Minnesota Twins may now be willing to trade Byron Buxton

The Minnesota Twins had found themselves in a bit of a quandary at the trade deadline. While they are clearly out of contention this season, they still had the core of the roster that had gone to the postseason in 2020. The Twins reportedly were not willing to move anyone that would have team control, and were looking to lock in their core for the long term.

Byron Buxton was a part of that group, as the Twins were hoping to keep their talented outfielder as part of their long term plans. That does not appear as though it will be the case, as Buxton has reportedly turned down the Twins’ offer of an extension.

Minnesota Twins may now be willing to trade Byron Buxton

There had been different reports regarding the nature of the Twins’ extension talks with Buxton. One report, from LaVelle Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, said that the Twins felt they were making progress towards an extension before talks ended during spring training. Jeff Passan of ESPN, meanwhile, had heard that the difference was far too large to be bridged.

While it is uncertain as to which report is correct, it is clear that the Twins and Buxton are at an impasse. Meanwhile, as the Twins had refused to consider moving Buxton until they had been able to restart extension talks, those trade rumors around their centerfielder may be ready to begin in earnest.

When Buxton has been on the diamond, he has been one of the better outfielders in the game. He has posted a .369/.409/.767 batting line in his 110 plate appearances, hitting ten homers and 11 doubles with five steals. However, Buxton’s health has to be a concern, as he has appeared in a total of 181 games since the start of the 2018 season.

For a contending team looking for an outfielder, Buxton would be a gamble that could pay off handsomely. He has the type of talent that can transform a lineup when he is healthy, but that has not always been the case. Meanwhile, the Twins would be asking for a king’s ransom for Buxton, the type of return that can transform a team in a hurry.

The Minnesota Twins and Byron Buxton have been unable to come to an agreement on an extension. He may now be on the trade block after all.