Seeds of Doubt: How Carlos Correa’s Exit Pushed Byron Buxton Toward the Door

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Twins have spent the last few seasons trying to convince the baseball world that their competitive window is still open. Their message has always depended on having their two cornerstone stars in the middle of everything. That plan took its first major hit when Carlos Correa agreed to waive his no-trade clause and return to Houston at this summer’s trade deadline. The ripple effects from that decision may now be touching Byron Buxton in ways the Twins hoped they would never face.

Correa’s exit made all the sense in the world. Once the idea of Houston crept back into his head, it was almost impossible to uproot. His family is in the area. The Astros offer a more straightforward path to October, even if they fell short in 2025. The move to third base was expected to lessen the wear and tear on his body, after years of problems with his lower back and plantar fasciitis. It made too much sense, and when a player of Correa’s stature sees a version of his future that looks brighter elsewhere, it is only natural to follow it. The seed was planted, and it grew until there was no stopping it.

Minnesota told itself that this was a singular situation. Correa was unique. This was not a sign of something bigger. Now, cracks in that belief have started to show.

Earlier this week, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Buxton has emerged as one of the biggest trade candidates of the winter. That alone is jarring, but the real noise came from Passan’s line that Buxton is willing to waive his no-trade clause, and not just for Atlanta, the team he watched growing up in Georgia. 

Buxton has not confirmed this publicly, and until he speaks, there will be speculation on how genuine that willingness truly is. Still, even the possibility marks a notable shift. This is a player who has repeatedly said he wants to be in Minnesota for the long haul and has long been viewed as fiercely loyal to the only big-league organization he has ever known. Last month, I wrote about how the Pohlads may have pushed Buxton to break his moral code, and perhaps that is still true, but Correa’s exit may also have pointed him to greener pastures. 

It's not hard to understand why that loyalty may be softening. Buxton is coming off arguably the best season of his career, and he looks and feels healthy heading into the offseason for a second consecutive year. He knows exactly how short an athlete’s window can be, and he is undoubtedly aware of the current state of the Twins. Their payroll is dropping. Their roster faces more questions than answers. Their long-term outlook is cloudy, at best.

Then, he looks at Correa. He sees a close friend and former teammate, thriving in a competitive environment with real October expectations. He sees a player who freed himself to chase wins, stability, and long-term relevance. That image can be powerful. It can plant the same idea that once took hold of Correa. And if the idea is truly in Buxton’s mind, the Twins may not be able to root it out.

That is the uncomfortable reality for Minnesota. Correa’s departure was not simply one star leaving. It may have opened the door to another star reconsidering his loyalty. If the Twins can't show Buxton a future where contention is more than a hopeful projection, they risk watching their franchise centerpiece walk the same path Correa did.

The Twins believed Correa’s exit was an isolated storm, but it may have been the first breeze carrying seeds of doubt into their clubhouse. Buxton has always been the player they trusted to anchor their future, yet even the most loyal stars can start to question where their path leads. If Minnesota cannot show him a future that blooms into real contention (rather than more uncertainty), those seeds may grow into a weed that will spread throughout the organization.

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Did Correa’s exit push Buxton toward the door? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[mikelink45]

This is no surprise.  The team FO and owners have not only left fans feeling frustration - that same message is apparent to players too.  Everyone wants to be on a winner (maybe Mike Trout doesn't care but everyone else does) and the unraveling of the team, the delays in ownership sales, the lack of a budget for next year has to have created great uncertainty.  I would hate to lose Buxton, but I understand if he wants to go and if Ryan or Lopez goes I think it shoves him out the door. 

[SoDakTwinsFan]

100% trade him.  We are not going to be competing for a World Series anytime soon.  He had a career year and if he continues to produce at this level a really team friendly contract.  He would bring nice pieces for a rebuild which is what needs to happen.

[bean5302]

False narrative entirely in this article. Buxton didn't change his tune on the Twins until (basically) the offseason. Buxton was the one in the locker room getting the players on board with the trade deadline moves. Buxton's willingness to waive his NTC didn't occur until it became obvious the Twins might rebuild.

[Coach Wheels]

There is zero reason for the organization to pretend they are trying to compete as they reduce salary again in 2026. Byron has been a great Twin and an ambassador for the organization his entire time here. He deserves the opportunity to play for an organization that wants to win and he can bring young mlb ready talent to the Twins. The right move is to move him.

