Why Phillies trade rumors for $100 million All-Star outfielder are a waste of time

The Philadelphia Phillies could use a right-handed hitting outfielder in their lineup. 

Plenty of teams around MLB could. 

But to acquire an All-Star-caliber outfielder, the Phillies may have to look past the Minnesota Twins for a solution. 

ESPN's Jeff Passan tabbed Byron Buxton as a "dream" trade match for the Phillies, but he's been persistent that he does not want to leave Minnesota. 

"There might not be a better fit between team need and player than the Phillies and Buxton, but with him controlling where he plays next and seemingly having no desire to go elsewhere, it's moot enough that time spent on pursuing a deal is, at this point, a waste," Passan wrote. 

Buxton has a no-trade clause in his contract, a seven-year, $100 million deal with the Twins that runs out after the 2028 season.  

He plays Gold Glove defense in center field and rarely gets caught on the basepaths, though he used to attempt way more stolen bases before injuries piled up. 

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That's before mentioning Buxton's great power, which has helped him connect for 25 home runs in 75 games in 2026. 

There are other options for the Phillies to consider, but likely none better than Buxton.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski may have to get creative during trade talks. 

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