Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton addressed his future.
The Minnesota Twins have been more competitive than expected this year, entering Friday with a 36-40 record. However, it is clear the current group is not expected to make the playoffs and is far from being a true contender.
As a result, recurring trade talks have continued to surround the team's best player and face of the franchise, Byron Buxton.
The 32-year-old veteran center fielder is one of the best players in MLB. While injuries have defined his career up until this point, he has seemingly turned a corner over the past two seasons.
Last year he appeared in 126 games, and he is on pace to play even more this year. Spending less and less time on the injured list has skyrocketed his trade value.
That is especially true given how good he has been recently. Buxton is well on his way toward earning a second straight All-Star selection.
Across 64 games, he has posted a .270 batting average, .330 on-base percentage, .919 OPS, 23 home runs and 36 RBIs. He also remains one of the best defensive outfielders in the league as a former Gold Glove and Platinum Glove winner.
He has single-handedly changed games for the Twins this year, and without him this team would be much worse. What also skyrockets his trade value is his extremely team-friendly contract. He is being paid just under $15 million per year, and his on-field production far exceeds that figure.
Buxton commented on the rumors this past week. "I don't give a [expletive]," Buxton said (h/t The Athletic). "End of the day, nobody's in my shoes. Nobody can say anything about what I'm going to do. I know what I'm doing. The only way I'm getting out of here, they're going to have to come talk to me and tell me something else. Simple as that. I ain't said nothing about leaving, nor will I. I'm a Twin."
With that quote, it all but ensures Buxton will stick with the team. He holds a full no-trade clause, and if he is not willing to waive it, it does not matter how much interest other teams have.
Even though this is probably bad news for the Twins, who are missing out on significant value given they could likely land two top prospects in a deal, it is still a positive outcome for fans who get to keep watching their favorite player remain right where he is.
