Cory Provus Thinks Season Finale Might Be Byron Buxton’s Last As A Twin

[Eric Blonigen]

Image courtesy of © Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images

 

On a recent episode of Hot Mic with Dom Izzo, Cory Provus speculated that Byron Buxton’s Twins tenure could be coming to an end. Cue the record scratch. Buxton has a full no-trade clause through the 2026 season, and limited protection against trades for 2027 and 2028. He has been clear about his proclivity to remain with the team that drafted him second overall in 2012 and his love for Minnesota; where is this coming from, and could Provus be right?

In the episode, Izzo and Provus were discussing Buxton’s season and his health, and Izzo made mention that hopefully Twins fans get more of what they have this season over the next couple of years. To that, Provus said: “Is he going to be back? I don’t know. I don’t know what this is going to look like this offseason. And you know, I think if Pablo, if the Twins trade Pablo, then the likelihood of Buxton coming back, I think, drops considerably. That’s on my mind a lot. I’m kind of watching, you know, these games here this weekend, I can’t help but think in the back of my mind if this is the last time we’re going to see him as a Twin.” He continued, “I hope not. He’s awesome, and I know he loves it in Minnesota. His family loves living there. He’s been a Twin his whole life and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him and his family.”

Payroll, of course, will play a significant role in this decision, should it come to pass. Izzo asked Provus if he believes fans have seen Joe Ryan’s last start, and Provus demurred. “I mean, Joe is under team control…Pablo and Byron I put in a different column. Joe is very affordable and the Twins, you know, are benefitting from the system that’s set up right now. He’s under team control for two more years…Joe Ryan, I think, is somebody you keep and he’s somebody that’s affordable right now.”

This lack of payroll will prevent the Twins from contending and could lead to Buxton asking out. Despite his loyalty, recently he has been more forceful in interviews around his desire to win. He told the Pioneer Press less than three weeks ago, ““I ain’t treading water…I won’t do that. It’s all about winning for me. I ain’t a person who’s going to be walking on my toes or anything like that to satisfy anybody. I want to win.” I have some bad news for you all: if the Twins trade Pablo Lopez and/or Joe Ryan this offseason, they aren’t going to win. In this interview, he didn’t mince words, and this could also be a part of what has led to Provus’ speculation.

If Provus’ fears come to pass, the Twins may be approaching a nadir in both fan interest and ability to be even remotely competitive over the next few seasons. If this is a moment of prescience, the impact will be felt throughout the organization, perhaps to a level not seen since the Johan Santana trade nearly 20 years ago. Buxton impacts so many aspects of the Twins organization that his loss would be nearly cataclysmic.

For starters, his play: Buxton, having the best, and generally, healthiest season of his career has been one of just a few bright spots in the 2025 lineup. Losing isn’t fun. Losing badly, and often looking outmatched, even when facing mediocre opponents is worse. There have been stretches of play over the past 13 months that just tough to watch. The bad pitching by guys that have failed to take a step forward. The shoddy defense. The swords on non-competitive pitches. The base running gaffes. The inexplicable failure to hit with bases loaded.

You know who is fun, though? Byron Keiron Buxton. Knowing that Buck is in the lineup and having a special season has given fans something to tune in for. Even as his defense erodes with age, he’s still perfectly capable of making highlight-reel plays on any given night. His re-emergent speed has caused chaos on the base paths all season as he continues a career with literally the highest steal success rate in baseball history. And those majestic, leadoff home runs? They give the team a chance to win when otherwise, hope is but a fleeting memory.

Since the “right sizing” of the payroll immediately following the Twins first playoff victory since 2004, fan interest has waned, and anger has pervaded those that want nothing more than the Twins organization to seem to want to win. Post deadline fire sale and the gutting of the team, attendance has cratered by 14% year over year as fans have decided to spend their two and a half hours nightly on an activity that is less angst-inducing. It’s not clear how much more this fanbase can take before the worst-case scenario — total apathy — sets in.

