Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins’ star outfielder, began Spring Training in Fort Myers ready to build on his remarkable 2025 campaign. Before donning the Twins uniform for the regular season opener in Baltimore on March 26, Buxton will represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, determined to help reclaim the title for the United States, which last triumphed in 2017. Playing time for Buxton remains a key question, but since the U.S. roster only lists four outfielders, he is expected to be a regular fixture in the lineup, most likely in center field.
The other outfielders on the American squad include Roman Anthony—recently called in to replace injured players like Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks, Aaron Judge of the Yankees, and Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs.
Clarifying Byron Buxton’s Role: Exclusively Center Field or Designated Hitter
Leading up to the WBC, it was widely assumed that Pete Crow-Armstrong, the 23-year-old Diamondbacks center fielder and 2025 National League Gold Glove winner, would be the top choice for center field on Team USA. However, recent reports suggest that Buxton is expected to man center field exclusively when on the diamond. Minnesota Twins representatives have indicated that when Buxton plays for Team USA, he will either be the center fielder or designated hitter, never a corner outfielder.
“I asked Shelton yesterday, if there’s been any sort of agreement put in place or understanding put in place [on where Buxton will play during the WBC]. He said no, there’s not like anything in writing like this is the only way you’re allowed to use our player or something like that. He did indicate that their expectation is that when Byron Buxton is on the field for Team USA, he will either be the center fielder or the DH.”
Aaron Gleeman – Gleeman and the Geek
Given that Kyle Schwarber occupies the designated hitter role on Team USA due to his exceptional skill, Buxton’s opportunities to serve solely as DH appear limited. This means either Buxton or Crow-Armstrong will start in center, with the other likely serving as the fourth outfielder. For Buxton to solidify the starting center field position, his performance at the plate must justify the choice, especially since Crow-Armstrong, at 32 years Buxton’s junior, boasts superior defensive metrics.
Crow-Armstrong is considered among the elite center fielders in Major League Baseball, having delivered a stellar defensive performance in 2025 with a Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) rating of 15, compared to Buxton’s -5 DRS.
“Pete Crow-Armstrong has never played anywhere but center in the majors and if people haven’t watched him with the Cubs — any Cubs fans listening to this are just shaking their head, I’m sure — but he’s absurd. Like, he is absolutely incredible.”
Aaron Gleeman – Gleeman and the Geek
His outstanding defensive reputation is further supported by advanced metrics including 24 Outs Above Average (OAA), 19 five-star catches, and a 59.4% conversion rate on these top-tier chances during the 2025 season.
The Implications of Buxton’s ‘Center Field Only’ Stance for Team USA
Byron Buxton remains a highly capable defensive outfielder, having contributed three outs above average and two fielding runs in 2025. The Minnesota Twins have no plans to move him away from center field due to his defensive skills, despite the toll injuries have taken over his decade-long career. Conversely, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s defensive prowess is unmatched, yet his offensive game has not reached Buxton’s level.
In the 2025 season, Buxton finished 11th in MVP voting, posting 35 home runs, 83 RBIs, and 97 runs scored across 126 games. His slash line of .247/.287/.481 (.768 OPS, 118 OPS+) reflects solid offensive production. Crow-Armstrong finished 9th in MVP voting, with comparable counting stats but a better slash line at .264/.327/.551 (.878 OPS, 136 OPS+), alongside his superior defense.
THE HOME RUN THAT COMPLETED BYRON BUXTON’S CYCLE!!!! pic.twitter.com/bhFUoSYDaT
Minnesota Twins
The Twins’ front office made clear that there is no written agreement restricting Buxton’s position on Team USA, but they project him to play only center field or DH. Manager Mark DeRosa of Team USA seems unlikely to restrict an outfielder to a single position rigidly, which indicates Buxton himself is strongly preferring to remain in center field and not take on a corner outfield spot.
Aaron Judge is firmly established as the right fielder on Team USA, and it is argued that a configuration featuring Buxton in left and Crow-Armstrong in center would provide a notably stronger outfield than alternatives like Roman Anthony.
Byron Buxton’s Commitment to Center Field With Minnesota Twins Holds Strong
For Team USA to have the ideal outfield from right to left—Judge, Crow-Armstrong, and Buxton—the puzzle remains unresolved. Moving to a corner outfield spot is eventually inevitable for Buxton due to his age and speed decline, but both for Team USA and the Minnesota Twins, he is determined to stay in center field as long as possible.
I asked Byron Buxton if he ever sees himself anywhere but in center field? His response was very Byron, and very true. pic.twitter.com/kioW6iExE8
Alec Ausmus – KSTP
“No, not really. I mean, somebody else come here and they faster than me, I’ll move over. But until then, I ain’t going nowhere. That’s home for me.”
Byron Buxton on whether or not he sees himself playing anywhere but CF (via Alec Ausmus – KSTP)
Buxton’s steadfast insistence on the center field position reflects frustration and urgency, highlighting how much he values that role personally and professionally. While younger defensive stars like Crow-Armstrong excel in the outfield, Buxton’s offensive contributions and experience remain vital for both the Minnesota Twins and Team USA’s ambitions.
As the World Baseball Classic approaches and the Minnesota Twins gear up for their regular season, Buxton’s role in center field will be central to their success. His commitment to that position signifies both loyalty to the game he loves and a determination to continue competing at the highest level, despite the challenges posed by younger contenders and physical wear over his career.
Pete Crow-Armstrong was the best defensive OF in baseball in 2025.
24 OAA
19 5-Star Catches
59.4% conversion on 5-Star chancesHere are some of his least probable grabs pic.twitter.com/jaYtYizBJh
— Carson Wolf (@TheWrigleyWire) February 11, 2026
THE HOME RUN THAT COMPLETED BYRON BUXTON'S CYCLE!!!! pic.twitter.com/bhFUoSYDaT
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 12, 2025
I asked Byron Buxton if he ever sees himself anywhere but in center field?
His response was very Byron, and very true. pic.twitter.com/kioW6iExE8— Alec Ausmus (@A_TwiceKSTP) February 19, 2026