[old nurse]

There is a difference between opinion pieces and journalism. Most columnists slip into opinion pieces as there is the desire to be first to report. There is no penalty for being wrong.  Did Buxton say he would accept a trade? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe there are conditions attached. That is as reasonable assumption. As saying he asked for a trade.  Rebuild? That is what small market teams do every year. 

[Woof Bronzer]

31 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

False narrative entirely in this article. Buxton didn't change his tune on the Twins until (basically) the offseason. Buxton was the one in the locker room getting the players on board with the trade deadline moves. Buxton's willingness to waive his NTC didn't occur until it became obvious the Twins might rebuild.

Nope, this is false.  Buxton has been grumbling since at least September:

 

[Heiny]

This sucks.  Although I agree that if he wants to go, he should be allowed.  I would hate to see it but this organization doesn't deserve his loyalty.  To Buck:  I hope you have success, whether it's with the Twins or elsewhere.  To the Pohlads:  I'm getting pretty effing disgusted with your BS.  I'm 67 years old and a Twins fan since I can remember, but you sure make it hard.

[Dave Overlund]

Did anyone else notice Buxton is not among the confirmed guests for TwinsFest?

[Major League Ready]

It's quite reasonable that a very good veteran player does not want to be part of a rebuilding team so we can't blame Buxton for wanting out.  I would assume that this would be a third reason teams clear out every decent veteran player when they rebuild.  The second is cost and the most important reason is to acquire players that contribute to a contending team.  I sure don't blame Buxton just and I also understand why he might get traded.

[Riverbrian]

My algorithm is being overloaded with reaction to a single sentence from Jeff Passan and I knew it would. 

And with that overloading... the crowd goes wild believing it. 

This is pretty simple. Could Buxton get traded... Yep absolutely... Would he waive his no-trade... I would certainly hope so because not being willing to even consider it is just wasting your leverage and limiting his options... closing doors.   

His no trade clause is his leverage. It is his protection. It's his ability to choose who he plays for. That is the important thing to understand as everyone loses their minds.  

If he chooses to be inflexible in regards to that leverage, all the no trade clause does for him is guarantee that he is in Minnesota through the 2028 season and he is looking for a new contract at age 35 and he's not going to get a 5 year deal at age 35. If he wants a bigger pay check... it's this current contract.  

Being absolutely inflexible with his leverage would be a terrible mistake even if he wanted to remain a Twin for life. 

That leverage could get his deal reworked. More money? Longer Term? Chance for a title? It's in his best interest to be flexible in all considerations. He can always say no if he doesn't like the team or if he would rather remain a Twin but he will have options to consider. 

If he isn't willing to waive. There is no sense for the Twins front office or the other 29 teams to have a second of trade conversation.   

Once he does the sensible thing... it's out there and Passan has a sentence to share with the world. 

As an example... Let's say... The Mets and Twins strike a deal that both teams are happy with. You know that Buxton's agent will be on the phone to get his contract reworked to get the no-trade dropped. 15 Million a year for the next 3 years. Nope... I'm Byron Buxton... you want me in New York to play CF and you want me to waive this thing. I want 25 Million per and an extra year. That's Byron's leverage at work. 

Once Buxton does that... If the Mets are willing (not a sure thing). It will drastically change the value of the return. The value would be lowered to the point that the Twins are no longer happy with the return so they pull the deal off the table.    

Basically... I'm saying. Buxton willing to waive his no-trade? Not a shock... Sensible in my opinion. However... it doesn't mean that Buxton is desperate to leave. He's just willing to use his leverage to his advantage and he can't do that with a flat out... I will not waive under any circumstance. 

I always assume that the front office and Byron's agent are talking and each is looking out for their own best interest and this is just how it works.  

 

 

 

[Jeff K]

I hate the idea of Byron leaving, but no one could possibly blame him.  I do quibble with the premise of the article that Correa pushed his way out.  I feel pretty darned sure that the Twins knew they could not reload, rebuild (however you want to put it) with his albatross of a contract hanging over them.

[Bob Twins Fan Since 61]

Interesting, I reviewed my season ticket holder message regarding pre-sale tickets for Twins fest.  Besides, Buxton neither Pablo Lopez nor Joe Ryan were confirmed guests for Twins fest.  Hopefully, the Winters Meetings will pass, and they will still be Twins.  But they must be hedging their bets.

