Big Time MLB Insider Suggests MN Twins Could Consider Trading… Byron Buxton

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Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins have had a tale of two seasons, through 41 games. After they stumbled out of the MLB Opening Day gates to the tune of a 4-11 start, all sorts of questions were being raised surrounding the futures of Carlos Correa, Pablo Lopez and especially manager Rocco Baldelli.

But since then, the MN Twins have gone 17-9, including a current eight-game win streak that has pushed their overall record to 21-20, above .500 for the first time all season. Now, they’ll look to put a gap between them and that .500 line, with yet another win over the Orioles.

Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

If they can stack some more wins this week, Byron Buxton & Co will turn their attention to the top of the American League Central Division, where the surprise Detroit Tigers currently sit 5.5 games above them, at 27-15.

While it’s way too early to be counting down magic numbers, this streak of good play is certainly enough for MLB pundits to take the Minnesota Twins — who were picked to win the AL Central in Spring Training — off their trade deadline sellers lists… right?

Buster Olney floats Byron Buxton as a MN Twins trade candidate

Well, apparently not. Just Monday — fresh off a weekend sweep at home over the now 24-18 San Francisco Giants — well-known and highly-respected ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney suggested that the Twins could be open to dealing superstar center fielder, Byron Buxton, who has been their best player during this recent hot stretch.

Olney argues that the outfield free agency market next offseason is expected to be historically thin, which could inflate offers for Buxton even beyond what they would normally be. But if the Twins have no interest in trading Buck, it seems weird for such a plugged-in reporter to float his name in an article like this.

The would-be opportunists could take advantage of a really soft outfield market and get value if they’re willing to dangle outfielders under team control beyond this season. For example, the Twins could set a solid price for Buxton and the Jays would probably draw a lot of interest for Daulton Varsho, an elite defender who won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season.

Buster Olney – ESPN

Outside of two games he missed mourning a death in his family. Byron Buxton has been a staple in the 2025 Minnesota Twins lineup, slashing an impressive .264/.304/.520 (127 OPS+), with the same speed he’s become famous for. Buck’s average 2025 sprint speed (30.2 ft/sec) leads all of baseball, and it’s the fastest we’ve seen him since 2019.

Byron Buxton’s injury history is well-documented. His 102 games played last season were just the second time he reached the century mark during his 11 year career, and first since 2017. Those 102 games were also played at an incredibly high level.

In 2024, Buxton slashed .279/.335/.524 (136 OPS+) with 27 doubles and 18 home runs. His 3.7 fWAR equated to a 5.9 per 162 tally which would have easily been the best of his career. This season he has been even better.

Related: What is Fueling This Minnesota Twins Hot Streak?

Buxton’s three triples put him on pace to best his career high (6) which he attained in both 2016 and 2017. He is also stealing bases with ease. After running just nine times all of last season (6-of-8), he is a perfect 8-for-8 so far this season.

Buxton signed a seven-year, $200 million contract extension prior to the 2022 season. After being the second overall pick (behind teammate Carlos Correa) in 2012, hes’ spent his entire professional career in Minnesota., which is where Byron and his family have made their home.

Even with three-years and $45.4 million remaining on a deal that will see him past his 32nd birthday, Byron Buxton is still arguably the top asset in the Minnesota Twins organization, especially if they were to sell high.

Why would the Minnesota Twins trade Byron Buxton?

But unless they fall out of contention, there has to be more compelling reason to trade an embedded star like Byron Buxton. This is a player the Minnesota Twins drafted, developed, and someone who has given his entire professional life to the organization.

Nonetheless, sometimes a professional team needs to rip off the proverbial band-aid and make difficult choices for the future health of their organization. The Pohlads’ sale of the Twins, or lack thereof, has the front office strapped for cash.

While Buxton’s deal is more than worth it, from a value standpoint, it’s possible the Pohlads see it as $15 million per year that they could shed off the books, while simultaneously improving the talent and depth in their farm system.

“Typically, the upcoming free agent class serves as a tool to define most of the players who could be traded before that year’s deadline — and quite simply, in the outfield, the pickings beyond Kyle Tucker are few.

Buster Olney – ESPN

If Minnesota were to make Buxton available, they should expect to demand almost whatever they want in prospect capital. The star center fielder has proven himself even healthier than the Twins could have possibly dreamed, through 41 games this season.

Once Matt Wallner returns, the Minnesota Twins are uniquely positioned to try and replace a talent like Buxton, at least defensively, after acquiring Harrison Bader last offseason. Then, there is top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, who’s in triple A and knocking on the Big League door.

Don’t forget about Luke Keaschall, who can play center when healthy. Then, there’s DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who would also provide defensive relief in Buxton’s absence. If Walker Jenkins can get healthy, he could be an option in the future, as well.

In all likelihood, Byron Buxton isn’t going anywhere

It’s not as though the Minnesota Twins will be rushing to build a statue for Byron Buxton, when his playing career eventually ends. Still, the Twins were built on players like Buck, who were drafted and raised in the organization. I can’t see the Pohlads trading him for a cash/prospect grab.

Beyond that, the 2025 Twins have pushed themselves right back into the AL Playoff mix. As of now, it no longer makes sense to consider trading your best player. If the Twins are going to chase down the division title, or land a wild card spot, they’re certainly going to need Byron Buxton along the way.

$15 million is a moderate amount for a player of Buxton’s caliber. His new teammate, Bader got $10 million from the New York Mets last year despite owning a career 92 OPS+ and coming off a season with a 69 OPS+.

Related: Royce Lewis is Trying to Trade Speed for Health…

While Buxton may be seen more as a quiet Joe Mauer leader as opposed to the vocal Torii Hunter-type, he has the respect of the clubhouse and the relationships there run deep. Oh, and he has a no-trade clause and has never made any inclination that he wants to finish his MLB career anywhere but the Twin Cities.

The AL Central has proven to be a tough division this season. Detroit leads the pack at 26-15 with both Cleveland (23-17) and Kansas City (24-18) ahead of Minnesota, as well. The Twins’ +19 run differential trails only the Tigers’ incredible +84. Most likely, Buxton will be there to help the MN Twins try and catch the Tigers this summer.

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