5 Best Suitors in Byron Buxton Trade Rumors

[Eric Blonigen]

Image courtesy of © Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Tuesday that Byron Buxton is willing to waive his no-trade clause. He and Kiley McDaniel rank Buxton as being the fifth-best player likely to be moved, and figure he’s got about a one-in-three chance of heading to camp wearing a new uniform. This is, naturally, not great news for Twins fans despite the bread crumbs leading us here over the past couple of months. Obviously, the Twins trading their best hitter (by a wide margin) would send very clear signals about their intention to contend in the near future. However, such a move would be a way to further stock an already strong farm system and fully commit to a youth movement.

Now, this list I’m about to reveal is not comprehensive. A player of Buxton’s caliber would make every team better. However, five teams seem like natural fits in terms of need and tradeable commodities. I’ll rank them in order of who I see as the best matches. Of course, none of this means a Buxton trade will happen. He can say no at any time, and if he does desire a trade, his landing spot might be his own choice, as much as the Twins'. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Look, the Dodgers are seemingly always the odds-on favorites for any prestige free agent, so why not for a star slugger coming off a career year and down-ballot MVP votes?

For a team as stacked as the two-time defending champions, the outfield is a rare opportunity to improve. World Series hero Andy Pages is legit at the plate and in center field, but corner outfielder Teoscar Hernández is coming off a down year, as is Tommy Edman. Both are on the wrong side of 30, so it’s entirely possible both are experiencing age-related decline. Edman is also better (defensively) on the dirt, but played about a quarter of his games in the grass out of necessity. Edman is also a question mark for 2026, as he’s coming off ankle surgery. Buxton would be an upgrade in the corners, and would make their lineup that much deadlier. He probably isn't ready to move out of center field yet, but he has the cachet to prompt them to move Pages to a corner instead, at least temporarily. Beyond that, let’s be honest with ourselves: is there a great player the Dodgers don’t swing hard for?

Further, they also have a strong farm. MLB Pipeline has them ranked first overall, with no fewer than seven top-100 guys and good depth beyond that. Assuming Buxton would net two top-100 prospects in any deal, it would be easy to construct a package that could make sense.

Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies need right-handed power badly, and the Phillies beat writer for The Athletic identified Buxton as a target. The fit is clear, and a lot of boxes are checked. The Twins have recent history with the Phillies as trade partners, and are certainly familiar with their farm system after dealing both Jhoan Duran and Harrison Bader to Philadelphia in July. Bader and old friend Max Kepler are both free agents, and the Phils could lose Kyle Schwarber, as well. Nick Castellanos, the Phillies’ everyday right fielder in 2025, was a brutal defender at the position. As it stands currently, top prospect Justin Crawford is set to crack the Opening Day lineup in the grass. Adding Buxton would allow the Phillies to give Crawford a ramp, rather than hoping he immediately hits. Buxton would fill key gaps for them, and would immediately improve their roster both offensively and defensively.

Working against them: their prospect pool got shallower at the deadline, as the Twins took two of their best prospects. They still have three prospects in the top 100, and all are high-end, but the Phillies' front office may be loath to deal more from that pool.

Cincinnati Reds
In 2025, the Reds ranked 19th in baseball in OPS. Additionally, they don’t have a single outfielder who's much more than an average hitter, and all of their outfielders cost the Reds runs compared to average defenders. Noelvi Marte, while still young, has been replacement-level for his career. Austin Hays is a free agent, and TJ Friedl can hit a bit but isn’t special. Buxton would be a clear upgrade in center and would improve their offense by leaps and bounds.

The Reds have the prospect capital to have build a trade package, with six players on Pipeline's Top-100 list—including a couple of strong shortstop prospects who are a few years out, likely aligning with the Twins' next true contention window. There is some fairly recent trade history between the two teams, as the Twins traded for both Sonny Gray and Tyler Mahle in 2022.

Atlanta
This could be Buxton’s preference, as he is from Baxley, Georgia, a small town three and a half hours away from Truist Park. His parents and extended family still live there, and he spends his offseason months there, as well. I would assume that this would be Buxton’s preferred digs, if he does decide he wants to go.

From a baseball standpoint, Atlanta’s hitting was average-ish in 2025, ranking 13th by OPS. Michael Harris II is a good defender in center, but his bat hasn’t played in a couple of years. Jurickson Profar and Ronald Acuña Jr. man the corners right now, but both are subpar defenders in the grass. However, both hit well enough to spend a lot of time at DH on days when Drake Baldwin is catching, which could be most of the time with Sean Murphy recovering from hip surgery. Trading for Buxton would allow Atlanta to dramatically upgrade their outfield defense and their offense at the same time.

