With MLB’s Winter Meetings just days away, the annual surge of league-wide trade speculation is beginning to heat up. These meetings often spark some of the offseason’s boldest deals, as front offices, analysts, and insiders gather in one place.
Beyond major free agent calls involving Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suárez, the Philadelphia Phillies could also look to the trade market for a high-impact outfielder. Outfield upgrades have been on their radar for several seasons, and this winter might finally present the right opportunity. With reports indicating the Minnesota Twins are open to moving star center fielder Byron Buxton, a blockbuster scenario is at least worth watching.
Byron Buxton Could Waive His No-Trade Clause
Buxton’s seven-year, $100 million contract includes a full no-trade clause. However, ESPN reporters Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel noted that the Twins star is open to waiving it:
“Buxton is willing to waive his no-trade clause — and not just for Atlanta (he’s a Georgia native) — which puts the Twins in an interesting position. If the paucity of front-line free agent outfielders prompts a team to make an offer for Buxton, how seriously would Minnesota take it?”
The insiders listed the Phillies as one of the most logical landing spots.
Buxton fits the profile Philadelphia has been chasing: a true five-tool outfielder with elite athleticism and strong offensive production on a relatively manageable contract. A two-time All-Star, he has 168 career home runs across 11 MLB seasons. Should Harrison Bader depart in free agency, Buxton would immediately take over as the Phillies’ starting center fielder.
What Buxton Adds — and What It Might Cost
The Twins already signaled a rebuild direction at this year’s trade deadline, and with financial concerns lingering, they may be ready for more significant moves. But acquiring Buxton would not come cheaply.
A realistic trade package would likely start with either Bryson Stott or Alec Bohm, add a premium prospect such as Aidan Miller, and include another developmental piece.
Buxton is coming off perhaps the strongest season of his career. In 2025, he belted 35 home runs, drove in 83 runs, and finished with a 136 OPS+. Most impressively, he managed to stay healthy — playing 120 or more games for the first time since 2017.
Durability has always been the main question with Buxton, not his talent. When on the field, he remains one of the league’s most dynamic defenders and a major power threat, making him an intriguing target for a Phillies team eager to upgrade its outfield.