Byron Buxton has spent the last 11 seasons with the Minnesota Twins, but the team has only gotten worse during that time. The Twins are at the bottom of the AL Central once again, and it’s time for Buxton to move on.
Even after hiring Derek Shelton as their manager in the offseason, the Twins still haven’t yielded success. Although they’ve only played 41 games, the writing is on the wall. Rebuilding is necessary to improve, and Buxton should leave for better opportunities.
Buxton is under contract through 2028 on a seven-year, $100 million deal, and will earn a maximum of just over $15 million per year at the back end of his contract. Buxton’s contract is very tradeable and easy to move, and if he wants to go to a specific team, he can invoke his full no-trade clause. Numerous teams would trade for Buxton.
The talented center fielder currently has a .259/.313/.556 slash line and a .868 OPS with 13 homeruns. His numbers aren’t incredibly eye-popping, but in his 12th year, his goal is to be consistent and healthy. Buxton has battled numerous injuries throughout his MLB career and, therefore, spent several seasons as the full-time designated hitter.
Buxton’s talent shines when he is annihilating baseballs, running the bases, and making diving catches. He is one of the fastest players in the MLB and can dazzle crowds with his electrifying style of play.
However, his talents have only amounted to him playing in four postseason games. Buxton’s skill and talent have not been displayed in the biggest spots, unlike those of other legends such as Mike Trout. Leaving Minnesota may give Buxton the chance to play in the postseason with a better team.
The 32-year-old has exceeded expectations as the second overall pick in the 2012 Major League Draft. Buxton has always said he wants to play his entire career in Minnesota, but with no postseason success in Minnesota, a new team almost makes sense.
This summer, Buxton showed frustration with the Twins after they didn’t squash his name from trade rumors. Last July, Buxton said he’s not leaving Minnesota, but the Twins didn’t comment on the situation.
“All it takes is for somebody at the top to go to the media, ‘We’re not trading you,’” Buxton said. “Trade rumors stop. Now we don’t have those conversations. That’s how simple this could get. But as I stated, it’s different, it’s different.”
In December, the Twins confirmed they are keeping Buxton, but the damage was already done, and more trade scenarios arose in the media.
Buxton may have moved on from the situation, but it’s a signal that a star could be on the move. If the Twins don’t improve, Buxton could change his mind, especially if his name remains in trade scenarios. If he decides to request a trade, he will have his options of teams to choose from. There will be several contenders willing to trade for Buxton, no matter the cost.
