The New York Mets are in desperate search of a center fielder before the trade deadline. With rather low offensive production from this position, the name of Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton had emerged as the ideal candidate. His All-Star status, undeniable talent and finally, his good health seemed to make him the perfect solution to the New York team’s problems. However, in an unexpected twist, Buxton himself has made it clear that his future is not in the Big Apple.
The Mets, who have received very little production from center field, with a combined .614 OPS from the likes of Jose Siri, Tyrone Taylor and Jeff McNeil, saw Buxton as the most obvious upgrade on the market. On paper, the 31-year-old, with an injury-riddled career but now at the top of his game, was the perfect asset for a Twins team that might be willing to sell, given that they are sixth worst in the league.
The decision that stops everything
The Twins’ situation, owing Buxton around $45 million and having seen the player deal with countless injuries throughout his career, seemed reason enough to trade their most valuable asset while his stock is at its highest. However, a single sentence from Buxton has caused this whole scenario to crumble.
When asked about his future and trade rumors, Buxton was blunt: he will not waive his no-trade clause. His loyalty to the Twins, the organization that selected him as the second overall pick in the 2012 draft and awarded him a seven-year, $100 million extension in 2021, is unwavering.
“I’m going to be a Minnesota Twin for the rest of my life. It’s the best feeling in the world, knowing that I can walk into a clubhouse that says ‘Minnesota Twins’ for the rest of my life,” he said.
The Mets’ Plan B
With Buxton’s intentions clear, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns will have to look elsewhere if he wants to upgrade the center field position.
Other names linked to the team include Boston Red Sox’s Jarren Duran, although the Boston team may not be willing to part with him while they are in a wild card position. Also mentioned is Cedric Mullins of the Orioles, or a possible reunion with Harrison Bader. In any case, the Mets will have to reconsider their strategy, as the plan to acquire Byron Buxton has been definitively crossed off the list.
Read the full article here
