Twins' Byron Buxton hits for cycle on his bobblehead day, becomes 12th Minnesota player to accomplish feat
Buxton collected hits in the first, second and third innings against the Pirates before going yard in the seventh
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Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton celebrated his bobblehead day in fitting fashion, delivering the franchise's first cycle since 2019 on Saturday in their penultimate game of the first half against the Pittsburgh Pirates (GameTracker).
Buxton started his afternoon with an infield single to lead off the bottom of the first inning. He then tripled in the second before doubling in the third. Buxton would single again in the fifth before adding the final part -- yes, the home run -- in the seventh inning. Here's a look at the capper:
BYRON BUXTON HOMERS TO COMPLETE THE CYCLE
— MLB (@MLB) July 12, 2025
ON HIS BOBBLEHEAD DAY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fCbjgzRUzd
Buxton's cycle was the second of the Major League Baseball season. Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly recorded the first back on March 31 against the Athletics. Additionally, it was the 12th in the Twins franchise history. Here's a look at the others:
| Player | Date | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
Jorge Polano | April 5, 2019 | |
Michael Cuddyer | May 22, 2009 | |
Jason Kubel | April 17, 2009 | |
May 7, 2008 | ||
Kirby Puckett | August 1, 1986 | Athletics |
Gary Ward | September 18, 1980 | Brewers |
Mike Cubbage | July 27, 1978 | |
Lyman Bostock | July 24, 1976 | White Sox |
Larry Hisle | July 4, 1976 | |
Cesar Tovar | September 19, 1972 | |
Rod Carew | May 20, 1970 |
Buxton, an All-Star for the second time, entered Saturday having hit .273/.340/.543 (138 OPS+) with 20 home runs and 17 stolen bases in 76 games. His contributions had been worth an estimated 3.5 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference's calculations.
Presuming the Twins secure the win -- and they were leading by eight runs late -- they'll improve to 47-48 on the season. They'll remain 12 games back of the Detroit Tigers, but the third and final wild card spot remains within reach -- perhaps just three games away if the Tampa Bay Rays lose their ongoing contest to the Boston Red Sox.
