Byron Buxton's homer wasn't enough as the Twins fell 4-2 to the Reds on June 19, 2025. Elly De La Cruz's double sealed the rain-shortened win for Cincy.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some days, the weather is a perfect metaphor. For the Minnesota Twins, a dreary, rain-soaked Thursday in Cincinnati felt just right, ending in a 4-2 loss to the Reds that was mercifully called after six innings. While Byron Buxton continued to be a one-man wrecking crew, his efforts weren't nearly enough to overcome a sputtering offense, leaving the team two games under .500 and fans asking one big question: What now?
Byron Buxton is now batting .274 with a team-leading 13 home runs and 43 RBIs, extending his hitting streak to seven games.
The series finale against the Reds was a frustrating affair from the jump. Starter Chris Paddack battled but couldn't keep Cincinnati off the board, surrendering four runs on nine hits over 5.2 innings to take the loss. The back-breaker came in the fifth when Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz laced a two-run double that broke a 2-2 tie and ultimately decided the game. The Twins offense, meanwhile, could only muster six hits, with Buxton's solo shot and RBI single accounting for all the scoring. When the skies opened up and the tarp came on, it felt less like a rain delay and more like a curtain call on a disappointing performance.
If there's a silver lining in the current cloud hanging over the team, it's the man wearing number 25. Byron Buxton is officially on fire. His 2-for-3 day, punctuated by a towering home run, extended his hitting streak to seven games. He's not just getting hits; he's carrying the offense. As the team leader in homers (13) and RBIs (43), Buxton is doing everything in his power to will this team to victory. The problem is, baseball isn't a solo sport, and his heroics are being stranded on an island of offensive inconsistency.
With the team treading water and the offense looking for a spark, all eyes are turning toward the front office. Reports indicate the Twins are actively exploring the trade market for a significant offensive upgrade. The pitching staff, already tested by injuries to key players like Pablo Lopez, has seen Bailey Ober and Zebby Matthews hold their own, but the real intrigue lies in the bullpen. Could elite relievers like Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax be the price for a middle-of-the-order bat? It's a high-stakes gamble: weaken a strength to fix a glaring weakness. Payroll constraints will also play a major role in any potential deal.
Unfortunately, immediate help from the minors isn't likely. The system's top prospects—Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Luke Keaschall—are all currently sidelined with injuries. While it's a tough blow, there are positive signs from other players. Versatile infielder Kyle DeBarge is making a name for himself at Cedar Rapids, and arms like Dasan Hill and Connor Prielipp continue to develop. The future is still promising, but the present needs a solution from elsewhere.
The Twins leave Cincinnati with a series loss and more questions than answers. Byron Buxton's hot streak is a thrill to watch, but it can't mask the team's larger issues. As they head home, the focus shifts. The games on the field are critical, but the most important moves of the Twins' season might just happen off of it. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on the front office to make a splash before the team is completely washed out of contention.
