Fansided

MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

By Brad Berreman

September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport
September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport /
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Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Twins: OF Byron Buxton

Buxton’s status as a top prospect since the day he was drafted in 2012, and initial struggles offensively in the big leagues, makes it easy to forget he is still just 23 years old. A month in Triple-A last season seemed to have helped, as Buxton hit .287 with nine home runs and 22 RBI after being recalled in September.

September production can often be dismissed, due to major league rosters expanding at the end of the season. But Buxton may have found something late last season, if he cut out the extra noise and can focus on what will make him the best hitter he can be.

Buxton is an elite defensive center fielder already, and that will afford him plenty of opportunities to figure things out at the plate. The Twins have the luxury to be patient coming off a 100-plus loss season in 2016, and with a new front office regime in place, but it would not be shocking if Buxton took a big step toward stardom this year. If he proves to be capable of hitting leadoff for an extended time, the Twins could have one of the best offenses in the American League this year.

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