![\"Byron](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/MLB-San-Francisco-Giants-at-Minnesota-Twins-26147555-scaled-e1747091260617.jpg\")
Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCredit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
The Minnesota Twins have had a tale of two seasons, through 41 games. After they stumbled out of the MLB Opening Day gates to the tune of a 4-11 start, all sorts of questions were being raised surrounding the futures of Carlos Correa, Pablo Lopez and especially manager Rocco Baldelli<\/a>.<\/p>\n But since then, the MN Twins have gone 17-9, including a current eight-game win streak<\/a> that has pushed their overall record to 21-20, above .500 for the first time all season. Now, they\u2019ll look to put a gap between them and that .500 line, with yet another win over the Orioles.<\/p>\n If they can stack some more wins this week, Byron Buxton & Co will turn their attention to the top of the American League Central Division, where the surprise Detroit Tigers currently sit 5.5 games above them, at 27-15.<\/p>\n While it\u2019s way too early to be counting down magic numbers, this streak of good play is certainly enough for MLB pundits to take the Minnesota Twins \u2014 who were picked to win the AL Central in Spring Training \u2014 off their trade deadline sellers lists\u2026 right?<\/p>\n Buster Olney floats Byron Buxton as a MN Twins trade candidate<\/p>\n Well, apparently not. Just Monday \u2014 fresh off a weekend sweep at home over the now 24-18 San Francisco Giants \u2014 well-known and highly-respected ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney<\/a> suggested that the Twins could be open to dealing superstar center fielder, Byron Buxton, who has been their best player during this recent hot stretch.<\/p>\n Olney argues that the outfield free agency market next offseason is expected to be historically thin, which could inflate offers for Buxton even beyond what they would normally be. But if the Twins have no interest in trading Buck, it seems weird for such a plugged-in reporter to float his name in an article like this.<\/p>\n The would-be opportunists could take advantage of a really soft outfield market and get value if they\u2019re willing to dangle outfielders under team control beyond this season. For example, the Twins could set a solid price for Buxton and the Jays would probably draw a lot of interest for\u00a0Daulton Varsho<\/a>, an elite defender who won\u2019t be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season.<\/p>\n Buster Olney \u2013 ESPN<\/a><\/p>\n Outside of two games he missed mourning a death in his family. Byron Buxton has been a staple in the 2025 Minnesota Twins lineup, slashing an impressive .264\/.304\/.520 (127 OPS+), with the same speed he\u2019s become famous for. Buck\u2019s average 2025 sprint speed (30.2 ft\/sec<\/a>) leads all of baseball, and it\u2019s the fastest we\u2019ve seen him since 2019.<\/p>\n Byron Buxton launches this two-run HR 414 feet \ud83d\ude80 pic.twitter.com\/5GvTMxS681<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 MLB (@MLB) April 24, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n Byron Buxton\u2019s injury history is well-documented. His 102 games played last season were just the second time he reached the century mark during his 11 year career, and first since 2017. Those 102 games were also played at an incredibly high level.<\/p>\n In 2024, Buxton slashed .279\/.335\/.524 (136 OPS+) with 27 doubles and 18 home runs. His 3.7 fWAR<\/a> equated to a 5.9 per 162 tally which would have easily been the best of his career. This season he has been even better.<\/p>\n Related: What is Fueling This Minnesota Twins Hot Streak?<\/a><\/p>\n Buxton\u2019s three triples put him on pace to best his career high (6) which he attained in both 2016 and 2017. He is also stealing bases with ease. After running just nine times all of last season (6-of-8), he is a perfect 8-for-8 so far this season.<\/p>\n Buxton signed a seven-year, $200 million contract<\/a> extension prior to the 2022 season. After being the second overall pick (behind teammate Carlos Correa) in 2012<\/a>, hes\u2019 spent his entire professional career in Minnesota., which is where Byron and his family have made their home.<\/p>\n Even with three-years and $45.4 million remaining on a deal that will see him past his 32nd birthday, Byron Buxton is still arguably the top asset in the Minnesota Twins organization, especially if they were to sell high.<\/p>\n Why would the Minnesota Twins trade Byron Buxton?<\/p>\n But unless they fall out of contention, there has to be more compelling reason to trade an embedded star like Byron Buxton. This is a player the Minnesota Twins drafted, developed, and someone who has given his entire professional life to the organization.