Trading season in MLB always brings fireworks—and headaches. Even the best-run teams face tough decisions when success meets uncertainty. With less than two months to go before the trade deadline, front offices are weighing performance, potential, and long-term value. And one of the more intriguing dilemmas this year? It’s unfolding quietly in Minnesota, involving none other than its $100 million star.
Minnesota Twins’ center fielder Byron Buxton has been making it increasingly difficult for the team to overlook him, and his performance this season is a clear reminder of just how valuable he is. Sunday’s game against the Giants was no exception. Buxton delivered a clutch sacrifice fly in the fifth inning that tied the game, helping Minnesota grind out a dramatic 7–6 victory. And guess what? That victory raised the Twins’ winning streak to eight.
However, Buxton’s resurgence only deepens the Twins’ dilemma: how do you plan for the future when a $100 million star finally hits his stride? They could easily dangle Buxton into the trade conversations, but can he be let go that easily? After a sluggish start to the season, Buxton has become a driving force behind the team’s turnaround. Even MLB Network Radio’s Xavier Scruggs agrees, emphasizing that Buxton’s current form can’t be ignored.
Addressing the Twins’ offensive woes early in the season, Scruggs credited Buxton for their turnaround, especially in terms of timely hitting. “Bryon Buxton has been unreal. It’s been amazing with his ability to go to all fields. He’s healthy. So, you think about him playing every day, and playing defense every day—that’s important,” said Scruggs.
Things are heating up in Minnesota @Twins | #MNTwins
https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/T27R8zduYj
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) May 12, 2025
Scruggs isn’t wrong. Buxton’s stats over the last 15 games back it quite well: a .322 batting average, 12 runs, 4 home runs, 14 RBIs, and a .364 OBP. That’s more than just solid—it’s impact-level production from a guy who, when healthy, changes the feel of the Twins’ lineup.
But that’s the key phrase—when healthy. Let’s not forget that Buxton has a long history of injuries. No one doubts his talent; he is the best the team has to offer, but his availability is another story. Last season, he played in just 102 games. The year before that, he didn’t crack beyond double digits. His career has been a cycle of electric play interrupted by injuries.
Just last month, he was pulled from a game against the Chicago White Sox after an attempt to rob a home run, sparking fresh concern about his health. His long-standing knee issues, including surgeries in 2022 and 2023, still linger in the background, making every hot streak feel a little fragile and forcing the team to weigh all trading options. ESPN’s Buster Olney even recently named him as the team’s potential trade candidate. While Minnesota weighs its options, there appears to be a team likely to be paying close attention. Who knows? Buxton might just be what they need right now.
Mets advised to make a move for Twins’ Byron Buxton
For years, the New York Mets have been searching for a steady, game-changing presence in center field. Someone who’s not just decent at defense, but can actually shake up the lineup. They have tried five players in the position so far. They’ve cycled through names like José Siri and Tyrone Taylor, but let’s be honest: neither has lived up to expectations. If there was a moment to take a bold move, it is now. They won’t have to look deep for the perfect candidate.
Buxton has the kind of energy this Mets lineup could use. And the best part? He’s locked in under contract through 2028 at a manageable $15.1 million annually. And let’s be real, if Buxton stays healthy, this becomes one of the best value deals they could get. He brings elite defense, speed, and a bat that’s heating up at the perfect time.
This season might be flipping the script on Buxton’s injuries. He has played in 38 of the Twins’ 41 games and has shown a new level of consistency. He’s healthy, locked in, and could finally be the answer the Mets have been searching for in center field. A former Platinum Glove winner with upside still untapped? The Mets would be crazy not to at least make a call.
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