4 Possible Teams Interested in a Byron Buxton Trade

[Cody Christie]

Byron Buxton might be unhappy in Minnesota, and this can lead to plenty of speculation about his future. Here are four contending teams that might be interested in a Buxton deal before the deadline.

According to the Star Tribune’s Patrick Reusse, Buxton might be unhappy with the Twins. There are a variety of reasons Buxton might be displeased including the handling of his service time back at the end of 2018. If he had been called up in September that year, he would reach free agency this winter. Instead, he has one more year of team control.

From the Twins perspective, this extra year is very valuable, because it allows the team to keep him for 2022 or it adds to what the team can get in a trade. Obviously, Buxton is going to need to come back and show that he is healthy for other teams to seriously consider a trade  So, what teams need a centerfield upgrade for October?

New York Yankees

Twins fans might not want to hear it, but the Yankees make a lot of sense when it comes to a Buxton deal. Former Twin Aaron Hicks is recovering from left wrist surgery. New York has been shuffling through a lot of non-traditional center field options in recent weeks like Aaron Judge and Brett Gardner. Among AL teams, only the Mariners and Tigers have gotten less WAR in centerfield than the Yankees. It’s also been widely reported that Yankees GM Brian Cashman is open to dealing for a center field upgrade.

Houston Astros

Houston saw their long-time centerfielder, George Springer, leave via free agency last winter and now the club might be looking for an upgrade for a postseason run. The Astros find themselves in the second Wild Card position and their primary center fielder, Myles Straw, is not exactly a household name. Only two positions on the Astros, CF and C, have produced an OPS under .800 this year. Straw entered play on Tuesday with a .637 OPS and 10 extra-base hits in 61 games. Among AL teams, the Astros have gotten the 10th lowest WAR total out of the center field position.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are in the thick of the NL Central race and they have the NL Wild Card spot to fall back on if they lose out in the division title. Only one NL team, the Braves, have accumulate less WAR in center than the Brewers. Most of Milwaukee’s negative WAR total has come on the offensive side where their center fielders have combined for a -15.6 offensive runs above average which is the worst in baseball. As a small market team, Milwaukee needs to take advantage of every postseason opportunity, especially since the club has made the playoffs in three of the last four years.

Boston Red Sox

After finishing in last place last season, the Red Sox are back in the hunt for the AL East crown. There have been offensive struggles at multiple positions in their line-up, so Buxton provides an opportunity for an offensive upgrade. Enrique Hernandez has played the most games in center, but his .669 OPS isn’t exactly lighting the world on fire. Also, Boston hasn’t been getting a lot of production at first base, so maybe they would be interested in a package deal that includes Buxton and Sano.

Do you think Buxton gets dealt to one of these teams? What other teams could make the list? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

MORE FROM TWINS DAILY
— Latest Twins coverage from our writers
— Recent Twins discussion in our forums
— Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email

View full article

[mikelink45]

I am in shock - all Byron needs is an extra case of Sheboygan hotdogs.  Just tell him they are not available anywhere else and we can get him to sign for a discount.  As far as which team wants him - they all do. 

[bronald3030]

By all means, if he is unhappy here and will not sign a new deal, trade him to the highest bidder

 

[Danchat]

I'd really rather trade Buxton to the NL so I don't have to see him very often. I certainly wouldn't ship him off to the Yankees!

[howeda7]

This offseason, offer both Buxton and Berrios 5/$110 million. If either/both take it, great. If not, trade them. 

[SteelDodo]

Glad there are multiple potential suitors! I hope this means there will be a bidding war...

[D.C Twins]

Good to see that everyone is catching up to the reality that Buxton and Berrios do not want to be here and 100% will leave in free agency. It's FO malpractice not to trade before the deadline to maximize return.

Again, I WANT to keep them...

but often time in life your options unfortunately do not include what you want

[Seansy]

With Pache struggling to hit at the MLB level to start the season a Buxton for Pache trade would be a possible trade idea too since the Braves are starting guys like ENDER INCIARTE and his 588 OPS as well as Guillermo Heredia... Definitely agree on your 4 although the Brewers having Cain and JBJ under contract with Yelich and Garcia makes the fit weird despite their struggles.

[ToddlerHarmon]

So excited that the Twins are building something everyone wants to be a part of. Sigh

[Richard Swerdlick]

I guess then if the Twins trade Buxton and Berrios we are announcing that we are in rebuild mode. Let the games begin.

