The New York Mets are expected to revamp their roster in a big way ahead of the 2026 season. Top free agents such as Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, and Alex Bregman have all been linked with the Mets. While New York is undoubtedly negotiating with these players, they are also engaging in trade talks.
It was revealed in mid-November that the Mets are willing to listen to offers for veterans Brandon Nimmo and Kodai Senga. Both players have been key players for the club in recent years. Nevertheless, team brass is looking to shake up its roster after a disappointing 2025 season.
One player now being linked with a move to the Big Apple is Byron Buxton. Bleacher Report has predicted that the Mets will acquire the former two-time All-Star outfielder from the Minnesota Twins. This is, of course, if the American League team opts to trade the star and enter a full rebuild.
Byron Buxton’s Future with the Minnesota Twins Uncertain After Recent Roster Moves
GettyByron Buxton may now be open to waiving his no-trade clause.
Buxton was previously linked with a potential move away from the Twin Cities in July. A trade, however, never occurred after the center fielder poured cold water on the idea.“I can’t be traded,” Buxton said in the summer. “I’ve got a no-trade clause. I’m a Minnesota Twin for the rest of my life.”
Although the comments seemingly put the kibosh on any trade talks now, things have changed in Minnesota. The Twins ended up being big sellers ahead of the trade deadline during the 2025 season. The multitude of moves may have altered Buxton’s mind on his future with the team. It has since been reported by The Athletic that the star could reconsider his no-trade clause if Minnesota continues with its roster demolition.
Twins pitchers Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez have been linked with trades as well. Bleacher Report claims that if any of these three stars are dealt, all of them are likely to leave. In this scenario, the Mets would likely be ready to pounce on trade negotiations for Buxton.
Free Agency Will Help Determine how Involved Mets are in Buxton Talks
New York’s potential move for Buxton may be directly linked to Nimmo’s future with the team. If the Mets keep Nimmo, he and Juan Soto would be their starting corner outfielders on opening day in 2026. This is certainly not a bad option for the club. It would, however, leave a hole in center field. Team execs attempted to fill the need with Cedric Mullins at the end of 2025, but the move did not work out.
Free agency will also affect New York’s potential pursuit of Buxton. If they can acquire Tucker, the Mets would likely use Nimmo as trade bait to grab a center fielder. On the other side, signing Bellinger would almost certainly end New York’s trade speculation involving the Twins star.
New York’s willingness to trade Nimmo and Senga centers around saving money. The outfielder earns just over $20 million annually, and the starting pitcher rakes in $15 million per season. While the Mets are hoping to shed salary to chase free agent targets, they could opt to make a trade for Buxton if some of these deals fail. Buxton is currently signed through the 2028 season and earns about $15 million per year.
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