With the World Baseball Classic fast approaching, Team USA’s outfield picture just got a major shakeup. Corbin Carroll, the dynamic young left fielder expected to start for the U.S., has suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand. That injury opens the door for both Byron Buxton and Pete Crow-Armstrong to slot into the starting lineup - a scenario that had previously seemed unlikely with a healthy Carroll in the mix.
Now, the question isn’t who will start in center field - it’s how Team USA will deploy two elite defenders who both bring serious athleticism and upside to the table.
Crow-Armstrong in Center, Buxton to Left? It Makes a Lot of Sense
With Carroll sidelined, Pete Crow-Armstrong is the logical choice to take over in center field. He’s a glove-first player with elite range and instincts, and he’s already built a reputation as one of the top defensive outfielders in the game. That move would allow Byron Buxton to slide into left field - a position he’s never played at the major league level, but one that seems tailor-made for his skill set.
Let’s be clear: Buxton in left field isn’t a demotion. It’s a strategic shift.
He’s still one of the best defensive outfielders in the sport when healthy. If he were to play left full-time, there’s a strong argument to be made that he’d instantly become the best defensive left fielder in baseball.
His speed, reads, and arm strength all translate, and the move could help preserve his health - something that’s been a concern throughout his career.
A Glimpse of the Twins’ Future?
This move for Team USA might also serve as a preview of what’s to come for Buxton in Minnesota. The Twins have a rising star in Walker Jenkins, the club’s top prospect and the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Jenkins is expected to make his MLB debut next season, and he’s projected as a long-term center fielder. That raises an important question for the Twins: Is now the time to transition Buxton to a corner outfield spot?
Buxton, 32, is still a top-tier defender in center, but there’s no denying that age and wear-and-tear could start to chip away at his range. Even with some defensive regression, he’d remain well above average. But if the Twins want to maximize Jenkins’ development and keep Buxton on the field more consistently, a shift to left could be the smart play.
And that’s not just about future planning - it’s about keeping Minnesota competitive in the present. Buxton is under team control through 2028 and coming off a Silver Slugger season in 2025.
If he stays healthy and productive, he’s a cornerstone player. But if the Twins find themselves out of the postseason picture by the Trade Deadline, and Buxton is open to waiving his no-trade clause, he could become a valuable trade chip.
Less Ground, Less Risk
For now, though, Buxton’s role with Team USA could be a win-win. He gets valuable reps in left field - a position that may soon become his full-time home - and Team USA gains a veteran presence with elite defensive skills and big-game experience. Plus, reducing the amount of ground he has to cover could help mitigate the injury risk that’s followed him for most of his career.
It’s not the way anyone wanted to see this opportunity open up, especially with Carroll going down. But for Buxton and Crow-Armstrong, it’s a chance to shine on the international stage - and for the Twins, it might be the beginning of a longer-term evolution in their outfield alignment.