Byron Buxton ready for WBC; Twins clubhouse 'in good spot'
byron buxton left Twins camp Sunday to join Team USA in Houston for the World Baseball Classic, saying he felt physically prepared and that the Twins clubhouse had heard his message. Buxton's absence could extend until March 18 depending on how far Team USA advances, a timeline that matters because the Twins open the regular season shortly after the tournament concludes.
Byron Buxton joins Team USA
Buxton flew Sunday to join Team USA and heads into the tournament after a targeted spring routine aimed at simulating regular-season intensity. He played back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday and appeared in games on three of his final four days in camp, finishing with 15 plate appearances under a plan developed with Twins manager Derek Shelton and broadcast analyst Justin Morneau.
Shelton said the club worked on tone setting in camp and that Buxton was well prepared. Buxton left camp having gone 3 for 13 with two doubles, two walks and a stolen base. The player also emphasized leadership messaging before his departure, aiming to push teammates to compete with conviction.
byron buxton's spring plan
Buxton credited Shelton with helping him navigate the early schedule and accepted a larger role as a leader in the clubhouse. He urged teammates to take the aggressive approach in games and spelled out a simple directive: "believe in yourself. " Buxton's full remarks stressed conviction—challenge yourself, throw with conviction, and be willing to take risks at the plate and on the mound.
Justin Morneau, who has experience playing in the WBC, advised on how Buxton might prepare for international play. That guidance helped shape the consecutive-game appearances designed to ramp Buxton into game shape before tournament action.
Twins send a clear message
The Twins acknowledged Buxton's departure with a social-media post wishing him well at the tournament. The organization is explicit about relying on Buxton's presence: he has spent his entire career with the club, and recent coverage underscores his improved durability in the prior season.
Career and recent-season details in the team's materials note career totals spanning 11 seasons, a Gold Glove Award, and a first Silver Slugger in the most recent full campaign. The 2025 season was singled out as one of Buxton's most complete, with 126 games played, a. 264 batting average, a career-high 35 home runs, 83 RBIs and 97 runs scored. Buxton remains under contract through 2028 after signing a seven-year, $100 million extension prior to the 2022 season.
Those facts frame the forward look for Minnesota: the WBC will deliver late-season-level competition in March, and Buxton's availability for the Twins after the tournament will be monitored closely. If Team USA advances and Buxton is away through the middle of March, the club will rely on the earlier tone-setting work he said was already completed in camp.
Rotation note and short-term roster effects
On the pitching side, the club is tracking a right-hander who won't pitch for Team USA in pool play but remains a candidate for later starts. That pitcher completed a 30-pitch bullpen session, is scheduled for a live batting-practice session and would make a start for the Twins if the plan proceeds as outlined. The general manager described the bullpen session as positive and framed the approach as being in the best interest of the player and the team. Ongoing communication among the player, the Twins and Team USA staff has been described as helpful in easing uncertainty about timing.
Key takeaways: Buxton departs camp in game-ready shape after a targeted spring plan; his time with Team USA could keep him away through March 18 if the team advances; Minnesota expects him to return focused on the regular season and is monitoring short-term pitching availability closely.
