The USA team gains another strong addition! "Black Trout" Buxton joins the classic Dream Team.

The USA Dream Team for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March is steadily reinforcing its lineup, and today it was confirmed that Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton has officially become part of the team, enhancing their batting strength once again.

Currently 32 years old and a right-handed hitter, Buxton was selected by the Twins as the second overall pick in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft, signing for a bonus of $6 million. At the start of the 2015 season, he was ranked as the top rookie by the MLB official site and made his major league debut on June 14 of the same year. In 2017, he won the American League Gold Glove for outfielders. Despite missing some games due to concussion and left rib inflammation, he set career highs in the 2025 season with 35 home runs, 83 RBIs, 97 runs scored, and 24 stolen bases over 126 games, posting a slash line of .264/.327/.551. This performance earned him his first Silver Slugger Award.

Although Buxton has been plagued by injuries throughout his career—including issues with his thumb, shoulder, and knee, and even undergoing root canal treatment after cracking a tooth from eating steak— the Twins have always valued his elite defensive skills and speed, securing him with a seven-year, $100 million long-term contract after the 2021 season.

In a game against the Dodgers last July, Buxton hit a home run off starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani in the first inning and at-bat. However, in the bottom half of the inning, Ohtani immediately responded with a two-run homer, creating a dramatic moment that sparked widespread fan discussion.