Many Twins fans feel resigned that supremely talented but injury-prone Byron Buxton will leave the team soon.
If not before Friday's trading deadline, during the off-season before the center fielder can leave on his own as a free agent.
Buxton himself, however, says failing to reach a contract extension over the past weekend is just part of the process.
"Everybody knows I want to be here," Buxton told reporters Monday at Target Field, where he continues to rehab from a broken left hand. "It's not the first time it's happened. We've been in numerous conversations before, and it's not the end."
Buxton began the season on a tear, winning the American League player of the month award for April and batting .370 when he suffered a hip injury on May 6.
He came off the injured list June 19, but was back on three days later after he was hit in the hand by a pitch.
The Twins never really reached their potential in 2021, and the poor play has suggested that the team may be ready for a major rebuild.
Buxton has long been considered a cornerstone for the team's success, but he's failed to remain healthy for an entire season since making the majors in 2015.
He's played just 27 games this season.
The Twins are 43-58 in 101 games, with the trading deadline looming on Friday.
They dealt All-Star designated hitter to the Tampa Bay Rays last week, and more moves are expected.
Just who goes and who stays will be an indication if the Twins are serious about contending in 2022, or if it's back to square one... again.
Locking up Buxton for the long haul likely won't happen until after the season, if it does happen.
Buxton has long expressed an interest in remaining with the Twins.
"You never now how many more chances we have to communicate with each other," he said. "It's unfortunate this time, but I'm here with the Twins, I'm under contract with the Twins next year, and, hopefully I'm here to end my career."
Twins center fielder Byron Buxton remains confident that he and the team will come to terms on a contract extension. The oft-injured Buxton met with reporters yesterday after he and the Twins failed to reach a deal over the weekend
Buxton is under contract through next season. He's considered one of baseball's top players, but has gone on the injured list eleven times since making the majors in 2015. Buxton this season suffered a hip injury and had his left hand broken by a pitched baseball.
Twins center fielder Byron Buxton insists he and the team will have further contract talks after the two sides failed to reach a deal over the past weekend.
Buxton was the American League player of the month in April, but has landed on the injured list twice this season. He's played 27 of the team's 101 games this year... and has failed to stay healthy for an entire season since making the major leagues in 2015.
