Byron Buxton Wants to Stay in Minnesota — But the Twins’ Clock Is Ticking

Byron Buxton has spent his entire decade-long career in a Twins uniform, and he might be the only one in the organization who still thinks that’s a good idea. Minnesota sits at 35-40, stuck in third place in the AL Central and outside the wild-card picture. A full rebuild could be on the table, and Buxton — an MVP candidate when healthy — would be the most valuable chip the front office could cash. But there’s one big problem: Buxton himself might refuse to leave.

The No-Trade Clause Is the Real Wall

According to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan, Buxton holds a no-trade clause in the seven-year deal he signed ahead of the 2022 season, avoiding arbitration. That gives him total control over any potential move. The reporting suggests his loyalty to the franchise remains strong, even as the team drifts further from contention. “All of this is moot, and Buxton will drop off the list, if he indicates he will use his no-trade protection to reject any potential deal,” McDaniel and Passan wrote. The team has not confirmed any trade talks, but the implication is clear: unless Buxton changes his mind, nothing happens.

Buxton broke into the majors in 2015 and has been to the playoffs just four times since, winning only one series. At 32, he still wants to win. The Twins haven’t shown they can deliver that this year, and the ESPN report raises doubts about next season too, barring a major spending spree over the winter.

What Would Change His Mind?

The same report suggests that if the Twins commit to a full-scale rebuild, Buxton might reconsider his stance. “Minnesota is positioned to have another active deadline and go almost full rebuild, and if anything will change Buxton’s mind, it’s the Twins’ timeline,” McDaniel and Passan continued. If he does waive the clause, the market would be fierce. The ESPN analysts compare his potential return to that of Tigers ace Tarik Skubal — a monster package, given Buxton’s multiple years of control and a contract that is reasonable for a player of his caliber.

For now, the Twins have time before the trade deadline to decide whether the season can be salvaged. They finish a three-game series with the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, looking to sweep. But even a sweep wouldn’t erase the larger questions hanging over this roster — and over Buxton’s future in Minnesota.