As the World Baseball Classic approaches, the debate over who would start in center field for Team USA ended abruptly when Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand, reported by Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. This injury has cleared space for both Byron Buxton and Pete Crow-Armstrong to secure starting roles in the lineup for the upcoming tournament.
With Carroll unable to play, Crow-Armstrong is poised to maintain the center field position, while Buxton is expected to move to left field. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge is set to be the team’s right fielder. This adjustment allows Team USA to maximize the defensive talents of both Buxton and Crow-Armstrong simultaneously.
Buxton’s Shift to Left Field Could Expand His Defensive Resume
Though Byron Buxton has not yet played a corner outfield position in the major leagues, his established prowess as a center fielder strongly suggests he would excel defensively in left field. Experts believe that Buxton could be one of the premier defensive left fielders if he made the transition full-time, given his exceptional range and fielding skills.
Replacing Carroll on Team USA with Buxton in left also provides valuable experience for Buxton, who has primarily played center field throughout his MLB career. This opportunity may serve both Buxton’s individual development and Team USA’s defensive alignment during the tournament.
Potential Long-Term Move to Left Field for Buxton Benefits Minnesota Twins’ Prospects
The Minnesota Twins are considering full-time realignment of their outfield that could involve moving Buxton permanently to left field. This move would allow their top prospect, Walker Jenkins, expected to debut next season, to step into the starting center field role. Jenkins was a first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and represents the future of the Twins’ outfield.
At 32 years old, Buxton remains among the game’s best defenders in center, but as age impacts his range over time, shifting him to left field could preserve his effectiveness while reducing his physical demands. This arrangement would also help manage Buxton’s injury risks, given his history, by limiting the amount of ground he must cover.
If the Twins find themselves out of playoff contention and decide to become sellers at the trade deadline, Buxton might be traded assuming he waives his no-trade clause. However, if Minnesota aims to contend in the coming seasons with Buxton under contract through 2028, transitioning him to left field and promoting Jenkins to center presents a strategic path forward for the organization’s success.
Implications of These Changes for Team USA and the Twins
Corbin Carroll’s injury alters both Team USA’s roster dynamics and the Minnesota Twins’ long-term outfield plans. For Team USA, having Buxton in left and Crow-Armstrong in center creates a versatile and defensively strong alignment for the World Baseball Classic. For the Twins, repositioning Buxton in left can facilitate the seamless integration of their top prospect while protecting one of their key players from further injury.
These adjustments highlight how injuries and emerging talent continue to shape team strategies at both international and club levels, with Byron Buxton’s adaptability playing a crucial role in the evolving baseball landscape.
Outfielder Corbin Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone during a live batting practice session Tuesday and will miss significant time this spring.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) February 11, 2026
