Tigers linked to trade for .878 OPS Twins slugger in rare intra-division deal

The Detroit Tigers are looking like a serious postseason and World Series contender this season. Their starting rotation is great, and the offense looks to be in a solid spot.

But, there's always some room for improvement, especially in the outfield for Detroit. And, while it might be an unlikely deal, there is an intra-division trade that would make sense for an all-in Tigers team.

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report linked the Tigers to Minnesota Twins superstar outfielder Byron Buxton for a possible trade landing spot, which would be a very rare intra-division trade involving someone as good as Buxton.

Tigers linked to Byron Buxton trade

"On it goes," Rymer writes, "with the Twins off to a 1-3 start after crashing out at the end of 2025. And since Buxton was reportedly willing (per ESPN's Jeff Passan) to waive his no-trade clause over the winter, he should be considered a top trade name for the summer market."

The Twins are likely to entertain Buxton trades, especially following last year's major fire sale at the trade deadline.

If the Tigers, a postseason and World Series contender, decide that 2026 is the year to go all-in, they have the prospect capital to swing an aggressive trade for Buxton.

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Even though the Twins might not want to send Buxton to a division rival in the AL Central, if the Tigers' offer is the best they can get, it would be an excusable move on their part to send Buxton to the Tigers.

From Detroit's perspective, if they could land Buxton, it would be a no-brainer. He's an incredible defender, has plenty of speed and power, as seen with his 35 homers and 24 stolen bases last season.

If there is one concern, it would be his injury history, which does lead to some caution in a deal for the Twins outfielder. But, in Tarik Skubal's last year in Detroit, most likely, trading for Buxton to go all-in in 2026 isn't the worst idea for the Tigers.

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