Dodgers Rumors: Twins Likely Keeping Buxton and Other Star Players
You can likely cross Bryon Buxton off your trade wish list
LOS ANGELES, CA—In the Los Angeles Dodgers’ search for outfield depth, we’ve seen many names that the team has been linked to through trade or free agency.
While star free agents like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger might be beyond the Dodgers’ budget, the team has shown interest in several outfielders like Jarren Duran, Steven Kwan, and Brendan Donovan on the trade market. However, a major star currently seems unavailable for trade.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Minnesota Twins are likely to retain All-Star Byron Buxton along with other key players like Joe Ryan and Pablo López.
The Twins do not anticipate moving center fielder Byron Buxton or right-handers Joe Ryan and Pablo López, according to league sources briefed on their plans. Minnesota’s goal is to keep those players, build around them and compete in 2026.
It’s a stark contrast for the Twins, who this past trade deadline shipped 10 players from their 26-man roster, including Carlos Correa, Brock Stewart, Griffin Jax, Harrison Bader, Louis Varland, and Jhoan Duran.
However, the Twins’ logic is not lost in reality, as the weak American League Central has been anyone’s division to win over the last three seasons, despite a competitive uptick from the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers.
Still, while Rosenthal notes that those players are unavailable now, rival teams will still continue to make pushes for them this winter and leading into next year’s deadline, depending on how the Twins’ season unfolds.
Rival clubs interested in Ryan, Buxton and López almost certainly will keep pushing to acquire them, as teams always seek to add high-end players. The Twins will listen, as clubs in their position are obligated to do. But it likely would take an overwhelming offer for any of the three to be traded.
Buxton has three years and $45 million left on his current contract, which includes a full no-trade clause through the 2026 season. He was a perfect fit for the Dodgers’ outfield needs if he had continued to be available.
Buxton achieved career highs in the 2025 season with 35 home runs and 83 RBIs. He also earned his second All-Star Game selection, his first Silver Slugger Award, and received votes for American League MVP. The veteran exemplifies the high-impact talent that the Dodgers seek, despite some injury concerns.
As the Winter Meetings begin today in Orlando, we can expect clearer insight into the Dodgers’ outfield strategy, with several free-agent signings and trades likely to unfold over the coming days.
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