If the front office trades Byron Buxton because he, too, finds the state of the team untenable, then what’s left to watch for? Sure, Luke Keaschall and the ascendent top prospects will put some butts in seats at Target Field and will get folks to tune in to Twins.TV. But for how long? Particularly when the losing, inevitably, continues? Not to mention, the kids will need mentoring. They will need examples. They will need to be taught what it means to be a major leaguer in all aspects. Buxton’s ability, class, and work ethic set a shining example for those around him. With a roster set to turn almost completely over in the next couple seasons, the Twins need someone of his caliber and character to mentor the next prospect wave as they matriculate to the Twins.

What impact would losing Buxton make on the next generation of Twins fans that could be? Will they invest their summers becoming soccer fans instead? Will football become their sport? It’s tough to say. One thing that’s certain, though, is that the Pohlad family and the front office are in danger of running the remaining fan interest into the ground.

I, for one, hope that Provus’ speculation is unfounded. I hope that the minority partners, once revealed, have the capacity to change things at One Twins Way. I hope that the Twins are able to field a competitive team, or at least one worth watching, in 2026. And more than anything, I hope that Byron Buxton continues to want what he has all along — to play his whole career for the Minnesota Twins.

 

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[1985Fan]

What a blow to baseball in Minnesota trading Buxton would be! If they decide to trade Pablo for cost cutting purposes, I wouldn’t be surprised if Buxton then wants out. If the return for Pablo is talent that can immediately contribute at the MLB level, then they could be competitive. I don’t think Buxton would see it that way though and would probably want out. I hope Falvey has enough sense to talk to Buxton before making offseason moves. Let him know the plan is to compete next year with him as the leader in the clubhouse. I don’t have any confidence that Falvey would do that. I do fear the Twins are going to kill any fan interest in the name of payroll and sink this franchise into Rays and Marlins territory. This is the worst I’ve felt about the future of Twins baseball since the contraction debacle. 

[Dawgzilla]

Who cares!!!  If the ownership/front office doesn't care, we the fans have better things to do with our money, especially in a high inflation cost society.  Players, owners, retailers/concessions in sports cost/make to much anyway.  Waaaayyy to expensive.  Then you have the payroll disparity between the clubs and larger market cities!!!!!!!!!!  Gosh, which teams have best chance to make playoffs....every year, with an exception here and there?!!!!  Lastly, there looks like a player lockout next year, meaning more disgruntled fans!!!!  MLB is destroying itself from the inside out!  Oh, one final thing:  you need multiple tv/cable/streaming pkgs just to watch a garbage team.  Laaaattteeerrr!!!

[Nashvilletwin]

I wrote about this earlier this week. Falvey et al may indeed have the Correa discussion with Byron.

Could be a win-win.  Byron may not want to hang around for a multi year rebuild, especially as he is now in the midst of his peak capabilities.  For the Twins, Byron is at his highest trade value and, with the strike looming in 2027, it very likely will never be higher.

The list of suitors should be long giving Byron a lot of choices.  

[stringer bell]

Since the trade deadline, I've been thinking that trading Buck would be the right thing for both the player and the team. If the Twins aren't going to contend until after an indeterminate work stoppage, it might be in Buxton's interest to get to a team that has a chance  and the Twins could both save salary and get a haul of players who could help the team after a lockout.

People aren't coming to watch the team with Buxton so it probably wouldn't hurt attendance much. As an avid fan, I'd be sick to my stomach for a few days, but I know I'll come back.

[T.O.]

"I hope that the minority partners, once revealed, have the capacity to change things at One Twins Way."

There seems to be a lot of posts expressing hope that the minority owners will save the Twins or steer them in a better direction. I have no idea what's going on behind the scenes but I see no reason to see these minority owners as anything other than investors providing cash to resolve debt now with the expectation of cashing in when the team sells at a higher price in the future. If the minority owners were going to be revealed wouldn't it have happened already?

If Buxton wants to go I'm sure they will choose saving the money and taking another long shot "prospect". 

[DocBauer]

It does sound as if Provus is merely speculating. And I hope that's the case as I really want to see him a Twin for life. Not to mention he's still currently the best player, a class act, and someone to help lead thr younger players.

