Byron Buxton tells TwinsFest he'll be back in centerfield this year

Buxton spent the 2023 season as a designated hitter, when not injured.

Byron Buxton says Twins fans can expect to see him back in center field for the upcoming baseball season.

Buxton spent all of his playing time during the 2023 season at designated hitter, with manager Rocco Baldelli seeking to keep him healthy at the plate for the duration after a series of injury-hit seasons, which included injuries he suffered while fielding.

But speaking to Cory Provus at TwinsFest Live on Friday, Buxton indicated a return to center is on the cards for the new season.

"Oh yeah. I’m back," he said, simply.

Jul 15, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Byron Buxton (25) before the game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum / Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The return to center for Buxton is all the more likely given that the Twins' main centerfielder last season, Michael A. Taylor, is a free agent and it was reported this week by the Star Tribune he's not likely to be brought back, with pitching a more pressing concern for the Twins.

Buxton has proven himself one of the best outfielders in the game, with his electric pace enabling him to run down balls beyond most players.

He won an American Golden Glove award and the Wilson Award for Best Defensive Player in Baseball in the 2017 season. He was also named an All-Star in the 2022 season.

Byron Buxton asked about playing in CF: “Oh yeah. I’m back.” #MNTwins TwinsFest Live pic.twitter.com/LhUv6M885K

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) January 27, 2024