The Atlanta Braves are heading into one of their most significant offseasons in recent memory. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them fall short of the postseason, largely because of a wave of injuries and uneven production across the roster, the pressure is on for general manager Alex Anthopoulos to chart a stronger path forward. Missing the playoffs was a jolt for a franchise accustomed to contention, and it has created a sense of urgency for Atlanta to reshape its roster and regain its standing among the National League’s elite.
Reports indicate that the Braves plan to be far more aggressive this winter than they were the previous offseason. Even so, early action from the front office has been minimal. Outside of bringing back veteran reliever Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta has not yet executed any major transactions. Of course, the offseason is still in its early stages, and far more movement is expected league-wide as the winter progresses.
Still, the Braves’ relative quiet contrasts with the approach of other top NL contenders. Teams like the New York Mets, who have already been active in targeting and addressing their weaknesses, are signaling that they intend to capitalize on the offseason window immediately rather than wait for the market to come to them.
This raises an important question: will Atlanta respond with a bold move of its own? One possibility gaining traction in speculative circles is a high-profile trade pursuit. Specifically, could the Braves consider swinging for the fences by targeting Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton?
Buxton is one of the most electrifying talents in baseball when healthy. His combination of elite speed, Gold Glove-caliber defense, and explosive power makes him a rare two-way force capable of transforming a lineup and anchoring a defense.
At his best, he is a true game-changer. However, injuries have been a defining and frustrating part of his career, raising the stakes of any trade involving him. A team acquiring Buxton must weigh the immense upside against the risk of losing availability at key stretches of the season.
For the Braves, the potential fit is intriguing. Center field is an area where Atlanta could benefit from a dynamic defensive presence and an added spark to the offense. With the team seeking to rebound after a season marred by durability issues of its own, bringing in a high-ceiling player like Buxton could be both a gamble and a statement. It would signal that the organization is committed to winning now and willing to take calculated risks to elevate the roster.
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But it would also require substantial assets. Minnesota, even with Buxton’s injury history, wouldn’t part with him lightly. The Twins would likely demand a meaningful return, possibly including young pitching or major-league-ready contributors. Anthopoulos would have to determine whether the potential reward outweighs the cost in prospects and financial commitment.
As the winter unfolds, speculation will continue to swirl. What’s clear is that the Braves have an opportunity—and perhaps a need—to make a decisive move. Whether that comes via a blockbuster trade for a star like Buxton remains to be seen, but the pressure on Atlanta to act boldly is unmistakable.
Braves-Twins Trade Idea Lands Byron Buxton Back in His Home State
The Minnesota Twins already initiated a major roster teardown during the summer, and all indications suggest they may be prepared to entertain additional trade discussions as the offseason progresses. Their willingness to reshuffle the roster has put several players in the spotlight once again as potential trade candidates.
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In a recent report from ESPN insiders Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel, star outfielder Byron Buxton was ranked as the fifth-most likely player in all of Major League Baseball to be dealt before the new season begins. According to their piece, Buxton’s openness to a move has widened the possibilities for Minnesota’s front office.
Notably, he has reportedly agreed to waive his no-trade clause—something that already heightens the intrigue. While many expected he might only consider a return to his home region with the Atlanta Braves, the ESPN report clarifies that he would be open to destinations beyond Georgia. This flexibility puts Minnesota in a compelling position as they gauge the market.
The analysts raise an important question: if this winter’s free-agent outfield class lacks true high-end talent, will a team eager for a dynamic outfield upgrade be motivated enough to pursue Buxton aggressively? And if such an offer appears, how willing would the Twins be to part with one of the most gifted players in the league? Minnesota’s approach this offseason will likely be shaped by how the trade market develops, especially given that Buxton is one of the few players with the star power to bring back substantial value.
From a talent standpoint, Buxton remains one of the rare modern players who truly possesses all five tools. His blend of elite speed, defensive excellence, power, and overall athleticism has long made him the kind of player front offices covet—even if injuries have limited his availability over the years. For the Atlanta Braves, his name stands out as an especially intriguing option.
Even though Atlanta isn’t in desperate need of another outfielder, acquiring someone of Buxton’s caliber could offer a creative solution to multiple roster questions. Should designated hitter Marcell Ozuna depart in free agency, the Braves would suddenly have a significant offensive hole to address. Buxton, with his high-impact bat and explosive upside, could effectively serve as the answer, whether as an everyday outfielder or as a flexible rotation piece who also sees time at DH.
Passan and McDaniel assign a 35% probability to Buxton being moved before the offseason concludes—a meaningful number given the circumstances. Among the clubs that could pursue him, the ESPN duo specifically highlight the Braves as one of the most logical and appealing fits. For a team that has consistently shown a willingness to pursue high-upside stars in their competitive window, the idea of targeting Buxton aligns well with their approach.
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As the offseason unfolds, the Minnesota Twins’ level of motivation to engage in another round of significant roster moves—and the Braves’ appetite for adding another elite talent—will determine whether Byron Buxton becomes one of the winter’s headline trade stories.
What Would Byron Buxton Bring to Atlanta?
Byron Buxton remains one of baseball’s most fascinating talents—an electrifying player whose immense skill has often been tempered by long-running concerns about durability. Over the course of his career, questions repeatedly surfaced about whether he could remain on the field long enough to showcase his full potential.
However, the 2025 season offered a refreshing counterpoint to that narrative. Buxton appeared in 126 games, his highest total since the 2017 campaign, marking a rare stretch of sustained availability for the star outfielder. That level of consistent playing time allowed him to remind the baseball world just how dynamic he can be when healthy.
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During those 126 games, Buxton delivered one of the most productive seasons of his career. He launched 35 home runs, demonstrating his ability to change the game with a single swing, and he added 24 stolen bases, reinforcing his long-standing reputation as a dual-threat offensive weapon.
His overall performance translated into a 136 OPS+, a figure that places him well above league average and illustrates how valuable he was to Minnesota’s lineup. When Buxton is able to blend his power, speed, and defensive excellence, he performs at a level few players in the league can match.
Across 11 Major League seasons, Buxton has compiled a résumé that reflects both his immense talent and his uneven availability. He owns a career batting average of .248 and has amassed 168 home runs, showing that even with the missed time throughout the years, his power numbers remain significant.
His long-term commitment to the Minnesota Twins is also notable. Buxton is in the midst of a seven-year, $100 million contract that keeps him under team control through the 2028 season, giving the organization cost certainty for several more years.
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Still, the Twins appear to be approaching the upcoming offseason with a willingness to explore major moves. With the franchise focused on replenishing its farm system and building for the long term, there is a growing belief around the league that Minnesota may be open to fielding offers for Buxton.
Any team hoping to acquire him—such as the Atlanta Braves, who have been mentioned as a club that could use an impactful player of his caliber—would likely be required to part with one or two top prospects. While that kind of price would be significant, the potential reward is equally large. Adding Buxton could immediately elevate the Braves back into the heart of the National League race and help reinforce their identity as a perennial contender.
With MLB’s Winter Meetings only a week away, industry speculation is expected to intensify. Executives, scouts, and analysts will be monitoring whether the Twins truly intend to make Buxton available and what level of interest other organizations show.
According to BaseballReference.com projections, Buxton is expected to produce 26 home runs in 458 at-bats during the 2026 season, suggesting that even with some regression, he remains a valuable offensive contributor. What happens next will depend on how aggressively Minnesota pursues its rebuilding vision—and how much teams are willing to gamble on Buxton’s rare talent.
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