Really, the biggest obstacle for Atlanta is the relative weakness of their farm system, ranked 28th in MLB.com's midseason ranking due to their lack of future impact at the top. With just two top-100 players (both pitchers), it could be tough to find a package that would fit, unless the Twins were able to find a match on a challenge trade. However, that doesn’t seem like it would fit their intentions, if they are trying to move Buxton at all. Maybe the Twins would take a couple of pre-arbitration guys and some lower-ranked prospects, but I don’t see the perfect fit. Atlanta does have good young pitchers, too, but many of them have run into injury problems.

New York Mets
The Mets traded their everyday left fielder, Brandon Nimmo, for Marcus Semien last week. They don’t have a clear internal option to replace him. Tyrone Taylor, their incumbent primary center fielder, has been a below-average hitter since 2022. He’s a fine defender, but you know who isn’t? Juan Soto, who logged 157 games in the grass in 2025. He should be a DH. Trading for Buxton could make that a reality for them, probably singlehandedly earning them an extra win or two on defense alone. Further, the Mets are unlikely to be big spenders in free agency, so a trade for a great player at an affordable price could be especially attractive to them.

They have four top-50 prospects, a mix of pitchers, outfielders, and infielders, creating another scenario where the Twins would likely have options to choose from.

Hopefully, a Buxton trade does not come to pass, for a host of reasons, including a lot of stuff like this.

However, knowing that 2026 is seemingly not a competitive season and 2027 could be tough, too, if the Twins are able to at least gain significant value for their homegrown star, the next window could arrive sooner and be likelier to be successful.

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[old nurse]

I liked when the blogger stated players were on the wrong side of 30 as one reason why a team would trade for Buxton 

[sampleSizeOfOne]

I am sad, but such is life.

I am sure greed will supplant sadness if it happens as our shrewd management team robs the other team blind of all their up and coming talent, only to be eliminated single- handedly by Buxton from our next possible post-season run.

[Riverbrian]

What do the Twins get in return AFTER Byron asks to renegotiate his contract in order to waive his no-trade clause? 

If Byron's agent doesn't ask to renegotiate his deal. Byron will waste his leverage.

Does anyone think he will waste that leverage? 

[DJL44]

I don't think Byron Buxton will return two top-100 prospects. He's making $15M a year. One top prospect and one lower ranked prospect is more likely.

I think the Reds are the least likely of these teams. They need the prospects more than the other four teams.

[rdehring]

I am hopeful that all the 'rumors' around Buxton's willingness to waive his no-trade clause are hot air.  I remain confident that Buxton will be the Twins centerfielder in 2026 and years after.  I also believe that in his heart he wants to be a Twin for life. 

He likely wants to see the Twins make at least one smart trade, say Larnach, plus, for a reliever.  Should they then sign a couple more guys, say a first baseman and another solid reliever, for $10-15M and the Twins could have a nice 2026.  That's assuming the new coaching staff gets more out of several very good young players who didn't deliver much last year. 

[Edit: want to add one more comment, if the Twins do trade Buxton they should also go full rebuild and trade both Pablo and Ryan.  They must get at least two top 100 prospects (plus another low level prospect) in each trade with one from each trade ready to join the Twins at some point in 2026.]

[DJL44]

The Twins are probably better off dealing a piece to each team. Buxton to the Dodgers, Jeffers to the Phillies, Ryan or Lopez to the Mets.

[Maybebaby]

Well if they trade Pablo/Joe he's as good as gone.

[chpettit19]

34 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

I don't think Byron Buxton will return two top-100 prospects. He's making $15M a year. One top prospect and one lower ranked prospect is more likely.

I think the Reds are the least likely of these teams. They need the prospects more than the other four teams.

If the Twins get two top 100 prospects for Buxton, people are going to have to apologize to Falvey for saying he doesn't know how to trade. It's much like the deadline when people were throwing out trades that had the Twins returning top 100 guys left and right for the obvious trade candidates. 

Garret Crochet with 2 years of control left only returned 2 top 100 guys. Buxton isn't bringing back 2. Maybe 1. 

[SF Twins Fan]

The Mets are the team a trade aligns with most.  They desperately need outfield help and they have several high-end prospects the Twins should be interested in.  McLean, Benge, and Tong are who the Twins should be targeting from their farm system.  

[DJL44]

22 minutes ago, SF Twins Fan said:

The Mets are the team a trade aligns with most.  They desperately need outfield help and they have several high-end prospects the Twins should be interested in.  McLean, Benge, and Tong are who the Twins should be targeting from their farm system.  

True, but they're also trying to get those same guys from the Mets for Joe Ryan.

[GNess]

46 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

If the Twins get two top 100 prospects for Buxton, people are going to have to apologize to Falvey for saying he doesn't know how to trade. It's much like the deadline when people were throwing out trades that had the Twins returning top 100 guys left and right for the obvious trade candidates. 

Garret Crochet with 2 years of control left only returned 2 top 100 guys. Buxton isn't bringing back 2. Maybe 1. 

