With the World Baseball Classic on the horizon, many were wondering whether Byron Buxton or Pete Crow-Armstrong would be Team USA’s starting center fielder for the tournament. However, it appears that the debate is over with the news that presumed USA starting left fielder Corbin Caroll suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. Now, there’s room for both Buxton and Crow-Armstrong in the United States’ starting lineup.
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Team USA will replace Caroll on its roster, but it’s difficult to imagine the replacement will be a better starting option than Crow-Armstrong and Buxton. Crow-Armstrong will likely hold down the starting center field role, and Buxton can take Caroll’s spot in left field. Aaron Judge will be the team’s starting right fielder.
Buxton has yet to play corner outfield in the majors. But given how well he plays center, there is no question he can be an elite defensive left fielder. In fact, he’d likely be the best defensive left fielder in the league if he were to play there full-time.
Moving Byron Buxton to left field would allow Walker Jenkins to become Twins’ starting center fielder
With Minnesota’s top prospect Walker Jenkins expected to make his MLB debut next season, it might be time for the Twins to move Buxton, who is under team control through 2028, to left field full-time and make Jenkins the starting center fielder. Buxton, 32, is still among the league’s best in center, but his defense will likely decline in the coming seasons, given his age. While his defensive ability is so strong that he’d still be a solid center fielder even with a decline, Minnesota may want to clear a path for Jenkins, 20, to be the team’s starting center fielder.
If the Twins aren’t in playoff contention and become sellers at the Trade Deadline, they may deal Buxton if he is willing to waive his no-trade clause. But if not, and they’re going to be a competitive team for the next few years with Buxton under contract, moving the 2025 Silver Slugger to left field and allowing Jenkins, whom Minnesota selected in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, to hold down the center field position may be in the club’s best interest. We all know about Buxton’s injury history, too, so having him cover less ground in left would likely lower his injury risk.