[#3Killer]

Gloom and doom- so tiring!! Last winter we were favored to take the ALC. Young hitters not responding, terrible coaching and administrative chaos sunk that ship. BUT- I still have to believe that all the players “sold down the river” on this site (Lewis, Lee, Wallner, Larnach- even Jeffers) have the ability to turn it around and perform far above 2025! We wail and rend our garments calling for the latest prospect to be given a chance and when they struggle we dismiss them! Who can succeed with this negative noise in the background!!! We wail when we unloaded 40% of our team- many on final years of their contracts - but then are constantly “creating” trade scenarios for our top pitchers and only all-star.
     Hey- here’s an idea - the staff and GM have confidence in the roster on hand and the final roster they will create this winter. 2 relievers and a good bat at first and we can compete -  probably very well if our young guys turn it around! I’m not believing yet that the core we have is not one we can excel with! We don’t know the budget yet so let’s lay off the minimum estimates. Let’s have some POSITIVE articles and posts!! It’s Christmas- maybe the front office will come through with a big present and a couple bows!!!

[Patzky]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

My algorithm is being overloaded with reaction to a single sentence from Jeff Passan and I knew it would. 

And with that overloading... the crowd goes wild believing it. 

This is pretty simple. Could Buxton get traded... Yep absolutely... Would he waive his no-trade... I would certainly hope so because not being willing to even consider it is just wasting your leverage and limiting his options... closing doors.   

His no trade clause is his leverage. It is his protection. It's his ability to choose who he plays for. That is the important thing to understand as everyone loses their minds.  

If he chooses to be inflexible in regards to that leverage, all the no trade clause does for him is guarantee that he is in Minnesota through the 2028 season and he is looking for a new contract at age 35 and he's not going to get a 5 year deal at age 35. If he wants a bigger pay check... it's this current contract.  

Being absolutely inflexible with his leverage would be a terrible mistake even if he wanted to remain a Twin for life. 

That leverage could get his deal reworked. More money? Longer Term? Chance for a title? It's in his best interest to be flexible in all considerations. He can always say no if he doesn't like the team or if he would rather remain a Twin but he will have options to consider. 

If he isn't willing to waive. There is no sense for the Twins front office or the other 29 teams to have a second of trade conversation.   

Once he does the sensible thing... it's out there and Passan has a sentence to share with the world. 

As an example... Let's say... The Mets and Twins strike a deal that both teams are happy with. You know that Buxton's agent will be on the phone to get his contract reworked to get the no-trade dropped. 15 Million a year for the next 3 years. Nope... I'm Byron Buxton... you want me in New York to play CF and you want me to waive this thing. I want 25 Million per and an extra year. That's Byron's leverage at work. 

Once Buxton does that... If the Mets are willing (not a sure thing). It will drastically change the value of the return. The value would be lowered to the point that the Twins are no longer happy with the return so they pull the deal off the table.    

Basically... I'm saying. Buxton willing to waive his no-trade? Not a shock... Sensible in my opinion. However... it doesn't mean that Buxton is desperate to leave. He's just willing to use his leverage to his advantage and he can't do that with a flat out... I will not waive under any circumstance. 

I always assume that the front office and Byron's agent are talking and each is looking out for their own best interest and this is just how it works.  

 

 

 

 Very interesting 'take'. 

[Heiny]

11 minutes ago, #3Killer said:

Gloom and doom- so tiring!! Last winter we were favored to take the ALC. Young hitters not responding, terrible coaching and administrative chaos sunk that ship. BUT- I still have to believe that all the players “sold down the river” on this site (Lewis, Lee, Wallner, Larnach- even Jeffers) have the ability to turn it around and perform far above 2025! We wail and rend our garments calling for the latest prospect to be given a chance and when they struggle we dismiss them! Who can succeed with this negative noise in the background!!! We wail when we unloaded 40% of our team- many on final years of their contracts - but then are constantly “creating” trade scenarios for our top pitchers and only all-star.
     Hey- here’s an idea - the staff and GM have confidence in the roster on hand and the final roster they will create this winter. 2 relievers and a good bat at first and we can compete -  probably very well if our young guys turn it around! I’m not believing yet that the core we have is not one we can excel with! We don’t know the budget yet so let’s lay off the minimum estimates. Let’s have some POSITIVE articles and posts!! It’s Christmas- maybe the front office will come through with a big present and a couple bows!!!

