georgia while also considering football. However, his focus shifted entirely to baseball when MLB scouts rated him as the top high school prospect in the country. In 2012, Buxton was selected by the Minnesota Twins as the second overall pick in the MLB Draft. He signed a franchise-record $6 million bonus that same year.
Buxton’s professional journey began with the Gulf Coast Twins in Minor League Baseball (MiLB), where he experienced initial struggles at the plate but quickly adjusted after being promoted to the Elizabethton Twins later that season. There, he batted .286 and helped his team win the Appalachian League title.
By 2013, Buxton had emerged as one of baseball’s brightest prospects. He dominated Class A leagues with a .340 batting average, eight home runs, and 32 stolen bases for the Cedar Rapids Kernels before being promoted to Fort Myers Miracle.
Professional Career
Byron Buxton’s professional career in Major League Baseball (MLB) has been marked by moments of brilliance and resilience. He made his MLB debut for the Minnesota Twins on June 14, 2015, after years of being heralded as one of baseball’s top prospects.
Despite his immense talent, Buxton’s rookie season was challenging as he struggled offensively, batting just .209 over 46 games. However, his defensive skills immediately stood out, showcasing his elite speed and ability to cover ground in center field.
Buxton’s breakout season came in 2017 when he established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league. He earned his first Gold Glove Award and was named the American League Platinum Glove winner for his exceptional fielding.
That year, he also demonstrated growth at the plate, finishing with a .253 batting average, 16 home runs, and 29 stolen bases. His combination of speed and power made him a valuable asset for the Twins.
In subsequent seasons, Buxton’s career was hampered by injuries that limited his playing time. Despite this, he continued to make an impact whenever he was on the field. In April 2021, Buxton had one of the best months of his career, earning American League Player of the Month honors after batting .426 with eight home runs and 14 RBIs. His performance underscored his potential to be a game-changing player when healthy.
Recognizing his importance to the team, the Twins signed Buxton to a seven-year, $100 million contract extension in December 2021. The deal included incentives based on MVP finishes and plate appearances, reflecting both his value and concerns about durability.
Over the next few seasons, Buxton alternated between playing center field and serving as a designated hitter (DH) to manage his injuries while maintaining his offensive production.
By 2024, Buxton returned to center field full-time and delivered one of his best seasons offensively. He posted a .279 batting average with an impressive .859 OPS over 105 games. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively reaffirmed his status as a cornerstone player for the Twins.
Wife
Byron Buxton’s wife, Lindsey Buxton (formerly Lindsey Tillery), has been a constant source of support throughout his career.
The couple’s love story began in their hometown of Baxley, Georgia, where both attended Appling County High School. Lindsey, three years older than Byron, was a senior when they first met through mutual friends. While Lindsey played softball and Byron excelled in baseball, their shared passion for sports helped them bond. They officially started dating in 2012 and have been inseparable ever since.
In September 2014, Byron proposed to Lindsey, and the couple tied the knot on February 10, 2016. Their marriage has been a strong partnership filled with mutual respect and admiration. Lindsey is known for her dedication to their family and has prioritized her role as a homemaker, focusing on raising their children and supporting Byron’s demanding career.
Byron Buxton’s Net Worth Details
Byron Buxton’s net worth is estimated to be $15 million as of 2025.
Contract
Byron Buxton is currently playing under a seven-year, $100 million contract with the Minnesota Twins, which he signed in December 2021. The deal guarantees him $100 million, including a $1 million signing bonus, and runs through the 2028 season.
Buxton’s contract carries an average annual salary of $14.285 million, with a base salary of $15 million for the 2025 season. The agreement also includes a full no-trade clause from 2022 to 2026, transitioning to a five-team trade list for the final two years of the deal.
The contract is heavily incentive-based, reflecting Buxton’s immense potential while accounting for his injury history. He can earn significant bonuses tied to his performance, such as up to $8 million for winning the American League MVP Award and scaled bonuses for finishing second through tenth in MVP voting.
Additionally, he receives $500,000 bonuses for reaching specific plate appearance milestones (502, 533, 567, 600, and 625 appearances). If Buxton has a fully healthy and productive season, he could earn up to $25.5 million in a single year by maximizing these incentives.
This contract not only secures Buxton’s future with the Twins but also highlights the team’s commitment to retaining him as a cornerstone player despite the risks associated with his injury history.
Salary
Byron Buxton’s salary for the 2025 MLB season is $15 million in base pay, with a total payroll salary of $15.14 million. This is part of his seven-year, $100 million contract with the Minnesota Twins, signed in December 2021.