I no longer trust the FO/Twins. Or at least, any trust is greatly strained. Despite speculation, there is no smoking gun regarding a trade of Ryan to Boston at the deadline. All we have is an erroneous report of a trade being made, and what appear to be actual, accurate reports that Boston came in late, asked, the Twins listened, (which they always state they do), and then rejected the offer made by the Red Sox. And Falvey seemed to indicate in his most recent interview that he sees the rotation as a strength for 2026 and included Ryan and Lopez in that discussion.

That would seem to end speculation...for the most part..that Lopez and Ryan are automatically being moved as part of a massive teardown. Thus, it should also end speculation of a disgruntled Buxton requesting out.

But once again, my trust in the Twins is greatly strained, if not gone.

Simple logic would indicate new partners, elimination of debt with new cash flow, and a large stockpile of young talent on hand, or getting ready to debut, and room to add to the speculated post-arbitration payroll, would make ownership WANT to keep Lopez and Ryan...and Buck as a result...and try to increase what remains of trust and interest from the fans.

Simple logic. But then again, my trust in the Twins is greatly strained, if not gone.

 

[Doctor Gast]

Back when Buck was about to enter FA, social media was full of the rumor that Buck was leaving the Twins. He didn't want to play for the Twins because the Twins screwed him over.  Truth was that he wanted to stay & the big hang-up wasn't even money, it was his no-trade clause. IMO, many FOs value Buck more than Falvey & that they are offering him what Falvey considers a good offer. Therefore, Falvey doesn't like a no-trade clause. For me it'd be hard to see Buck in a different uniform, as more fans will not come to games & I don't trust Falvey to make a trade worthy of losing Buck. 

Of course, Buck wants to win, that's how he's wired. He will give his all to win no matter if he's playing for the ROX. Twins' young players still need Buck as a mentor & `compass. Buck is very loyal to his fans & I wouldn't blame Buck if he doesn't want to play for Falvey but I won't believe it until I hear it from his mouth.

[ashbury]

Harrison Bader said the other day that Buxton is the "best position player I've ever played with, hands down."

I take this as an indirect confirmation that Buxton is a strong, positive influence as a teammate.  I mean, would Bader have volunteered that quote if he thought the man was also a horse's ass?

So, fantastic player, good human being.  You win by accumulating players like that.  It's hard.  You keep what you have.

I said this a week ago but I'll spell it out more clearly: if the FO has lost the confidence of a player of that caliber, then for anybody who's still on the fence that's by itself sufficient evidence to be done with the Falvey era.  (And that comment of mine last week got a response that there's plenty of other reasons, which is not the point.)

[gman]

28 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

Back when Buck was about to enter FA, social media was full of the rumor that Buck was leaving the Twins. He didn't want to play for the Twins because the Twins screwed him over.  Truth was that he wanted to stay & the big hang-up wasn't even money, it was his no-trade clause. IMO, many FOs value Buck more than Falvey & that they are offering him what Falvey considers a good offer. Therefore, Falvey doesn't like a no-trade clause. For me it'd be hard to see Buck in a different uniform, as more fans will not come to games & I don't trust Falvey to make a trade worthy of losing Buck. 

Of course, Buck wants to win, that's how he's wired. He will give his all to win no matter if he's playing for the ROX. Twins' young players still need Buck as a mentor & `compass. Buck is very loyal to his fans & I wouldn't blame Buck if he doesn't want to play for Falvey but I won't believe it until I hear it from his mouth.

I doubt there are any front offices that "like" no trade agreements. They don't want them for the same reason that players do.

[gman]

I did not know that Buxton's no trade deal change after2026. I wonder what team's are on his list. It definitely makes it more likely that he will be traded this winter. Since he has more options about where he won't go.

[D.C Twins]

I pointed this out a few weeks ago to a chorus of down votes.  

Buck is not going to be interested in a historic Twins losing season. 

The Pholads are not interested in spending money at least until the next collecting bargaining agreement if ever. 

Something has to give. 

Buck does not align with the current realistic competitive timeline.

I expect him and Lopez to be traded with Ryan a maybe depending on the return.