[old nurse]

It is fair to say that Buxton and Berrios want full market value for their services. The contracts that they get as free agents might be their only large payday. As for a role model for their desire to earn a big pile of money while they can, look no further than the ownership. The "they hate it here" statements are fantasies of a fan base that acts like a jilted lover. 

[old nurse]

IDK, There are other contending teams in need of OF help. Padres, Giants, Cubs, Brewers, damn near any team not named The Dodgers.  The cost in money to Buxton is low. Any contender would be happy to have Buxton

[Platoon]

You forgot the Mayo Clinic All Stars!

[jorgenswest]

Seems irresponsible on Reusse’s part to report someone might be unhappy. “Might” isn’t news. You can say that about anyone. This lapse in responsibility gets magnified when others cite Reusse’s report and soon the “might” part gets lost in the noise. Reusse knows that. This same article could have been written without citing Reusse’s empty report. 

I am confident there exists a number that the Twins can offer in an extension that Buxton will be happy to sign. Are the Twins willing to find that number?  Would they be wise to do so? I am not certain. 

If Buxton leaves it will have nothing to do with happiness. It will be because the Twins weren’t willing to find that number.

[GNess]

Agree 100% with Jorgenswest on the issue of this being a financial decision.

I don't think dealing young core players like Buxton or Berrios is generally wise unless they turn down legitimate offers. 

 

 

 

 

[Whitey333]

I can't believe all this love for Byron Buxton.  Look at his career stats.  He is hitting 247.  He's only had one year with more than 100 hits.  He has less than 1500 at bats in 7 seasons.  He had a great April this year at .370.  the fact remains he is a great defensive player but an average player at best.  He is hurt way too often to invest long term with him.  Get him back on the field then trade him.

[rv78]

9 hours ago, Danchat said:

I'd really rather trade Buxton to the NL so I don't have to see him very often. I certainly wouldn't ship him off to the Yankees!

You don't have to worry about seeing him very often unless you run the rehab unit.

[TopGunn#22]

Obviously if you're going to trade Buxton, NOW would be the time.  His value has never been higher.  Clearly, the Twins have nobody who could adequately fill CF if we DID deal him (maybe Kepler ??)  But despite being the 2 years running Central Champs this season is exposing the flawed roster the Twins currently have.  I really like the idea of a Buxton and Sano trade package to someone like the Red Sox or anyone else looking for a CF'er as well as 1B.  Maybe the Braves would be interested in playing Sano at 3B and they would move Austin Riley out to LF.  Here's another angle:  There's probably going to be a DH in the NL next year.  Sano could DH, play some 3B and spell Freeman at 1B from time to time.  I also know this:  The Braves have a LOT of talent in the minor leagues and on the fringes of their major league roster.  Buxton and Sano for Pache, and a couple of their young pitching prospects might do it.  Then take the $$ you've saved from trading Buxton and Sano and fill other holes.  Despite injuries to really "key" players the White Sox are running away from us.  THAT's what the objective should be...re-tool the team to be able to compete with the White Sox.  Kiriloff and Larnach are up to stay.  Whether Kepler remains or is also dealt away remains to be seen.  But some major "changes" need to happen with this current collection of misfits.  Berrios should be the guy the Twins keep and extend.  You just don't let an above average (with the potential to be quite good) homegrown pitcher get away. 

[Greglw3]

9 hours ago, howeda7 said:

This offseason, offer both Buxton and Berrios 5/$110 million. If either/both take it, great. If not, trade them. 

I agree. Put total priority on re-signing both. The Twins won’t get anywhere developing great prospects who mature after 3-4 years, then have to be traded because we can’t afford them. THat’s the old Montreal Expos model. I’m also reminded that when the Twins were forced to trade Johan Santana, they couldn’t get a good deal anywhere and practically gave him away.

[Greglw3]

2 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

Seems irresponsible on Reusse’s part to report someone might be unhappy. “Might” isn’t news. You can say that about anyone. This lapse in responsibility gets magnified when others cite Reusse’s report and soon the “might” part gets lost in the noise. Reusse knows that. This same article could have been written without citing Reusse’s empty report. 

I am confident there exists a number that the Twins can offer in an extension that Buxton will be happy to sign. Are the Twins willing to find that number?  Would they be wise to do so? I am not certain. 

If Buxton leaves it will have nothing to do with happiness. It will be because the Twins weren’t willing to find that number.

They've got to find that number in both cases. We need a foundation. Even if Buxton’s going to miss 50-60 games a season, 100  games of his dominance offensively and defensively is worth it. And they need a solid 4th OF-CF to fill in when he’s injured.

