The Minnesota Twins have had a story of two seasons after 41 games. After a 4-11 start on MLB Opening Day, many questions were raised about the futures of Carlos Correa, Pablo Lopez, and, in particular, manager Rocco Baldelli.
However, the Minnesota Twins have gone 17-9 since then, including an eight-game winning streak that has moved their overall record to 21-20, putting them above.500 for the first time this season. They will now try to distance themselves from that. 500 line, with another victory over the Orioles.
If they can stack some more wins this week, Byron Buxton and company will shift their focus to the top of the American League Central Division, where the surprise Detroit Tigers are now 5.5 games ahead of them at 27-15.
While it’s too early to count down magic numbers, this string of good performance is likely enough for MLB analysts to knock the Minnesota Twins—who were expected to win the AL Central in Spring Training—off their trade deadline sellers lists.
Buster Olney suggests Byron Buxton as a Minnesota Twins trade candidate.
Well, apparently not. Just Monday, fresh off a weekend sweep at home against the suddenly 24-18 San Francisco Giants—
Buster Olney, a well-known and highly respected ESPN MLB insider, suggested that the Twins may be willing to trade superstar center fielder Byron Buxton, who has been their best player during their recent hot streak.
Olney contends that the outfield free agency market next offseason is projected to be exceptionally sparse, perhaps inflating bids for Buxton even farther than they would typically be. But if the Twins aren’t interested in trading Buck, it seems strange for such a well-connected reporter to mention him in an article like this.
He skipped two games to mourn a death in his family. Byron Buxton has been a key member of the Minnesota Twins’ 2025 lineup, batting.264/.304/.520 (127 OPS+) with the same pace that has made him renowned. Buck’s average 2025 sprint speed (30.2 ft/sec) leads all of baseball and is the fastest he’s run since 2019.
Byron Buxton’s injury history is widely known. Last season, he played 102 games, only the second time in his 11-year career and the first since 2017. The 102 games were also played at an extremely high level.
In 2024, Buxton hit.279/.335/.524 (136 OPS+), with 27 doubles and 18 home runs. His 3.7 fWAR equated to a 5.9 per 162 tally, comfortably his career high. This season, he has performed even better.
Buxton’s three triples put him on track to surpass his career high (6), which he set in 2016 and 2017. He also steals bases with ease. He ran only nine times last season (6-of-8), but is a perfect 8-for-8 this season.
Buxton signed a seven-year, $200 million contract extension before of the 2022 season. He was drafted second overall (behind teammate Carlos Correa) in 2012 and has spent his whole professional career in Minnesota.
This is where Byron and his family have made their home.
Even with three years and $45.4 million remaining on a contract that will take him past his 32nd birthday, Byron Buxton is perhaps the Minnesota Twins’ most valuable asset, especially if they sell high.
Why would the Minnesota Twins trade Byron Buxton?
But, unless they fall out of contention, there must be a more compelling rationale to move an established player like Byron Buxton. This is a player that the Minnesota Twins drafted and nurtured, and he has dedicated his whole professional career to the organization.
Nonetheless, a professional team must occasionally take off the metaphorical band-aid and make painful decisions for their organization’s long-term health. The Pohlads’ sale of the Twins, or lack thereof, has left the front office short on cash.
While Buxton’s contract is more than worth it, the Pohlads may see it as a $15 million per year savings while also enhancing the talent and depth of their farm system.
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