RJA

Signing Buxton to an extension is crucial if the Twins really are serious about retooling for next year and beyond. Not only is his bat important, but his defense is irreplacable. If you were Marcus Stroman, for example, would you sign here if you knew Buxton is gone or on his way out, there is no starting shortstop and the Twins look to be in the market for a "stopgap" player, third base is iffy because nobody on the roster, not even Donaldson because of injuries, is an above average defender, left field has no incumbent and Rooker is a poor defender, and first base is questionable if Sano spends any time there? Stroman needs good infield defense, and would love to have Buxton in center catching everything within eyesight. Established pitchers want to be on a team that can compete out of the gate, not in two or three years. If the Twins don't plan to sign him, then stop this ticket selling charade and trade him, Taylor, and anyone else with value for top prospects. Frankly, this front office is constipated in its approach to free agency. They are like a dog at the Thanksgiving table waiting for scraps to fall that they can gobble up. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

If the Twins trade Buxton, we are in a rebuild. What sense does it make to trade a top prospects for 2 years of Chapman? I think it is fantasy land to think the Twins would resign Chapman to a long term deal after the two years, especially if his hit tool has a resurgence. The Twins won't be competitive until at least 2024 under the trade Buxton scenario, and Chapman will be long gone. Even if he produces 5 War a year and helps us win 5 more games a year, we still won't be in the playoffs. In such a case, play and develop the kids, and look for established players two years from now when a window opens up again (if it does).