MLB Insider Reveals Latest on Byron Buxton Trade Buzz

Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

MLB Insider Reveals Latest on Byron Buxton Trade Buzz

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thomas Kelson | Last updated Jun 17, 2026 2:34 PM ET

When the MLB trade deadline arrives on August 3, many contenders will have the Minnesota Twins on speed dial.

Last year, the Twins orchestrated one of the busiest deadlines in MLB history, trading 10 players from their 26-man roster. There's good reason to believe they'll be active sellers once again this August.

Minnesota is in another rebuilding year. They sit five games under .500 and have several intriguing pieces who could help contenders. None is more appealing than Byron Buxton, who may be the best position player available on the market.

Buxton is having the best season of his career in his 12th year with the Twins. He is slashing .275/.336/.601 with a .937 OPS, 23 home runs, and a 153 wRC+.

Buxton also brings elite speed and remains one of baseball's best defensive center fielders.

Needless to say, any team that acquires him would land a true game-changing player. But what are the chances Buxton actually gets moved?

MLB insider Jeff Passan recently appeared on Foul Territory and discussed the possibility.

Passan said, "I think when it comes down to it with Byron Buxton, it's going to be a simple question: How much do the Twins want to tear down? And if they do, is that going to prompt him to say, 'I'm 32-years-old. I haven't won a championship yet?'"

"Until he indicates there's even some kind of possibility that he would be open to a deal, it's moot."

As of now, @JeffPassan doesn't see Byron Buxton getting traded. pic.twitter.com/Mc2LPRPjNV
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) June 17, 2026

Buxton signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension that runs through the 2028 season. More importantly, the deal includes a full no-trade clause.

Over the past several years, as trade rumors have surfaced, Buxton has repeatedly said he has no desire to leave Minnesota. That is the glaring reason Passan believes a trade remains unlikely.

"I don't see him being dealt because until he indicates there's some kind of possibility that he would be open to a deal, it's moot."

In Passan's ranking of 100 players who could be traded, he gave Buxton a 30% chance of being moved.

Several contenders would love to add the two-time All-Star. The Philadelphia Phillies recently lost Adolis Garcia for the season and could use another right-handed bat.

The Atlanta Braves also make sense as a potential fit. Buxton is from Georgia and could perhaps be more willing to waive his no-trade clause for an opportunity to play closer to home.

A lot can change in a matter of months, weeks, or even days. Surprises happen at every trade deadline. Until 6 p.m. ET on August 3, anything remains possible.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: