As MLB’s offseason continues to progress, it’s not uncommon for trade rumors to swirl from all angles, even if they are far-fetched. Every organization is doing everything in its power to improve its roster. For the Atlanta Braves, GM Alex Anthopoulos is expected to be more aggressive this offseason, in both the free agent and trade markets.
Atlanta has yet to make a splash move, but the Braves have made a couple of under-the-radar moves like re-signing Raisel Iglesias and trading for Mauricio Dubón, which indicates the team’s front office is trying. However, Atlanta recently received bad news on a potential trade target in Minnesota Twins‘ outfielder Byron Buxton.
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Minnesota Twins Expected to Hold Onto Trade Pieces
After their full-blown fire sale back in July, many people who cover MLB had expected their remaining pieces to be on the trade block once again, especially after it was reported that the organization is trying to get rid of some debt.
However, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Twins are not planning to offload Byron Buxton, Joe Ryan, or Pablo Lopez.
Rosenthal states that club officials believe that the team carries enough talent to completely blow it up for the 2026 season.
GettyByron Buxton is still committed to the Twins, even after their busy trade deadline
After ESPN had reported that Buxton was willing to waive his no-trade clause, his home state team in the Atlanta Braves, had immediately emerged as a potential landing spot. Buxton has three years and $45 million left on his seven-year, $100 million contract.
The Twins’ new plan is to hold onto the two All-Star starters and Byron Buxton, with hopes of rebuilding and centering a new team around those core pieces.
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What Does this Report Mean for the Braves?
While this report may be bad news for the Braves’ hopes of trading for Byron Buxton, it’s not like they had a clear need for an outfielder like other NL East foes, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.
Atlanta will have a healthy Ronald Acuña Jr. patrolling right field next season, a resurgent Michael Harris II in center, and Jurickson Profar out in left field. Trading for Buxton may have addressed the need at DH for the Braves if they do not re-sign Marcell Ozuna.
Buxton is a two-time All-Star and is coming off one of his best seasons as a big leaguer in 2025. Injuries have always been an issue for the center fielder from Bailey, GA, but he played in 120+ games for the first time since 2017 last season, and smashed 35 home runs.
It will be interesting to see what other names pop up in trade conversations for the Braves as the MLB winter meetings get underway. Does Ozzie Albies gain trade buzz? Or catcher Sean Murphy? These next few weeks will mean a lot for Atlanta’s future and 2026 season.
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