<\/p>\n The negativity on Twitter is absolutely unfortunate, however this is a BLESSING any day it happens. If you know, you know and if you don\u2019t, I\u2019m still celebrating these blessings. \ud83e\udd37\ud83c\udffc\u200d\u2640\ufe0f\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffb #thankyouLord<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/AHZLVAzvdW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Lindsey T. Buxton (@Lindsey_Buxton1) May 10, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n Nonetheless, sometimes a professional team needs to rip off the proverbial band-aid and make difficult choices for the future health of their organization. The Pohlads\u2019 sale of the Twins, or lack thereof<\/a>, has the front office strapped for cash.<\/p>\n While Buxton\u2019s deal is more than worth it, from a value standpoint, it\u2019s possible the Pohlads see it as $15 million per year<\/a> that they could shed off the books, while simultaneously improving the talent and depth in their farm system.<\/p>\n \u201cTypically, the upcoming free agent class serves as a tool to define most of the players who could be traded before that year\u2019s deadline \u2014 and quite simply, in the outfield, the pickings beyond\u00a0Kyle Tucker\u00a0are few.<\/p>\n Buster Olney \u2013 ESPN<\/a><\/p>\n If Minnesota were to make Buxton available, they should expect to demand almost whatever they want in prospect capital. The star center fielder has proven himself even healthier than the Twins could have possibly dreamed, through 41 games this season.<\/p>\n Once Matt Wallner returns, the Minnesota Twins are uniquely positioned to try and replace a talent like Buxton, at least defensively, after acquiring Harrison Bader last offseason. Then, there is top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, who\u2019s in triple A and knocking on the Big League door.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget about Luke Keaschall, who can play center when healthy. Then, there\u2019s DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who would also provide defensive relief in Buxton\u2019s absence. If Walker Jenkins can get healthy, he could be an option in the future, as well.<\/p>\n In all likelihood, Byron Buxton isn\u2019t going anywhere<\/p>\n It\u2019s not as though the Minnesota Twins will be rushing to build a statue for Byron Buxton, when his playing career eventually ends. Still, the Twins were built on players like Buck, who were drafted and raised in the organization. I can\u2019t see the Pohlads trading him for a cash\/prospect grab.<\/p>\n Byron Buxton defensive gems are timeless \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8 pic.twitter.com\/Scluou8doW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 MLB (@MLB) April 30, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n Beyond that, the 2025 Twins have pushed themselves right back into the AL Playoff mix. As of now, it no longer makes sense to consider trading your best player. If the Twins are going to chase down the division title, or land a wild card spot, they\u2019re certainly going to need Byron Buxton along the way.<\/p>\n $15 million is a moderate amount for a player of Buxton\u2019s caliber. His new teammate, Bader got $10 million<\/a> from the New York Mets last year despite owning a career 92 OPS+ and coming off a season with a 69 OPS+.<\/p>\n Related: Royce Lewis is Trying to Trade Speed for Health\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n While Buxton may be seen more as a quiet Joe Mauer leader as opposed to the vocal Torii Hunter-type, he has the respect of the clubhouse and the relationships there run deep. Oh, and he has a no-trade clause and has never made any inclination that he wants to finish his MLB career anywhere but the Twin Cities.<\/p>\n The AL Central has proven to be a tough division this season. Detroit leads the pack at 26-15 with both Cleveland (23-17) and Kansas City (24-18) ahead of Minnesota, as well. The Twins\u2019 +19 run differential trails only the Tigers\u2019 incredible +84. Most likely, Buxton will be there to help the MN Twins try and catch the Tigers this summer.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Buster Olney<\/a> Byron Buxton<\/a> Trade Deadline<\/a> Trade Rumors<\/a> <\/p>\n More About:Minnesota Twins<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t![\"Byron](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/MLB-San-Francisco-Giants-at-Minnesota-Twins-26138643-e1747091205264-788x444.jpg\")
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images<\/p>\n