Byron Buxton Bio
Byron Keiron Buxton is an American professional baseball center fielder and designated hitter for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected as the second overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft, and won Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year Award in 2013. Buxton made his MLB debut in 2015, and is known for his defensive skills, having won the Gold Glove Award in 2017 and appearing as an All-Star twice.
Early Life and Background
Byron Buxton was born on December 18, 1993, in Baxley, Georgia. He began playing baseball at the age of six and attended Appling County High School, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. During his senior year, Buxton was a standout pitcher, achieving a 10–1 win-loss record with a 1.90 earned run average and 154 strikeouts in 81 innings pitched. His impressive speed and athleticism caught the attention of scouts, leading to his recruitment for various showcases, including the East Coast Pro Showcase.
Path to Baseball
Buxton was considered a five-tool player and was highly regarded by MLB scouts. He was selected by the Minnesota Twins with the second overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft. Buxton signed a contract with the Twins that included a $6 million signing bonus. He made his professional debut in Minor League Baseball with the Gulf Coast Twins, where he quickly established himself as a top prospect, earning accolades such as the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award.
Byron Buxton Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Buxton made his major league debut on June 14, 2015, and made an immediate impact by scoring the game-winning run. However, his early career was marred by injuries, which limited his playing time. Despite these setbacks, he showcased his talent, leading MLB in sprint speed and earning the Gold Glove Award in 2017 for his exceptional defensive skills. He also won the Platinum Glove Award that year, solidifying his reputation as one of the best defensive players in the league.
Breakthrough (2018–2021)
The 2018 season was challenging for Buxton, as he faced injuries that affected his performance. However, he rebounded in 2019, batting .262 and maintaining the fastest sprint speed in the American League. In 2021, Buxton was named the American League Player of the Month for April, hitting .426 with eight home runs. On December 1, 2021, he signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with the Twins, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Buxton’s career highlights include being a two-time MLB All-Star in 2022 and 2025, winning the Gold Glove Award in 2017, and achieving the Silver Slugger Award in 2025. He made history by hitting for the cycle on July 12, 2025, becoming the first player to do so at Target Field.
Byron Buxton Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Byron Buxton has received numerous nominations for various awards, reflecting his talent and contributions to the game of baseball.
Byron Buxton Awards Won
Byron Buxton has won several prestigious awards, including the Gold Glove Award in 2017 and the Silver Slugger Award in 2025, highlighting his exceptional skills both defensively and offensively.
Byron Buxton Family
Byron Buxton is married to Lindsey Tillery, whom he began dating in 2012. They married in 2016 and have three sons together, born in 2013, 2020, and 2023. Buxton comes from a family-oriented background, with his father owning a trucking company and his mother working in a school cafeteria.
Personal Life
In addition to his baseball career, Buxton co-owns an Ellianos Coffee franchise in Baxley, Georgia, which he views as a way to secure his family’s future and create a lasting legacy beyond baseball. He is actively involved in the business, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to his community.