Astros trade prediction ships prospect overhaul to Twins for $100M Gold Glover, Silver Slugger

The Minnesota Twins have faced plenty of offseason questions surrounding Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan. There has been a growing belief that Buxton could be traded, leading to months of uncertainty and frustration.

“It's been months of upheavals for the Minnesota Twins and, because of roster changes, turnover in the dugout and front office, and an uncertain commitment level from ownership, the future is uncertain. That uncertainty hasn't sat well with franchise cornerstone Byron Buxton, especially insofar as his future with the Twins is concerned,” CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry wrote.

Buxton is the franchise player for Minnesota, and the organization has not been fully transparent about its plans. That lack of clarity has frustrated Buxton to the point where he has publicly addressed the trade speculation.

“All it takes is for somebody at the top to go to the media, ‘We're not trading you,’” Buxton said. “Trade rumors stop. Now we don't have those conversations. That's how simple this could get. But as I stated, it's different, it's different.”

Buxton does have a no-trade clause, but the Twins could still explore moving him if he’s willing to waive it. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report believes the Houston Astros could be a potential fit, given their need for a reliable outfielder.

“Well, if we've got the Twins parting ways with Joe Ryan, better throw together yet another hypothetical Byron Buxton swap, too, as it wouldn't make a ton of sense for Minnesota to trade one of their two healthy stars while keeping the other. Buxton does have a full no-trade clause that could keep him with the Twins through 2028. Can't very well talk trade block without at least mentioning that little detail,” Miller wrote.

In this scenario, Houston would send prospects Xavier Neyens, Walker Janek, and Miguel Ullola in return. A move sending Buxton to Houston makes sense, as the Astros have been searching for help in the outfield.

The biggest obstacle would be whether Buxton is willing to waive his no-trade clause to join Houston. If he does, the veteran outfielder could elevate the Astros’ roster and help turn them into a legitimate playoff threat.

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