I'm not saying that I like it. I'm just saying it is likely

[D.C Twins]

2 hours ago, 1985Fan said:

What a blow to baseball in Minnesota trading Buxton would be! If they decide to trade Pablo for cost cutting purposes, I wouldn’t be surprised if Buxton then wants out. If the return for Pablo is talent that can immediately contribute at the MLB level, then they could be competitive. I don’t think Buxton would see it that way though and would probably want out. I hope Falvey has enough sense to talk to Buxton before making offseason moves. Let him know the plan is to compete next year with him as the leader in the clubhouse. I don’t have any confidence that Falvey would do that. I do fear the Twins are going to kill any fan interest in the name of payroll and sink this franchise into Rays and Marlins territory. This is the worst I’ve felt about the future of Twins baseball since the contraction debacle. 

Except the plan is not to compete next year unfortunately... 

[LeatherAntenna]

The story in the Tribune on why Pohlad’s didn’t sell changes next year’s outlook. The family implies now with the new minority investors there is going to be a willingness to spend.  The post a few back saying the new minority investors unidentified are just waiting to sell higher at a later date defies logic.  If the Twins continue running cheap, the price can hardly go much higher.  Sure the price will go up as other franchises increase, but not in any lock step.  A new owner discounts the Twins price by what they will need to invest to be competitive.  So more competitive is the next move.

[CCHOF5yearstoolate]

Crazy clickbait article. Buck has consistently said he's never waiving his NTC, and nothing Cory said even remotely hints otherwise.

Remember the last time Cory made a prediction about what was happening to the team? Loved not having any blackouts this season!

[USAFChief]

Sad.

But if I'm Buxton I can't wait to put this losing organization in the rear view mirror. 

[Dave Borton]

Listened to Reds game so didn't hear any Buxton not playing chatter.

Any booth information on Buxton sitting?

 

[howeda7]

I don't understand this logic that they're going to trade Buxton/Pablo/Ryan? And do what? Have a $50 million payroll?

[LeatherAntenna]

6 minutes ago, howeda7 said:

I don't understand this logic that they're going to trade Buxton/Pablo/Ryan? And do what? Have a $50 million payroll?

Here’s hoping I understand it.  There is no reason to shed anymore salary.  By the minority owners investing in and retiring $500M in debt, the Twins now have money to spend.  $500M @ 5% is $25M a year freed up in expense.  $25M can buy a couple of impact players.

[LeatherAntenna]

I’m assuming the interest rate, obviously there is no way to know without seeing the books.  It could be higher with current market conditions, or lower if MLB gives a discount to a member team.  A discount though is doubtful, or more teams might go after MLB debt.

[USAFChief]

39 minutes ago, LeatherAntenna said:

Here’s hoping I understand it.  There is no reason to shed anymore salary.  By the minority owners investing in and retiring $500M in debt, the Twins now have money to spend.  $500M @ 5% is $25M a year freed up in expense.  $25M can buy a couple of impact players.

We don't even know for sure there actually ARE minority investors, much less hiw much they're investing, what it might be used for, or how it'll change payroll going forward.

 

[Jacksson]

Buxton sure fell apart down the stretch when all he could do was Strikeout or hit a HR.

Had plenty of games to become a 30 -30 player but he could neither get a hit or take a walk.  I would not be surprised to see him waive his no trade clause and get traded.

BUT Please, for heaven's sake come up with a replacement other than OUTman or Keirsey.

[David HK]

5 hours ago, DocBauer said:

It does sound as if Provus is merely speculating. And I hope that's the case as I really want to see him a Twin for life. Not to mention he's still currently the best player, a class act, and someone to help lead thr younger players.

I no longer trust the FO/Twins. Or at least, any trust is greatly strained. Despite speculation, there is no smoking gun regarding a trade of Ryan to Boston at the deadline. All we have is an erroneous report of a trade being made, and what appear to be actual, accurate reports that Boston came in late, asked, the Twins listened, (which they always state they do), and then rejected the offer made by the Red Sox. And Falvey seemed to indicate in his most recent interview that he sees the rotation as a strength for 2026 and included Ryan and Lopez in that discussion.

That would seem to end speculation...for the most part..that Lopez and Ryan are automatically being moved as part of a massive teardown. Thus, it should also end speculation of a disgruntled Buxton requesting out.