If trading Buxton only nets "maybe" one Top 100 prospect why would the Twins trade him unless he absolutely demanded a trade. 

[DJL44]

13 minutes ago, GNess said:

If trading Buxton only nets "maybe" one Top 100 prospect why would the Twins trade him unless he absolutely demanded a trade. 

If Buxton didn't have a no-trade clause he'd already be gone. He's been injury-prone for his entire career and now he's 32. The Twins aren't going to win for the next two seasons and by the time they could put a good team together again Buxton will be 34 and a pending free agent.

[Woof Bronzer]

19 minutes ago, GNess said:

If trading Buxton only nets "maybe" one Top 100 prospect why would the Twins trade him unless he absolutely demanded a trade. 

They only got one Top 100,000 prospect for Correa and that didn't stop the Twins from trading him.  

[arby58]

IF Buxton agrees to a trade, it's primarily because he wants to contend/win a World Series. I'd eliminate the Reds on that alone. The Dodgers are the 'sure bet' and the Phillies next if that is the primary reason to leave. I 'get' that he's from Georgia, but are the Braves really contenders in the next couple of years?

[arby58]

1 minute ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

The downside is that they seem to get the upper-hand with Falvey (see Outman).

I wouldn't view that trade as 'upper hand' for the Dodgers. Stewart is perpetully injured (including after four games last season for the Dodgers). 

[Trov]

I expect Buck will get traded, and really for the long term view he should get traded this year.  He is coming off his best season, mainly from health.  He is willing to waive his no trade clause.  Pounce now. You will never have a better time to trade him value wise. 

I will miss him, but even with him what are we doing this year?  Nothing most likely.  I always said his value will drop off a cliff due to the nature of his value being speed.  He has developed more of a hitter, but the speed and the defense will go sooner than later.  Maybe he has 1 more good to great year, but sell before he hits that cliff. 

His contract is not bad, but I would not be surprised if next year he is back to missing half the year, and then going forward he is barely above replacement, moving to RF. If you can get a couple of top prospects now, go for it. 

[Dman]

51 minutes ago, GNess said:

If trading Buxton only nets "maybe" one Top 100 prospect why would the Twins trade him unless he absolutely demanded a trade. 

Yeah don't know why they would trade him if not getting a top 100 prospect back unless he really, really wants to leave.  Also don't forget that they can still get really promising players that are not in the top 100 right now, but could make it there in the future.  Younger players and lot's of arms break into the top 100 later rather than sooner.  

I'd think one top 100 player and some promising young talent could get it done for a guy who stayed healthy all last year and was in the MVP voting.  He has a power speed combo that is one of the best in baseball and a contract for All Star caliber play that any team would love. Yeah the injury history is risky, but he seems to have figured out what he needs to do to stay healthy.

Personally I hope the Twins don't trade him as he is one of the few players I like to watch hit, run the bases and play the field.  Still I get that if the Twins are truly in rebuild mode that it might make sense for both parties to move on.  

I'll always love Buxton for his loyalty, but the timing for him and where this team is at seems off.  Would like to see him go out with a trophy,  He gave the Twins everything he could even signing an incentive laden contract to stay.  It might be time for Byron to do something for Byron.  Whatever he decides I'll be fine with it.

[sweetmusicviola16]

I just don't think the return that Buxton will net would be worth trading Buxton. I'd say the LAD would matchup fairly well. Maybe someone like Emil Morales and another decent A ball type. Is this really going to help the Twins? I don't see it. Maybe I'm wrong and the top 100 prospect, Morales, will become a star. 

But yes, if the Twins are trying to trade Buxton then he will want something significant to do so. Yeah probably tear up the old contract and a new one for 90-100mil in its place for four years. Therefore bringing his value down. Besides he is 32 y/o and oft injured. If it ends up being Buxton who requests to be moved I still don't think the team benefits by trading him for what it will get back. 32 years old and a long injury history does not bring back two top flight prospects I don't think.

[jmlease1]

I hate everything about trade scenarios involving Byron Buxton, one of my all-time favorite Twins, and one of the most exciting and fun players to watch in Twins history. He wants to be here, and we've screwed it up with terrible ownership and a front office that has offended/turned off so many fans some people can't even accept they may have done some good things while here.

Yes, his health hasn't stood up, but when he's even close to right he's one of the most electrifying players I've ever watched, and I've seen a lot of effing baseball. The fact that we're speculating about trading him is a goddamn travesty.

I hate these rumors, and I hate all these trade partners. I hate all the coastal writers floating trades that will almost certainly give the Twins the short end of the stick. I hate the fact that Twins beat writers have to cover this story. And if any of them enjoy it, I hate them too.

Hey Twins: wanna make it even easier for me to not come to a game or even watch on TV? Trade Byron Buxton.

Baseball is a great game. But today? Baseball sucks.

[DJL44]

3 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

What do the Twins get in return AFTER Byron asks to renegotiate his contract in order to waive his no-trade clause? 

If Byron's agent doesn't ask to renegotiate his deal. Byron will waste his leverage.

Does anyone think he will waste that leverage? 

At a minimum Buxton should insist that his $2.5M in yearly plate appearance bonuses turn into guaranteed money. He's less likely to hit those bonuses on a contender with a stacked lineup. That would make his remaining contract 3 years / $52.5M.

Plate Appearances: $2.5M total 
502:  $500k 
533:  $500k 
567:  $500k
600:  $500k
625:  $500k

[Dman]

7 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

At a minimum Buxton should insist that his $2.5M in yearly plate appearance bonuses turn into guaranteed money. He's less likely to hit those bonuses on a contender with a stacked lineup. That would make his remaining contract 3 years / $52.5M.

Plate Appearances: $2.5M total 
502:  $500k 
533:  $500k 
567:  $500k
600:  $500k
625:  $500k

Yeah he was criminally underpaid for his production this year.  For Qualified players he was top 9 in OPS. Judge, Ohtani, and Soto make three to four times as much as Buxton.  Granted last year was the first time Buxton qualified I believe.  Still if Schwarber who is a DH only is making more than Buxton who provides value on the field and on the bases that just seems out of line.

IIRC he had stated that he would play for 15M with the no trade clause so if that is broken it would make sense to renegotiate the salary given it is so out of line with his performance when healthy.

He still remains an injury risk but even at DH his bat plays.  Hopefully he can find a way to get a bit more money if he agrees to move on.

[Riverbrian]

18 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

At a minimum Buxton should insist that his $2.5M in yearly plate appearance bonuses turn into guaranteed money. He's less likely to hit those bonuses on a contender with a stacked lineup. That would make his remaining contract 3 years / $52.5M.

Plate Appearances: $2.5M total 
502:  $500k 
533:  $500k 
567:  $500k
600:  $500k
625:  $500k

Yes... Agreed

At minimum. 

[tony&rodney]

The best trade is the one that returns the player with the most talent. The Dodgers are not a good team to trade with in my opinion because the players  down in their system (AA or below) are always famously overrated. 

There are a ton of options out there. Certainly the Mets and Phillies will be all over Buxton. I'm not too keen on the Phillies after Andrew Painter. Maybe Miller. The Mets players of interest are Tong, Benge, and maybe Sproat with Clifford as a throw in. Nobody else should be considered. The Mariners have a pile of guys worth discussing and would put Buxton in the corner outfield. I hope the Twins focus on top talent and consider all teams.

[LastOnePicked]

There will never be a better time to make a trade. I don't want to see him flounder on a AAAA team. If he's got some left in the tank, let him excel on a grander stage.

[Nashvilletwin]

1 hour ago, jmlease1 said:

I hate everything about trade scenarios involving Byron Buxton, one of my all-time favorite Twins, and one of the most exciting and fun players to watch in Twins history. He wants to be here, and we've screwed it up with terrible ownership and a front office that has offended/turned off so many fans some people can't even accept they may have done some good things while here.

Yes, his health hasn't stood up, but when he's even close to right he's one of the most electrifying players I've ever watched, and I've seen a lot of effing baseball. The fact that we're speculating about trading him is a goddamn travesty.

I hate these rumors, and I hate all these trade partners. I hate all the coastal writers floating trades that will almost certainly give the Twins the short end of the stick. I hate the fact that Twins beat writers have to cover this story. And if any of them enjoy it, I hate them too.

Hey Twins: wanna make it even easier for me to not come to a game or even watch on TV? Trade Byron Buxton.

Baseball is a great game. But today? Baseball sucks.

Great rant. Superb.

[jmlease1]

4 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Great rant. Superb.

thanks!

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

If you trade one of Buxton/Ryan/Lopez, just trade them all and add in Larnach and Jeffers while you're at it. 

I dont want them to trade any of the top 3. But if they do, get back prospects with actual skill and hype. Last trade deadline was sad getting back Outman and players that already debuted and struggled. 

 

[chpettit19]

3 hours ago, GNess said:

If trading Buxton only nets "maybe" one Top 100 prospect why would the Twins trade him unless he absolutely demanded a trade. 

Because they've determined that they won't be competitive while he's here and it's more valuable to have assets that may be useful when the team is competitive again.

[umterp23]

Buxton at this point in career wants championship opportunities and front office showed him that isn’t the plan. He should want to put himself in that position of I want to play with a contender. I have no problem as it is a win for both sides actually. Buxton had a great contract as injury prone as he was, he can thank mgmt for that. Now mgmt can thank him with a trade for capital, my only concern is the twins mgmt good at identifying Buxton capital return in a trade?