2026-06-14 · Star Tribune

The Minnesota Twins are experiencing a challenging season, currently sitting seven games under .500. Despite the team's struggles, outfielder Byron Buxton is on pace for one of the most unusual seasons in Major League Baseball history. After hitting his 20th home run on Wednesday night in Detroit, Buxton is projected to hit 47 home runs and drive in 76 runs this season. This performance could position him to break the franchise record for home runs in a season, which stands at 49, set by Harmon Killebrew. Buxton's potential to hit 40 or more home runs while driving in fewer than 80 runs is a rare feat in baseball history. While the odds of him achieving this are slim, his unique production could be the Minnesota Twins' biggest draw for fans as the season progresses. The team was not constructed for success this year, and they are fulfilling expectations with key injuries and veteran underperformance contributing to their current record. Despite these challenges, the love for baseball and the atmosphere of the ballpark remain strong among fans, encouraging them to continue supporting the Minnesota Twins during this difficult season.