History of Byron Buxton in Timeline

Byron Buxton is a professional baseball player currently playing for the Minnesota Twins in MLB as a center fielder and designated hitter. Known for his exceptional athleticism and defensive skills, Buxton was highly touted as a prospect. While injuries have impacted his career, he has showcased flashes of brilliance, including power hitting and Gold Glove-caliber defense. He signed a long term extension with the Twins in 2021.

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Full Timeline

1961: Start of Twins History

Since 1961, Byron Buxton was the 12th player in Twins history to hit for the cycle.

December 18, 1993: Byron Buxton's Birth

On December 18, 1993, Byron Keiron Buxton was born. He is an American professional baseball player.

Others born on this day/year

May 22, 2009: Michael Cuddyer hit for the cycle at home

On May 22, 2009, Michael Cuddyer hit for the cycle at the Metrodome.

2010: Target Field Opened

In 2010, Target Field opened. Buxton was the first player to hit for the cycle at Target Field in 2025.

June 12, 2012: Signed with the Twins

On June 12, 2012, Byron Buxton signed a contract with the Minnesota Twins, including a $6 million signing bonus.

2012: Began Dating Lindsey Tillery

In 2012, Byron Buxton began dating Lindsey Tillery.

2012: Drafted by MLB

In 2012, Byron Buxton was considered a top prospect and was selected as the second overall pick in the MLB draft.

2013: Awards in 2013

In 2013, Byron Buxton was named the Midwest League Most Valuable Player, won the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award, and the Topps Minor League Player of the Year Award.

2013: Minor League Player of the Year

In 2013, Byron Buxton won Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year Award.

2013: Birth of first son

In 2013, Byron Buxton's first son was born.

2014: Ranked as best prospect

Despite missing the majority of the 2014 season, MLB.com and Baseball Prospectus rated Byron Buxton as the best prospect in baseball at the start of 2015.

2014: Injury and Setbacks in 2014

In 2014, during spring training, Byron Buxton injured his left wrist and later reinjured it. He also suffered a concussion in August after a collision. He was shut down for the remainder of the regular season.

2015: MLB Debut

In 2015, Byron Buxton made his debut in Major League Baseball (MLB).

2015: MLB debut and thumb sprain in 2015

In 2015, Byron Buxton made his major league debut with the Twins on June 14. He later sprained his thumb and was placed on the disabled list. He was then optioned to the Rochester Red Wings after being activated from the disabled list on August 10.

2016: Starting Center Fielder and Option to Rochester

In 2016, Byron Buxton began the season as the Twins' starting center fielder but was optioned to Rochester on April 25 after batting .156 in 17 games. He was called up again mid-season and remained at center field.

2016: Marriage to Lindsey Tillery

In 2016, Byron Buxton married Lindsey Tillery.

2017: Awards and Recognition in 2017

In 2017, Byron Buxton had an inside-the-park home run in 13.85 seconds on August 18. He also hit three home runs on August 27. He won several awards, including a Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award, a Fielding Bible Award, a Rawlings Gold Glove Award, and the Platinum Glove Award.

2017: Gold Glove Award

In 2017, Byron Buxton won the Gold Glove Award.

2018: Injury and Option to Triple-A in 2018

In 2018, Byron Buxton spent time on the disabled list due to a toe injury and migraines. On July 2, he was activated but optioned to Triple-A Rochester, which he "didn't like".

April 5, 2019: Jorge Polanco hit for the cycle

On April 5, 2019, Jorge Polanco hit for the cycle against the Philadelphia Phillies.

April 22, 2019: Stolen base streak ended

On April 22, 2019, Byron Buxton's streak of 33 stolen bases was ended.

2019: Co-owns Ellianos Coffee franchise

In 2019, Byron Buxton co-owns an Ellianos Coffee franchise in Baxley, Georgia, alongside his family. He was introduced to the brand in 2019 and opened a store during the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 7, 2020: Last time grounded into a double play

Byron Buxton last grounded into a double play on September 7, 2020.

2020: Birth of second son

In 2020, Byron Buxton's second son was born.

2020: Abbreviated season and shoulder injury

In 2020, during the abbreviated Major League Baseball season, Byron Buxton played 39 of Minnesota's 60 games, primarily missing time due to a shoulder injury sustained in late August.

April 2021: American League Player of the Month

In April 2021, Byron Buxton was named the American League Player of the Month, hitting .426 with 8 home runs and 14 RBIs.

December 1, 2021: Contract Extension with the Twins

On December 1, 2021, Byron Buxton signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with the Minnesota Twins.

June 9, 2022: Consecutive Home Runs

On June 9, 2022, Luis Arráez, Byron Buxton, and Carlos Correa each hit consecutive home runs to open the bottom of the first inning.

June 2022: Surpassed a record of 43 held by Matt Carpenter

In June 2022, Buxton hit his 44th home run since he had last grounded into a double play on September 7, 2020, surpassing a record of 43 held by Matt Carpenter.

July 5, 2022: Involved in Triple Play

On July 5, 2022, Byron Buxton started the first 8–5 triple play in major league history.

2023: Primary Designated Hitter

During the 2023 spring training, Byron Buxton was moved to being the Twins' primary DH (designated hitter) to keep him in the lineup for the full season.

2023: Birth of third son

In 2023, Byron Buxton's third son was born.

2024: Moved back to Center Field

In 2024, Byron Buxton was moved back to center field.

May 1, 2025: 100th Career Stolen Base

On May 1, 2025, Byron Buxton stole his 100th career stolen base against the Cleveland Guardians, making him the eighth player in Minnesota Twins history to reach that milestone and only the third since the franchise moved to the Twin Cities to reach both 100 steals and 100 homers.

June 19, 2025: Two Home Runs Against the Reds

On June 19, 2025, Byron Buxton hit two home runs in a 12-5 victory against the Cincinnati Reds. His first-inning long ball was the 12th leadoff homer of his career, tied for the fifth most in Twins history.

July 12, 2025: Hit for the Cycle

On July 12, 2025, Byron Buxton hit for the cycle in a 12–4 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates on his bobblehead day, becoming the 350th player in major-league history to achieve this feat.