Twins may benefit from keeping Byron Buxton instead of dealing him

After the Minnesota Twins had a fire sale at the trade deadline last season (10 big league players were traded away, including Carlos Correa), this season's deadline (Aug. 3) might be a lot different.

The Twins might be buyers instead of sellers. 

Sitting 4.5 games out of the lead for the American League Central and 1.5 games out of the American League Wild Card, the Twins could benefit from keeping their star player, Byron Buxton, instead of trading him. 

Minnesota Twins Byron Buxton is named a potential trade candidate

The rumor at the past few deadlines has been whether the Twins' two-time All-Star would be traded; he remains a Twin. With the deadline a little over a month away, the same rumor has hit the mill, with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the San Diego Padres listed as teams interested in acquiring Buxton.

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"Buxton has maintained his desire to play his whole career with the Twins, but if Minnesota becomes a big seller for the second straight summer, the 32-year-old could decide to waive his no-trade clause for a move to a contender. Buxton, who had 23 home runs and a .937 OPS in his first 63 games, is signed through 2028 at $15 million per season," wrote MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

The Phillies and then the Diamondbacks would be the best two fits for Buxton, as they have or can make an opening in center field, whereas the Padres have Jackson Merrill manning up the middle. However, the key would be for Buxton to waive his no-trade clause, which he has been and remains unwilling to do. 

With the Twins' potential to make the playoffs, the 12-year MLB veteran (all in Minnesota) would likely decline any deal to ship him out to stay and help HIS team succeed. Signed to a seven-year ($100 million) contract, Buxton has two years ($30.284) remaining on his current contract and is on pace to have his third straight season of 100+ games played, a first in his career. 

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