But once again, my trust in the Twins is greatly strained, if not gone.

Simple logic would indicate new partners, elimination of debt with new cash flow, and a large stockpile of young talent on hand, or getting ready to debut, and room to add to the speculated post-arbitration payroll, would make ownership WANT to keep Lopez and Ryan...and Buck as a result...and try to increase what remains of trust and interest from the fans.

Simple logic. But then again, my trust in the Twins is greatly strained, if not gone.

 

My trust is gone, long gone, long ago.

I loathe the silver-spoonfed pohlad family with a white-hot temp that was previously reserved only for norm green.  And no, those aren't little typos.  Those greedy Eh-holes don't even deserve Capital Letters in my book.

Heck, the old man first made his fortune putting farmers off their land during the Depression.  Tells you about all you need to know.

[Blyleven2011]

6 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

I wrote about this earlier this week. Falvey et al may indeed have the Correa discussion with Byron.

Could be a win-win.  Byron may not want to hang around for a multi year rebuild, especially as he is now in the midst of his peak capabilities.  For the Twins, Byron is at his highest trade value and, with the strike looming in 2027, it very likely will never be higher.

The list of suitors should be long giving Byron a lot of choices.  

The only choice in my opinion would be Byron would waive his no trade clause to go to Atlanta Braves and play for his home state , it would be the dream he envisioned as a youngster boy , just like envisioned me playing for the Twins  ...

If he was to be traded to an organization other than Atlanta Byron may ask the other team to write a new contract for him to waive the no trade clause ( that would be the smart play ) bargaining chip  ... 

Yes the suitors would be enormous but again I think his first choice is to play for the Braves  ...

[bean5302]

Want to talk about wasting peak careers? Talk about 2004-2010.

Buxton come playoff time
2015 - 138 PA, was playing
2016 - Not good, was playing.
2017 - Not good, was playing.
2018 - Injured
---------------------------- Peak after this
2019 - Injured
2020 - Injured
2021 - Bad team
2022 - Injured
2023 - Injured
2024 - Bad team
2025 - Bad team

[LastOnePicked]

For Buxton's sake, I hope Provus is right. He deserves better. We all do, but changing jerseys is easier than changing fandoms.

Get the good, established guys out of here, stat. Clean house and start over. They'll be nothing happening here until the 2030s at least.

[Seth Stohs]

I completely believe that Buxton has meant everything he has said about the Twins and the community and wanting to stay, and "I'm not going anywhere." But he's 31, he's put in his time, and if there are no other veterans (Pablo, Ryan, etc.), I will not blame him at all for being willing to accept a trade. I'd be happy for him if he was traded to Atlanta so his family would be at or near home.

[LastOnePicked]

6 hours ago, T.O. said:

I have no idea what's going on behind the scenes but I see no reason to see these minority owners as anything other than investors providing cash to resolve debt now with the expectation of cashing in when the team sells at a higher price in the future.

Correct. The minority investors have no increased ownership stake in the future It sounds like they are merely east coast chums of the Pohlads, just chipping in to help them clear their debts. Perhaps they're also hoping that boosts in revenue sharing will provide a few additional dollars down the line. They will have zero impact on this team being competitive.

[Jacksson]

Lopez is traded in the off season as is Larnach. 

Ryan, Wallner and Jeffers go at the 2026 trade deadline.

Gone in the off season by release, expired contract, trade:  Hatch, Cabrera, Misiewicz, Topa, Tonkin, Vasquez, Julien, Miranda, Kiersey, McCusker, OUTman.

 

[howeda7]

2 hours ago, LeatherAntenna said:

Here’s hoping I understand it.  There is no reason to shed anymore salary.  By the minority owners investing in and retiring $500M in debt, the Twins now have money to spend.  $500M @ 5% is $25M a year freed up in expense.  $25M can buy a couple of impact players.

I don't know the exact impact of the minority owners. I do know that they had a $140 million opening day payroll for 2025 and there's no good reason they can't have a similar $140 million opening day payroll for 2026. They certainly don't need to cut down to $50-60 million.