The contract guarantees Buxton an average annual salary of $14.285 million, making him one of the team’s highest-paid players. In addition to his base salary, the deal includes performance-based incentives such as bonuses for MVP finishes and plate appearances, which could significantly increase his earnings if achieved. Buxton’s consistent annual salary reflects the Twins’ confidence in his value to the team despite his injury history.
Career Earnings
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | – | $6,000,000 | $6,000,000 |
| 2015 | $124,795 | – | $124,795 |
| 2016 | $344,523 | – | $344,523 |
| 2017 | $535,000 | – | $535,000 |
| 2018 | $296,210 | – | $296,210 |
| 2019 | $1,750,000 | – | $1,750,000 |
| 2020 | $1,138,889 | – | $1,138,889 |
| 2021 | $5,125,000 | – | $5,125,000 |
| 2022 | $9,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $10,000,000 |
| 2023 | $15,000,000 | – | $15,000,000 |
| 2024 | $15,000,000 | – | $15,000,000 |
| 2025 | $15,000,000 | – | $15,000,000 |
| 2026 | $15,000,000 | – | $15,000,000 |
| 2027 | $15,000,000 | – | $15,000,000 |
| 2028 | $15,000,000 | – | $15,000,000 |
Endorsements
As of 2025, he is associated with several prominent brands, including Nike, which provides him with sports apparel and gear that he frequently wears during games. He also endorses BOLDR, a watch company known for its stylish and durable timepieces, and Diamond Krew Apparel, a brand specializing in t-shirts, hoodies, caps, and other accessories. Additionally, Buxton partners with FOCO USA, a company that produces clothing and fan merchandise.
MLB Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Seasons Played | 11 |
| Games Played | 900+ |
| Plate Appearances | 2,893 |
| At-Bats | 2,631 |
| Hits | 641 |
| Home Runs | 133 |
| Runs Batted In (RBIs) | 340 |
| Batting Average | .244 |
| On-Base Percentage (OBP) | .314 |
| Slugging Percentage (SLG) | .463 |
| On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) | .777 |
| Stolen Bases | 93 |
FAQs
1. Who is Byron Buxton?
Byron Buxton is an American professional baseball player who serves as a center fielder and designated hitter for the Minnesota Twins in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on December 18, 1993, in Baxley, Georgia, and made his MLB debut on June 14, 2015. Known for his speed and defensive skills, he has been with the Twins throughout his career.
2. What are Byron Buxton’s career highlights?
Byron Buxton has received numerous accolades, including a Rawlings Gold Glove Award, a Platinum Glove Award, and the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award. In addition, he won Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year in 2013 and led MLB in sprint speed multiple times.
3. What is Byron Buxton’s injury history?
Byron Buxton has faced a series of injuries throughout his career, including groin (2017), big toe (2018), hip (2021-2022), and hamstring (2023) issues. Despite these setbacks, he played over 100 games in 2024 for only the second time in his career.
4. What is Byron Buxton’s current contract with the Twins?
Byron Buxton signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with the Minnesota Twins in December 2021. The deal includes performance bonuses based on plate appearances and MVP finishes, along with a full no-trade clause.
5. How has Byron Buxton performed offensively?
Byron Buxton has a career batting average of .244 with 134 home runs and 356 RBIs. His best offensive season came in 2021 when he hit .306 with a 1.005 OPS and 19 home runs in just 61 games.
6. How is Byron Buxton defensively rated?
Byron Buxton is widely regarded as one of the best defensive outfielders in MLB history. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in sprint speed and has earned multiple defensive awards for his exceptional fielding skills.
7. What is Byron Buxton’s role on the Twins in 2025?
Byron Buxton is serving as the primary center fielder for the Minnesota Twins. To manage his health, he also takes occasional rest days or plays as a designated hitter.
8. How many games has Byron Buxton played in his career?
As of April 2025, Byron Buxton has played over ten seasons in MLB but has struggled to stay healthy consistently. His most active season was in 2017 when he appeared in 140 games.
9. What are Byron Buxton’s physical attributes?
Byron Buxton stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall (188 cm) and weighs approximately 190 pounds (86 kg). He bats and throws right-handed.
10. Has Byron Buxton won any championships or MVP awards?
Byron Buxton has not won a World Series or an MVP award yet. However, he remains one of MLB’s most talented players when healthy and continues to show potential for an MVP-caliber season.