LOL.  You must be a youngster with all that enthusiasm and optimism.   I used to be too, but after 60+ years of being a Twins fan you start to see that, that' a turd floating in the pool, not a candy bar.

[The Great Hambino]

56 minutes ago, Bob Twins Fan Since 61 said:

Interesting, I reviewed my season ticket holder message regarding pre-sale tickets for Twins fest.  Besides, Buxton neither Pablo Lopez nor Joe Ryan were confirmed guests for Twins fest.  Hopefully, the Winters Meetings will pass, and they will still be Twins.  But they must be hedging their bets.

I got the same email.  Look on the bright side - Outman and Gasper aren't on there either!

For real though, I count only 11 guys on the current 40-man on that list.  Don't know what's shown historically, but I don't know how much to read into that.

FWIW, Buxton and Lopez are pictured on the marketing graphic in the same email

[Blyleven2011]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

My algorithm is being overloaded with reaction to a single sentence from Jeff Passan and I knew it would. 

And with that overloading... the crowd goes wild believing it. 

This is pretty simple. Could Buxton get traded... Yep absolutely... Would he waive his no-trade... I would certainly hope so because not being willing to even consider it is just wasting your leverage and limiting his options... closing doors.   

His no trade clause is his leverage. It is his protection. It's his ability to choose who he plays for. That is the important thing to understand as everyone loses their minds.  

If he chooses to be inflexible in regards to that leverage, all the no trade clause does for him is guarantee that he is in Minnesota through the 2028 season and he is looking for a new contract at age 35 and he's not going to get a 5 year deal at age 35. If he wants a bigger pay check... it's this current contract.  

Being absolutely inflexible with his leverage would be a terrible mistake even if he wanted to remain a Twin for life. 

That leverage could get his deal reworked. More money? Longer Term? Chance for a title? It's in his best interest to be flexible in all considerations. He can always say no if he doesn't like the team or if he would rather remain a Twin but he will have options to consider. 

If he isn't willing to waive. There is no sense for the Twins front office or the other 29 teams to have a second of trade conversation.   

Once he does the sensible thing... it's out there and Passan has a sentence to share with the world. 

As an example... Let's say... The Mets and Twins strike a deal that both teams are happy with. You know that Buxton's agent will be on the phone to get his contract reworked to get the no-trade dropped. 15 Million a year for the next 3 years. Nope... I'm Byron Buxton... you want me in New York to play CF and you want me to waive this thing. I want 25 Million per and an extra year. That's Byron's leverage at work. 

Once Buxton does that... If the Mets are willing (not a sure thing). It will drastically change the value of the return. The value would be lowered to the point that the Twins are no longer happy with the return so they pull the deal off the table.    

Basically... I'm saying. Buxton willing to waive his no-trade? Not a shock... Sensible in my opinion. However... it doesn't mean that Buxton is desperate to leave. He's just willing to use his leverage to his advantage and he can't do that with a flat out... I will not waive under any circumstance. 

I always assume that the front office and Byron's agent are talking and each is looking out for their own best interest and this is just how it works.  

 

 

 

I was thinking the same thing that Buxton had leverage in waiving his no trade clause and restructuring his contract for more money , he signed a friendly contract with the twins to remain a twin , he didn't sign a friendly contract to play for another team ,..

It makes sense that he would want more money to play for another team,  its his right to ask for money to waive his NTC ...

[IndianaTwin]

2 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

My algorithm is being overloaded with reaction to a single sentence from Jeff Passan and I knew it would....

I always assume that the front office and Byron's agent are talking and each is looking out for their own best interest and this is just how it works.  

 

 

 

Dead on. 

And on your last sentence, one of the things that I've appreciated about the front office is that it has seemed to be pretty transparent with players behind the scenes. They seem to be in regular contact with the top-end players and their agents. I think that's good. 

 

Overall, I try not to do much psychoanalysis on what players are thinking based on a comment or two here and there. It was just a few years ago that much of TD was convinced Byron was on the first train out of town when he got the opportunity because of the Twins having sent him to the minors when he was hitting .156. Then surprise, surprise, he signed a seven-year deal.

[Riverbrian]

27 minutes ago, IndianaTwin said:

Dead on. 

