The Minnesota Twins are stuck in the middle—again. But if there’s one move they absolutely can’t afford to make, it’s trading Byron Buxton. As Harrison Bruns of Just Baseball reported, Buxton might be one of the most attractive names on the market if the Twins decide to dangle him. That “if” needs to remain hypothetical.
Yes, Buxton would bring a haul. He’s a top-five AL outfielder in fWAR, OPS, and wRC+ this season. He’s also on one of the most team-friendly contracts in baseball, making just over $15 million per year through 2028. That combination—elite production, premium position, and below-market cost—is almost unheard of. But that’s precisely why the Twins shouldn’t move him.
Trade Him? That’s Not the Move
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Yes, technically, anyone can be traded. And yes, the Twins are fielding calls. But unless another team comes with a “godfather offer”—we’re talking multiple top-five prospects from a loaded system—Minnesota needs to hang up the phone.
Fans have heard this before: “It’s time to choose a direction. Don’t linger in mediocrity.” But trading Buxton doesn’t choose a direction. It punts a franchise player for uncertain futures. It’s the kind of move that makes a mid-market team even more irrelevant.
And that’s not to mention the optics. Buxton isn’t just producing—he’s the face of the franchise. Twins fans haven’t had a star to rally around like this since Joe Mauer. Remove Buxton from the equation, and the team doesn’t just lose a bat—it loses its identity.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since signing his 7-year, $100 million extension in 2022, Buxton has been worth $87.5 million in fWAR value alone, according to FanGraphs. He’s averaging $21.8 million in production while making $14.29 million per season. Even in a league obsessed with efficiency, that’s elite.
Among center fielders with at least 500 plate appearances since 2022, Buxton trails only Aaron Judge and Mike Trout in wRC+ and slugging. Even with occasional injuries, when he plays, he’s one of the best in the sport. Trading a top-five player at a premium position on a bargain contract with three-plus years of team control would be malpractice.
Buxton’s No-Trade Clause Matters
Then there’s the human side. Buxton has a full no-trade clause. He and his family love Minnesota. He’s got three young children, and by all accounts, he’s grounded and family-first. His contract includes that clause for a reason—because he wanted long-term stability in the city that drafted him.
So even if the front office wanted to explore a deal, Buxton would have to approve it. Based on everything we know, that’s a long shot.
The Ask Has to Be Insane
If a team like the Phillies or Mets wants to make a run at Buxton, they better come heavy. Think Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford. If that sounds steep, it should because that’s what it takes to pry away a franchise cornerstone who’s still in his prime and locked up for three more years.
Anything less than a franchise-altering package should be met with a hard “no.”
The Verdict
The Twins don’t need to trade Byron Buxton. They need to build around him. Trading him would tell the fans you’re giving up—again. It would sap what little morale remains from a fan base already skeptical of the front office’s direction.
Byron Buxton should retire a Twin. Unless someone pays a king’s ransom (and even then, maybe not), the only place No. 25 should be playing for the next few years is center field at Target Field.
Twins Can’t Afford to Trade Star Player—No Matter the Return