'It's A Lot Of Loyalty': Twins Officially Announce 7-Year, $100M Extension For Byron Buxton
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Twins made Byron Buxton's contract extension official on Wednesday.
It's a seven-year, $100 million deal for the oft-injured but enormously talented centerfielder. It would keep him in Minnesota through 2028.
"This is a tremendous day, a great day, a special day for the Twins organization," President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey said. "I think Byron Buxton represents everything we want this organization to be. Who he is as a person, who he is as a player, how he goes out there and gives his all every day on the field."
Buck Yeah‼️ We signed Byron Buxton to a 7-year, $100M contract extension. pic.twitter.com/T20dmKZwBm
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) December 1, 2021
"This is a special place for me, special place for my family," Buxton said. "I love the fans, I love the city, I love the organization. For me, it's a lot of loyalty into this."
— Buck (@OfficialBuck103) December 1, 2021
Buxton's deal was first reported over the weekend. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic said the deal includes a no-trade clause, MVP bonuses and incentive money based on plate appearances.
Buxton has yet to play a full season in his seven years with the Twins, but when healthy, he's flashed MVP-like ability both in the outfield and at the plate.
In 61 games last season, Buxton hit 19 home runs with an on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.005.
Now that he's got the stability of a long-term contract, though, Buxton says he's not worried about individual stats.
"The biggest goal for me here now is win as many rings as I can to bring back to Minneapolis," he said. "That's my biggest focus. I don't have that scariness of, 'Am I gonna be here?' anymore."