Ken Rosenthal on Braves’ interest in Byron Buxton

With Dan Hayes of The Athletic reporting that Twins star centerfielder Byron Buxton could be more willing to waive his no-trade clause this offseason if Minnesota continues tearing things down, the ears of Braves fans are rightfully perked up.

After all, it was Hayes who first reported after the trade deadline that the Braves were one of the teams that made a strong push for Buxton — a pursuit that ultimately went nowhere because he refused to waive his no-trade clause for anyone. Now that he may be softening on that stance, will Alex Anthopoulos revisit those conversations this winter?

“Now, Buxton is from Georgia, we all know that,” Ken Rosenthal said. “He would be someone I would think almost every team would be interested in. The Braves have a centerfielder, Michael Harris II, and a darn good one. They do have other priorities, so I do not see them necessarily getting involved in the Buxton sweepstakes — if indeed they become Buxton sweepstakes. We’re actually a long way from that.”

Both Rosenthal and Hayes have reported that the Twins have not revealed their offseason direction. They would like to build around players such as Byron Buxton, Pablo López, and Joe Ryan, but a lot depends on the budget ownership provides.

Still, if Minnesota does continue selling, it’s hard to imagine what would have changed over the last few months that would suddenly dull Atlanta’s interest. Michael Harris II was on the roster at the trade deadline, and the Braves still went after Buxton then.

There remains a clear opening in the Braves outfield. With Marcell Ozuna entering free agency, the DH spot becomes available for Ronald Acuña Jr. and Jurickson Profar — Acuña because of his lengthy injury history, and Profar because of his struggles defensively in left field last season. Buxton also comes with an extensive injury history, so occasional DH days would only help keep him on the field.

A lot still has to play out before any real negotiations begin, but it’s difficult to envision a scenario where the Braves wouldn’t be among the clubs lined up if Byron Buxton becomes available this winter.