And on your last sentence, one of the things that I've appreciated about the front office is that it has seemed to be pretty transparent with players behind the scenes. They seem to be in regular contact with the top-end players and their agents. I think that's good. 

 

Overall, I try not to do much psychoanalysis on what players are thinking based on a comment or two here and there. It was just a few years ago that much of TD was convinced Byron was on the first train out of town when he got the opportunity because of the Twins having sent him to the minors when he was hitting .156. Then surprise, surprise, he signed a seven-year deal.

Unfortunately... not much was learned from that yester-year moment.

There seems to be this default things are bad setting.... deep inside the souls of some that provides comfort.  

[1985Fan]

Can’t blame Buxton OR the Twins for considering a trade. Both parties could justify the logic of BB being traded this offseason. What I disagree with is the article saying that Houston is a contender. Their pitching isn’t good enough and Altuve is now older and injury prone. They’ve off loaded too many critical pieces and have depleted their minor league system, which is basically ranked last in the league. I don’t want to wish bad things on people, but CC thinking he’s got a shot at WS title with Houston is a stretch. He was traded to Astros bc they were the only team willing to take him off the Twins hands. 

[Riverbrian]

58 minutes ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

With Buck not coming out and denying this rumor, I suspect that it has some truth to it.  I also wondered whether the Twins leaked this out in an attempt to get Buck to waive his NT clause, but I think he would have denied it had that occurred.

If they trade one or both of their starters, then they might as well trade Buck too.  The team needs to either go all the way in here with a full rebuild, or nobody of value gets traded and they ADD a 1B/DH and one or more relievers.

That said, I'm confident that the team goes half way and wins 70 games next year and THEN unloads when the value of these players has dropped.  It's just the Twins Way ya know!

Myself... My Opinion... For what it's worth. I don't think they need a full on rebuild. I also don't think they need to cut anymore salary but then again... I'm not watching the books. 

I think the Twins just need to concern themselves with getting return on the players that they are in risk of of getting nothing from and that would be Joe Ryan because his value is high and will only go down from here. And... Ryan Jeffers because he is a free agent next year. Perhaps the top catching free agent available in next years class which would make Jeffers probably a top trade option for any team that doesn't land Realmuto. We don't have to trade Lopez or Ober or Buxton. We can build around them.    

We need a young SS and a young 1B. And of course... build that bullpen back up. If Ryan and Jeffers can provide that... we would have a decent starting point with depth options for the road back and we could be back fairly quickly.

You just let the players grow as quickly as possible as you sort out the winners and losers. We found a Luke Keaschall last year... let's see if we can find some more.

We could have a decent enough core in place to actually strategically augment the roster with a better class of free agent by 2027 after the labor situation is sorted out.  

Just make 2026 about finding talent as quickly as possible and whatever happens... happens in 2026. No more Ty France band aids. Flood the system with players under team control. 

Show the world that you can develop. Don't narrow your development focus to a couple of players. Provide competition and sort out the winners and losers.    

 

[#3Killer]

3 hours ago, Heiny said:

LOL.  You must be a youngster with all that enthusiasm and optimism.   I used to be too, but after 60+ years of being a Twins fan you start to see that, that' a turd floating in the pool, not a candy bar.

Hmm- Twins fan for 63years- been there all the way. As a coach of 44 years I know that your athletes respond to you if you set realistic expectations and believe in them that they can succeed. Once again- the base is there- they simply need to be coached up to their abilities and be shown that we believe they can do it. 

[bean5302]

6 hours ago, Woof Bronzer said:

Nope, this is false.  Buxton has been grumbling since at least September:

 

You're repeating what I posted.

[Woof Bronzer]

34 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

You're repeating what I posted.

Not quite.

7 hours ago, bean5302 said:

False narrative entirely in this article. Buxton didn't change his tune on the Twins until (basically) the offseason. 

Early September isn't the offseason.  So nope, no false narratives here, only facts.  

[Doc Lenz]

10 hours ago, Dave Overlund said:

Did anyone else notice Buxton is not among the confirmed guests for TwinsFest?

Was he last year?

