The Twins were expecting a big leap forward from Buxton in 2016, but he continued to struggle at the plate in the big leagues in 2016. He had a .225 batting average and a .284 on-base percentage in 92 games with the bottom-place squad, with 10 home runs and 38 RBI.
A poor command of the strike zone resulted in 23 walks and 118 strikeouts for this pitcher. In 83 games, he batted just.216 (5-for-16) with five home runs and 16 RBIs.
He was in the lineup every day despite his lackluster bat since the Twins were doing much better and he was helping them out with his excellent defense.
In August of that year, he began to show signs of becoming a reliable major league hitter once he discovered his power stroke. Against the Toronto Blue Jays, he hit a three-homer game for the first time in his career on August 27th.
He hit a two-run homer off Joe Biagini in the 4th inning after driving in a run with a single in the first inning. On the first pitch of the 7th, he hit a long ball off Matt Dermody.
He followed that up with a solo home run in the 9th, this time against Tim Mayza. As a result, he finished the series with four runs scored, five RBIs, and one stolen base, helping the Twins hold on to a wild-card place in the American League.
Where Is Byron Buxton Today?
Byron Buxton is at the Minnesota Twins.