Buxton was also named the winner of the Jim Kaat Award for Twins Defensive Player of the Year.
It was the most complete season of Buxton’s career, as he set career highs in home runs (35), RBIs (83), runs (97), walks (41), plate appearances (542) and at-bats (488) while topping 120 games played for the second time in 11 seasons. He posted a .264/.327/.551 line and hit for the first cycle in Target Field history and the first of his career on July 12.
“I just need to play,” Buxton said at the end of the season. “My numbers will be there. I don’t care about my numbers this year. I just want to play. Post up every day, be there for my teammates, play the majority of my time in center field, not DHing, that makes a difference too. For me, being able to post up, that’s my biggest feeling.”
In a change from past years, the Diamond Awards will be presented at TwinsFest Live! at Target Field on Jan. 23. Ticket information and more details about the event will be revealed at a later date.
Additional Diamond Award winners, as voted on by the Twin Cities chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America, include:
Pitcher of the Year: Right-hander Joe Ryan, who enjoyed a career year going 13-10 with a 3.42 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 171 innings. Ryan set or tied career-best marks in wins, ERA, starts (30) and innings.
Outstanding Rookie: Second baseman Luke Keaschall, who despite missing more than three months due to a right forearm fracture hit .302/.382/.445 with 14 steals in 17 attempts.
Most Improved Twin: Outfielder/infielder Austin Martin, who posted a .374 on-base percentage in his second Major League season after he was recalled following the Trade Deadline.
Bob Allison Award: The award for determination, hustle, tenacity, competitive spirit and leadership went to right-hander Pablo López.
“Media Good Guy” Award: Catcher Ryan Jeffers won this award for the second straight year.
Upper Midwest Player of the Year: Cubs emerging star slugger Michael Busch, who hit .261/.343/.523, won. Busch hails from Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
These Diamond Award winners were chosen by the Minnesota Twins Community Fund Board of Directors.
Carl R. Pohlad Outstanding Community Service Award: Infielder Brooks Lee, who helped engineer a “Reverse Autograph Day” for kids from Gillette Children’s Hospital.
Twins Alumni Community Service Award: This award went to Former Twins star Nelson Cruz.
