Trade Profile: Byron Buxton, CF

BYRON BUXTON, CF

Position: CF B/T: R/R

Age: 31 (12/18/1993)

2025 Traditional Stats: 542 PA, .264/.327/.551/.878, 129 H, 35 HR, 83 RBI, 41 BB, 148 SO

2025 Advanced Stats: 136 wRC+, 136 OPS+, 27.3% SO%, 7.6% BB%, .302 BABIP, .348 xwOBA, 5.0 fWAR, 4.9 bWAR

When people talk about players with the highest ceilings, Byron Buxton has always been near the top of that list. At his peak, he has performed like an MVP, both offensively and defensively in center field. Unfortunately, though, injuries have always been a part of his story. Since debuting for the Minnesota Twins in 2015, Buxton has played in 100 games or more in a total of just three seasons. Over the last few years, a few knee injuries have popped up in particular. Buxton had two surgeries to try and solve that, one in September 2022 and the other in October 2023.

Last season was a good one for him. Buxton played in 126 games and collected a career-high 542 plate appearances. 118 of those games also came in center field, a number he had not reached since 2017. It was a strong and positive year for Buxton. The same cannot be said for the Twins, however. A 70-92 campaign was only good enough for fourth in the American League Central, 18 games back of the first-place Cleveland Guardians. The Twins sold at the trade deadline, moving Carlos Correa, Jhoan Durán and Louis Varland, among others. It was a clear signal that Minnesota was more than likely heading towards some version of a rebuild.

Buxton strikes out a lot and doesn’t draw too many walks. But when he does make contact, he does damage. Last season, he ranked in the 96th percentile for hard-hit rate and barrel rate. His average exit velocity and expected slugging percentage were also very good, ranking in the 92nd percentile. Buxton’s home run to fly ball rate has been in a good spot for a number of years, totaling above 21% in four of the last six seasons. When available, it’s clear his bat has plenty left in the tank.

You may ask, with all of the injuries he has suffered, has his defense dropped off? Slightly, but he is still a solid defender out in center. Last season, he ranked in the 81st percentile for outs above average and the 77th percentile for arm strength. Not to mention he still remained in the 100th percentile for sprint speed. Certainly something that helps him in the field and on the base paths.

During the 2025 All-Star game festivities, Buxton expressed that he had no plans to waive his no-trade clause. He clearly expressed his desire to remain with the Twins for the rest of his career. But with what the Twins did at the trade deadline, you have to wonder if Buxton will reconsider. If he does change his mind about being traded, the New York Mets are certainly a potential landing spot.

PACKAGE

Buxton has three years remaining on his seven-year, $100 million contract, so the price to get him out of Minnesota will be steep. Luckily for the Mets, they have the prospect capital to make it happen.

Mets Receive

• CF Byron Buxton

Twins Receive

• RHP Brandon Sproat
• 1B/OF Ryan Clifford
• IF Luisangel Acuña

In addition to Buxton, starting pitchers Pablo López and Joe Ryan will be amongst the trade rumors this winter. If either of them were to be dealt, a need for reinforcements will materialize. Sproat could give them immediate help in the rotation. Acuña could factor in all across the infield, and Clifford could be ready to debut at some point during the 2026 season.

RECOMMENDATION

With Brandon Nimmo now in Texas, the Mets are going to have a new-look outfielder next season. Juan Soto will be in right field, and Tyrone Taylor will feature as the fourth outfielder, primarily in center field. But beyond those two, the other spots are up for grabs. If they fail to sign one of Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger, I think the Mets should look at the trade market. Buxton is the best of that bunch talent wise, but is there too much risk involved with his injury history? I would prioritize Bellinger above the rest, but if that does work out in the Mets’ favor, Buxton is most definitely a solid alternative.

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