Jeremy Zoll Continues to Shut Down Byron Buxton Trade Rumors

[Cody Christie]

Trade rumors have followed Byron Buxton for several years, but the Minnesota Twins have consistently pushed back against the idea that they are looking to move their franchise center fielder. General manager Jeremy Zoll has been among the loudest voices trying to keep that conversation from gaining momentum. Even after Buxton underwent hip surgery, Zoll offered another reminder that the organization's position has not changed.

Zoll addressed the subject during an appearance on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. Asked about the recurring rumors and whether Buxton could be dealt, the Twins' general manager pointed to the conversations he has had directly with the player. In those discussions, Zoll said, both sides have been clear about wanting the relationship to continue.

"I worked pretty hard to shut that down this past…over the course of the summer and whatnot. I don't know," Zoll said. "Byron and I have talked about it a few different times over the course of the year. It's like 'You want to be here, we want you here; I can't control what the public's saying. I will do my best.' Worked pretty hard this summer to shut it down in the end-of-season remarks, made clear that sentiment remains."

That message is consistent with what Zoll has said publicly throughout the season. Buxton's talent, injury history, and contract situation make him a frequent subject of speculation, particularly as Minnesota evaluates its timeline for contention. Still, the front office has repeatedly indicated that trading him is not part of its plan.

There is one important detail that makes the possibility of a deal more complicated: Buxton has a no-trade clause. Minnesota cannot simply send him to another club without his approval. For a trade to become realistic, Buxton would have to waive that protection and agree to a destination. Nothing Zoll said Wednesday suggested that either side is interested in pursuing that outcome.

Buxton remains one of the most important players on the roster when he is available. He appeared in 93 games last season, batting .254 with 25 home runs while being voted in as a starter for the All-Star Game for the first time in his career. His combination of power, speed, and defense is difficult for the Twins to replace, and keeping him in the middle of the order gives the club a dynamic presence around which to build.

Zoll reinforced that point later in the interview, emphasizing that Buxton's commitment to Minnesota is something the organization wants to reciprocate.

"I know that's how Byron feels too. And he made a commitment to the Twins, and, you know, we want to return that. And he's a special player, and he's going to help us get to where we want to be," Zoll said Wednesday.

For now, the public back-and-forth does not appear to be changing the relationship between Buxton and the Twins. The more pressing question is whether Minnesota can put a better team around him. Buxton's health and recovery will be major storylines heading into 2027, but so will the team's ability to take a meaningful step forward.

Zoll has made the organization's stance clear: the Twins want Buxton in Minnesota, and they believe he can help them reach their goals. Until the player or the front office gives a reason to think otherwise, the latest round of trade rumors looks like more noise than an indication of an impending move.

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[MMBoys93]

Coming off of injury, with his injury history, I don’t think the trade value coming back would be enough to make sense.