Byron Buxton

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Byron Buxton's seven-year, $14.3M AAV extension earns a D+ CVI despite his A-level performance, reflecting the harsh reality of paying premium dollars for a perpetually injured star. The 32-year-old center fielder continues to showcase elite defensive skills and occasional offensive bursts—as evidenced by his 2025 Silver Slugger award—but his chronic injury concerns make this contract a significant gamble for Minnesota. At this price point for the center field position, the Twins needed a player who could deliver 140+ games annually, yet Buxton's recent forearm contusion serves as another reminder of his durability limitations that have defined his decade-long career. While his established veteran status and respected clubhouse leadership provide intangible value, the financial commitment becomes increasingly risky as he enters his 30s with an injury history that shows no signs of improving. The media and fanbase have developed a mature acceptance of Buxton's limitations, but from a pure contract value perspective, paying above-average money for a player whose availability remains perpetually questionable represents poor roster construction. This deal essentially locks the Twins into uncertainty for the next several seasons, making it difficult to build reliable depth around a player whose contributions, while impactful when healthy, come with built-in roster management challenges.

Fan & Media Sentiment