Phillies predicted to trade for Twins’ disgruntled $100M Silver Slugger, Gold Glove winner originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Minnesota Twins‘ best player is undoubtedly Byron Buxton, who has been the face of the franchise for quite some time. Buxton is an extremely valuable player when healthy, although staying on the field has occasionally been a challenge.

Buxton spent this offseason frustrated with the Twins after hearing his name surface in trade rumors. It was the first time there appeared to be a legitimate possibility that he could be moved.

“It’s been months of upheavals for the Minnesota Twins and, because of roster changes, turnover in the dugout and front office, and an uncertain commitment level from ownership, the future is uncertain. That uncertainty hasn’t sat well with franchise cornerstone Byron Buxton, especially insofar as his future with the Twins is concerned,” CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry wrote.

Buxton was reportedly more frustrated with the organization for not publicly shutting down the speculation. With Minnesota failing to do that, he wasn’t very happy.

“All it takes is for somebody at the top to go to the media, ‘We’re not trading you,’” Buxton said. “Trade rumors stop. Now we don’t have those conversations. That’s how simple this could get. But as I stated, it’s different, it’s different.”

The Philadelphia Phillies are a team that could be aggressive in pursuing Buxton at the trade deadline, as they need another impact bat in the outfield. Buxton would also bring elite defense to Philadelphia. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly believes the Phillies are a logical landing spot.

“So, Buxton is also a potential fit for Dave Dombrowski to consider, especially since this veteran team has immense talent at the top of its roster, with Cristopher Sánchez, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Zack Wheeler and Jhoan Duran,” Kelly wrote.

The Phillies signed Adolis García during free agency, but his bat has not produced as expected. Buxton would give Philadelphia’s lineup more flexibility, as he can fit virtually anywhere in the batting order.

Buxton is on a $100 million contract, making him a reasonable financial addition for the Phillies. A Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner, Buxton would be a major acquisition for Philadelphia and a move that makes a great deal of sense if the Twins decide to make him available.

• Yankees predicted to trade for $32M 2-time Cy Young winner to supercharge World Series dreams

• Dodgers, Braves, Blue Jays get concerning Tarik Skubal trade update after Tigers’ hot streak

• Braves’ Chris Sale name drops Atlanta’s versatile bullpen ‘secret weapon’ after strong start

• Blue Jays-Marlins trade pitch sends $56M Cy Young winner to Toronto for World Series resurgence

Read More