Cincinnati Reds Joey Votto (Image via Getty) Cincinnati Reds did not get Kyle Schwarber. He chose to return to Philadelphia on a five-year, $150 million contract. That outcome may push the Reds in a different direction. Instead of adding a pure slugger, they could look at Minnesota center fielder Byron Buxton.Buxton is signed through 2028 on a seven-year, $100 million deal that includes a full no-trade clause and performance incentives. He is 32 and still one of the best defensive center fielders in the league. If the Reds want a player who can impact games with both his glove and his bat, Buxton fits.
A possible trade structure
Byron Buxton remains Minnesota’s starting center fielder entering 2026. The Twins have a group of young outfielders behind him, including Gabriel Gonzalez, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Matt Wallner and James Outman. If they move Buxton, they would want controllable pitching and at least one young position player.One realistic framework could look like this: • Reds receive • CF Byron Buxton (under contract through 2028; full no-trade clause) • Twins receive • RHP Connor Phillips • OF Rece Hinds • SS/UTIL Leo Balcazar or Edwin ArroyoMinnesota would not be rebuilding. The return would need to help now and in the near future. Any deal would also require Buxton’s approval.
Why this makes sense for Cincinnati Reds
Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins (Image via Getty)
The Cincinnati Reds’ 2026 roster is built around young infielders such as Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Noelvi Marte. Their outfield group, TJ Friedl, Will Benson, JJ Bleday, Dane Myers and others, does not include a proven star.Buxton would change that. In 2025, he hit .264 with 35 home runs, 83 RBI and a .878 OPS. When healthy, he produces at an All-Star level and saves runs in center field. Great American Ball Park could also help his power numbers.The Reds have payroll flexibility because much of their core is still in its early years of team control. They showed they were willing to spend when they pursued Schwarber. Buxton’s contract is smaller and already in place.
Why Minnesota Twins would consider it
Byron Buxton’s value is clear when he plays. The issue has been availability. He has missed time in multiple seasons, including late in 2025. Trading him would move that risk to another club and bring back several younger, cheaper pieces.The Twins have a young infield with Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee and a wave of outfield prospects. Adding a controllable starter such as Phillips would strengthen their pitching depth.They would, however, lose their most dynamic player and a long-time face of the franchise.
Pros and cons of this trade if it happens
Cincinnati Reds
Pros • Immediate upgrade in center field defense • Middle-of-the-order power • Clear win-now signalCons • Injury history • Loss of prospects • Less long-term payroll flexibility
Minnesota Twins
Pros • Spread risk across multiple players • Add controllable pitching • Align with younger coreCons • Lose elite upside • Impact on fan base • No guarantee prospects match Buxton’s production
Byron Buxton
Pros • Hitter-friendly home park • Chance to join a young, competitive roster • Opportunity to post steady seasons in a new settingCons • Leaving Minnesota after committing long term • Uncertainty about Reds’ ceiling • High expectations from day one
Byron Buxton recent production snapshot
Season windowApprox WARPower Indicators (ISOP/AB – HR)Offensive value snapshotNotes Best full-type seasons 4.5–5.1 range ISOP above .240, AB/HR mid-teens RC/27 mid-single digits Star-level when healthy 2025 season 35 HR, .878 OPS Among league HR leaders .264 AVG, 83 RBI Strong rebound year Career to 2024 ~5.5 per 162 pace Extra-base heavy profile RC/27 around 5.5 High peak, interrupted seasons
Age, contract and roster context
ItemReds (2026)Twins (2026) Buxton age entering 2026 32 (born Dec. 18, 1993) Starting center fielder Contract control Through 2028; 7-year, $100M; full no-trade clause Same contract Core age cluster Many regulars 22–28 Young infield and outfield group Roster outlook Strong infield, no established OF star Deep OF options, Buxton highest-cost playerAlso read: MLB trade rumors: Texas Rangers potentially eyeing $300 million Philadelphia Phillies All-Star as A1 Jake Burger replacement ahead of offseasonIf Buxton stays healthy for most of the next two seasons, Cincinnati benefits in the standings and in October. If injuries limit him again, Minnesota’s decision to move him would look justified. The outcome depends on how often he is on the field.