“Byron Buxton headlines 2017 All-Disappointment team” was a claim made by ESPN on Aug. 10.
If you’re looking at his season numbers, maybe you can make that assumption – but over the past month, Buxton has been an animal at the plate.
Over his last 24 games, Buxton is hitting .347 while collecting a hit in all but six games during that span.
Not only is he getting it done with his bat, but he’s shown patience, having drawn eight walks for an on base percentage of .405.
Buxton has also been a menace on the basepaths, stealing seven bases. The speedster has only been caught on one occasion this season.
With his bat on fire, Twins manager Paul Molitor has moved Buxton up in the batting order, and the 23-year-old is now delivering some clutch hits.
The former No. 1 prospect has 10 RBI in his past 24 games. He had driven in just 14 over the previous 74 contests.
It’s no secret that Buxton’s defense is elite: no other center fielder has saved more runs. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him win a Gold Glove this season.
Sustaining a .347 average in baseball is extremely unlikely, but it’s a breath of fresh air to see Buxton finally start turning a corner at the plate.
If the Twins want to be considered playoff contenders, they’ll need Buxton to show he can hit Big League pitching.
And that’s exactly what he’s been doing recently.
