If we're sticking to Rawlings' motto when it comes to their prestigious Gold Glove awards -- "The finest in the field" -- Byron Buxton seems like an obvious fit.
For the entirety of last season, no one was finer.
Whether he was diving along the grass, running full-tilt towards the infield or slamming into the center-field wall at an unhealthy clip, Buxton had a spectacular catch for every occasion.
This is all of, of course, quantifiable. He led the team with 5.1 WAR, and tied for second in all of baseball with a 2.8 defensive WAR.
But wins above replacement and descriptions don't really do his crazy catches justice.
So here they are.
Enjoy.
This is both very cool and deeply terrifying. Byron, YES! Also: Byron, NO!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fwZWeXAJmY
There are people out there who will tell you the dive was unnecessary. Those people are lame.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Loqjmi1wE8
By Buxton's standards, this one is pretty standard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0xxnrXesmI
Fun fact: Buxton is officially the fastest man in baseball.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1M5SBBpbp0
Unsatisfied with his first catch, Buxton tries again. And does exactly the same thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HXwV0K6HTQ
Somebody get this kid a tighter hat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXTDBUO0Gdk
Even routine popups are cool when Buxton is involved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV9LZd5RMLA
Buxton was hitting .174 at this point in the season. It didn't matter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9LoidzEDx4
"Back off, Dozier."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE-hqtn1hpg
"He's out by 10 feet."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlTyZ44rZS4
Ervin Santana owes this man no fewer than 200 steak dinners.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RayEnHBoFIY
Just stop hitting it to center field. Or … like, within 50 feet of center field.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4G6J9FoGIE
Would double-sided tape solve this problem?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz_uzY9zW24
Ballgame. Also: his hat is gone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OnFv1JHF9s
He's doing magic tricks now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3bPb8cIPwA
I repeat: The Fastest Man in Baseball.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JAJnzB9Qqc
Do the Twins even need other outfielders?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stXD5qmpLcA
… or a shortstop?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_sqVCbPWXY
He just knows where the ball is. Always.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5OUXK04uUs
"Excuse me, pardon me. I've got it."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ig2ARKwx4I
I firmly believe that he could cover the entire length of the outfield if he felt like it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6OA0fEWMlU
Show of hands: Who thinks Bartolo Colon could do that if he really, really put his mind to it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F87vyyeoO5E
Do not test Byron Buxton with that weak stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WtuU28BPzs
Hey. His hat stayed on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXWupfioHCU
Back off, Kepler.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK_EDgOnLf0
Look at the way Davis watches this thing fly. Nice try, buddy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dko_dpLjumg
Man, what can he do for an encore? Yeah, we're ready for the 2018 season!