[gunnarthor]

I'm kind of done with this Twins team. I remember after the T-Wolves traded KG, I stopped following them and just rooted for KG, even in Boston. Feel the same way about Buxton. Hope he wins an MVP, ideally for us, but I'll root for him anywhere. This FO is a disaster.

[Vanimal46]

It’s disappointing that this is the direction the Twins are heading. It’s going to be a long time until we stumble upon another game changing talent like Buxton. It’s Falvey and Levine’s call whether they want to tear things down. If they do, my interest level in this team will drop significantly. 
 

P.S. I never, ever want to hear about an extended contention window again. Should have pushed in every chip we had in 2019. 

[LewFordLives]

53 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

I can't believe all this love for Byron Buxton.  Look at his career stats.  He is hitting 247.  He's only had one year with more than 100 hits.  He has less than 1500 at bats in 7 seasons.  He had a great April this year at .370.  the fact remains he is a great defensive player but an average player at best.  He is hurt way too often to invest long term with him.  Get him back on the field then trade him.

I agree with a lot of this. I think he's a tremendous talent, but if he can't stay on the field then what's the point?  If they can trade him for some good, controllable, young pitching, that would be of much greater help to the Twins in the short and long run. The question is will teams trade good young pitching for Buxton?  His injury history is common knowledge.

[roger]

When healthy, Buxton is the best center fielder in baseball.  Probably one of the best five position players in the game.  Therefore, every contending team should have an interest in adding him to their lineup.  Granted, center is a bigger need for some, but the market should be a lot more than the four listed above.

With that said, I want Byron Buxton to sign an extension and stay with the Twins for the rest of his career.  Don't know where Reusse got his information and if it is anything more than his opinion.  If it is solid and there is zero chance Buxton signs an extension, he should be traded this summer.  The return should be HUGE, hopefully, our FO will be smart about what they get in return and it helps the Twins get back into contention within the next year or two. 

If he is traded, I will be rooting for whatever team he is playing with come October.

[strumdatjag]

If he is going to keep promoting Wisconsin based Bratwurst, then it makes sense to trade him to Milwaukee.   Stability matters and Buxton has not shown enough of it.  Time to cut bait. 

[adjacent]

I agree with Greglw3. If the Twins go the route of blowing it up and rebuild, it is going to be at least 5 years of 2020 Tigers level seasons. If Buxton and Berrios want lo leave, then that will be unavoidable. But if they can be kept, the Twins should make the effort.

[Greglw3]

6 hours ago, Richard Swerdlick said:

I guess then if the Twins trade Buxton and Berrios we are announcing that we are in rebuild mode. Let the games begin.

And a very long rebuild it will be if they trade those two.

[Dman]

The Twins have more in common with Tampa than NY or LA so I don't see them extending either player unless said player is willing to do a team friendly deal.  They both are in their prime years and could be All Star players for the next four years or so.  I don't begrudge them trying to make as much as they can in the open market.  They have worked their whole lives for their one big payday opportunity and should work to get as much as they can.

That being said if the Twins cannot extend them then they need to get the most value they can from each player.  If they get the right kind of players back this doesn't have to be a complete tear down rebuild.  They are going to need a couple of pitchers like Balazovich, Winder, Sands, Canterino to work out and hopefully they get a good pitcher in return for Berrios or Buxton.  They also should be able to get a starter in FA and have plenty of 5th starter guys in the system right now.  They have Larnach and Kirilloff establishing themselves along with Rortvedt, Jeffers and maybe Gordon getting there.  They have Arraez and Polanco for four more years and Lewis, Palacios and Javier are in the wings for SS.  I don't think the cupboard is bare after they trade Buxton and Berrios.

Pitching is obviously the linch pin to them not being bad for a long period of time again and it is hard to predict if the guys they have will work out or not.  It also seems to take time for young pitchers to adjust to MLB so there is plenty of risk but again if they can just find two guys that can be mid to top of the rotation guys I think they will be in good shape. While I know Buxton and Berrios are likely our two best players if the FO strikes the right deal they can still come out OK.

[SirLoin]

Because this is the way sports work in Minnesota.  If the Twins trade Buxton, he will rarely see the IL again and become David Ortiz 2.0.  

[AceWrigley]

Any self-respecting team does NOT trade Byron Buxton. He is worth more as a part time player than most full time players, and all players on this year's Twins. I'm sorry if you don't see it, but he is the straw that stirs the drink. When he is in the lineup he impacts a team more than any player in baseball outside of the juniors (Guerrero and Tatis), Trout, Acuna and Soto. Sign him to a contract and have a plan for when he is unable to play.

I should add Betts in there.