Byron Buxton is one of the most tantalizing players in baseball when healthy: an elite defender, game-changing speed, and the power to hit 25–30 homers a season. Unfortunately, injuries have tempered his full-season impact, and his massive contract, combined with the Minnesota Twins’ rebuilding timeline, makes him a prime trade candidate in 2025–26.
The two-time All-Star has reportedly agreed to waive his no-trade clause, which immediately broadens the market. Here are three realistic landing spots, including packages that could make sense.
Top Trade Landing Spots for Byron Buxton
1. Los Angeles Dodgers — The Perfect Fit for a Win-Now Contender
Why It Makes Sense
The Dodgers are always looking to add high-upside, elite defenders who can impact both offense and outfield alignment. Buxton would slide into center, taking pressure off their outfield rotation while dramatically improving defense at the keystone of a championship-caliber outfield. LA has payroll flexibility and a playoff window perfectly aligned with Buxton’s prime years.
Possible Trade Package:
- Twins receive: Pitching prospect Landon Knack, OF prospect Dillon Paulson, and minor-league infielder Victor Gonzalez.
- Rationale: The Dodgers can afford to give up multiple mid-tier prospects while keeping their core intact. Knack and Paul give Minnesota high-upside young talent while keeping the Twins competitive long-term.
2. New York Mets — Speed, Defense, and a Leadoff Catalyst
Why It Makes Sense
The Mets could use an elite center fielder to complement their power-laden lineup and cover Citi Field’s massive gaps. Buxton’s Gold Glove-level defense, speed on the bases, and ability to change games instantly would make him a perfect fit atop the order for a team built to compete in 2025–26.
Possible Trade Package:
- Twins receive: OF/SS prospect Jett Williams, 3B/1B Mark Vientos, and RHP prospect Dominic Fletcher.
- Rationale: Williams provides a high-upside outfield bat, Vientos adds positional versatility and a future middle-of-the-order bat, and Fletcher strengthens Minnesota’s pitching depth. This package gives the Twins controllable talent while keeping the Mets competitive in 2025–26.
3. Atlanta Braves — Speed, Defense, and Leadoff Firepower
Why It Makes Sense
The Braves’ lineup has plenty of power but lacks consistent speed and elite outfield defense behind Ronald Acuña Jr. Buxton solves both. He gives Atlanta the kind of dynamic presence that can change games with his legs, covers massive gaps, and complements a right-heavy batting order. With the Braves committed to winning now, Buxton’s contract is a price they’re willing to pay.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton, and Michael Harris II in the same outfield would be a box office attraction if the Braves could pull it off. pic.twitter.com/opiGzP5GnI
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) December 2, 2025
Possible Trade Package:
- Twins receive: RHP prospect Jackson Jeter, OF prospect Miles Johnson, and a lower-level pitching prospect.
- Rationale: The Braves can part with multiple mid-tier prospects, and Minnesota gets a mix of high-upside arms and young bats, replenishing their farm while offloading part of Buxton’s salary.
The Last Word
Buxton is a rare talent whose value spikes when healthy, both offensively and defensively. His willingness to waive his no-trade clause opens up big-market and small-market suitors alike.
- Contenders looking for elite defense and speed: Dodgers and Braves.
- Teams needing a leadoff catalyst with power upside: Mets.
Each trade package balances Minnesota’s desire for young, controllable talent while giving Byron Buxton a chance to chase a championship. His next team could drastically improve its postseason odds — and for the Twins, it’s a chance to accelerate a rebuild without gutting the farm system.
Main Photo Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images
The post Where a Speedy Star Center Fielder Could Land If Traded appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.