[Doc Lenz]

8 hours ago, #3Killer said:

Gloom and doom- so tiring!! Last winter we were favored to take the ALC. Young hitters not responding, terrible coaching and administrative chaos sunk that ship. BUT- I still have to believe that all the players “sold down the river” on this site (Lewis, Lee, Wallner, Larnach- even Jeffers) have the ability to turn it around and perform far above 2025! We wail and rend our garments calling for the latest prospect to be given a chance and when they struggle we dismiss them! Who can succeed with this negative noise in the background!!! We wail when we unloaded 40% of our team- many on final years of their contracts - but then are constantly “creating” trade scenarios for our top pitchers and only all-star.
     Hey- here’s an idea - the staff and GM have confidence in the roster on hand and the final roster they will create this winter. 2 relievers and a good bat at first and we can compete -  probably very well if our young guys turn it around! I’m not believing yet that the core we have is not one we can excel with! We don’t know the budget yet so let’s lay off the minimum estimates. Let’s have some POSITIVE articles and posts!! It’s Christmas- maybe the front office will come through with a big present and a couple bows!!!

Amen!

 

[rv78]

Seems we can't go a month without an article about the great Buxton. He has had 2 decent years now in his 11 year career and we should be worried the Twins will trade him? The Twins will never win a Championship with him on the team. He's 31 going on 40 with all of his past injuries soon to be catching up with him very quickly. He's signed through the 2028 season. At the end of his contract he'll be 34 years old and worth very little. If I was a GM looking to acquire him in trade I wouldn't break the bank for him knowing his history of injuries. He may have leverage but I doubt it would be a lot because of that history. He might accept a trade to Atlanta, or even the Dodgers to get that ring, but the return wouldn't be anything like most of you imagine or hope for.

[tony&rodney]

51 minutes ago, rv78 said:

Seems we can't go a month without an article about the great Buxton. He has had 2 decent years now in his 11 year career and we should be worried the Twins will trade him? The Twins will never win a Championship with him on the team. He's 31 going on 40 with all of his past injuries soon to be catching up with him very quickly. He's signed through the 2028 season. At the end of his contract he'll be 34 years old and worth very little. If I was a GM looking to acquire him in trade I wouldn't break the bank for him knowing his history of injuries. He may have leverage but I doubt it would be a lot because of that history. He might accept a trade to Atlanta, or even the Dodgers to get that ring, but the return wouldn't be anything like most of you imagine or hope for.

The promise of a 5 WAR player still means something in baseball. Buck was tied with 3 other players as the 2nd fastest runner in MLB last year. The bat speed is still elite. The power is obvious too.

While it is true that Byron Buxton has missed a boatload of games in his career due to various ailments and injuries, his body has not overtly shown signs of breaking down. By comparison, one can visually pick up the physical decline in Royce Lewis and it was clear to all that Jorge Polanco played through injuries that put other guys on the IL. Hopefully both of those guys return to excellent full health.

The best prospects are more of a risk than Buxton right now. The quandary every GM must face is whether Buxton will produce enough in his three years while staying off the IL versus the promise of a prospect. The decision is closely related to how important it is for a specific team to compete for their division with plans to win the World Series. Buxton is easily a better bet to help a team win than a prospect. So it is a decision of how much a team wants to win now.

[rv78]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

The promise of a 5 WAR player still means something in baseball. Buck was tied with 3 other players as the 2nd fastest runner in MLB last year. The bat speed is still elite. The power is obvious too.

While it is true that Byron Buxton has missed a boatload of games in his career due to various ailments and injuries, his body has not overtly shown signs of breaking down. By comparison, one can visually pick up the physical decline in Royce Lewis and it was clear to all that Jorge Polanco played through injuries that put other guys on the IL. Hopefully both of those guys return to excellent full health.

The best prospects are more of a risk than Buxton right now. The quandary every GM must face is whether Buxton will produce enough in his three years while staying off the IL versus the promise of a prospect. The decision is closely related to how important it is for a specific team to compete for their division with plans to win the World Series. Buxton is easily a better bet to help a team win than a prospect. So it is a decision of how much a team wants to win now.

With his injury history, if you want to win now, you'd better have a backup plan. The Twins have had a backup plan for him since MAT when they finally realized he can't be counted on. Their plan was to win now too. How'd that worked out? If I'm a GM wanting to win now, the ONLY way I take a chance on him is if he stays at the same salary level he's at now, and I can get him for an average prospect in return since I will need another player to fill his shoes if/when he goes down again. He's not bringing much in a trade, period.