1 massive MLB trade deadline mistake Twins must avoid making

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1 massive MLB trade deadline mistake Twins must avoid making

Douglas Fritz, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Mon, Jul 6, 2026 ·

4 min read

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It's a tough deal for the Minnesota Twins with Byron Buxton getting hurt again. And it has helped fuel rumors of a Joe Ryan trade . But here is one massive MLB trade deadline mistake the Twins must avoid making.

Standing just four games out of the AL Central lead as the All-Star break approaches, the Twins are a fringe division-title contender. However, if Buxton misses significant time and Ryan gets traded, all bets are off.

So, the question for the Twins is this: Sell or buy?

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Twins must avoid holding onto OF Byron Buxton

Yes, it's tempting for the Twins to keep Buxton. He has spent all 12 of his seasons with the organization. He hit 35 homers in 2025, a career high. And he's on pace for more this year.

But the problem is — and always has been with Buxton — he can't stay on the field. And the latest injury is more evidence. Buxton left Sunday's win over the Yankees after aggravating his hip injury.

Buxton didn't seem overly concerned about this setback, according to ESPN.

"A little sore, didn't feel too hot," Buxton said after Minnesota won a series at Yankee Stadium for the first time since 2014. "So, being a little more smart than trying to fight through it."

History shows that Buxton has never played a full season. He appeared in 140 games in 2017 and 126 last year. However, everything else is below 100, except for hitting the 102 mark in 2024.

There's no question that Buxton is a terrific talent. When he's on the field and in the lineup, he usually produces. But the Twins don't know when the next injury shoe will drop. Honestly, it's time for Buxton to become another team's headache.

Think his injuries will decrease his value in the trade market? Sure. A little. But hungry teams in need of a power hitter will pay the trade bill. The currency will be minor-league talent.

So what kind of deal should the Twins make?

First, they should shore up the bullpen. Even if they trade Buxton, the Twins need help at the end of games , according to MLB.com.

"Yes, they could probably use some starting depth," Matthew Leach wrote. "But the bullpen was already a need even before Anthony Banda suffered a lat injury that will cost him months, not weeks. The Twins could use relief help from both the right and left sides to bolster a corps that has a couple of reliable late-inning options but nowhere near enough depth."

Great. Bring in a higher-leverage, lower-priced arm.

But put Buxton back on the trade block. Here's what general manager Jeremy Zoll said publicly about Buxton's availability for trade offers , according to MLB.com.

"We have no plans to trade Byron," Zoll said. "It's not something we're exploring. It's not something we plan to explore. We continue to have productive discussions with Byron. I think he was very clear on that point last week. But also just from my seat, from the Twins' perspective, that's not something that we plan to explore. Just wanted to hit that head on.

"We had good chats in Spring Training. I've been fortunate to have a relationship with Byron my entire tenure in the various roles that I've had. He's having an unbelievable season. He's a special player. He wants to be here. We want him to be here. I think to just get that out there makes a lot of sense, especially given a lot of speculation being thrown out there that's not actually rooted in fact."

That's fine. That's loyal. And Buxton said he won't allow a trade.

"Buxton, who has full no-trade protection, told the Athletic last week that he had no interest in waiving his no-trade clause," Leach wrote.

Posturing? Maybe not. But just because the Twins and Buxton are adamant about a trade not happening doesn't make it the right thing to do.

It's still a mistake they must avoid. This year or maybe next year could be the last full-value opportunity the Twins will have with Buxton.

And here's why it all matters. The Twins will never build a World Series team on the legs of a player who can't stay in the lineup. But they could get enough prospects by trading him to establish themselves for a serious run by 2028.

But it takes guts. And the Twins haven't shown they are willing to be done with Buxton's injuries.

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