Potential Mets target Byron Buxton shoots down any possibility of trade

ATLANTA — If Byron Buxton were on the Mets’ wish list, he can be crossed off. 

There are not many position players who would make more sense as trade-deadline additions for the Mets.

With briefly Jose Siri, usually Tyrone Taylor and now occasionally Jeff McNeil (a natural infielder), the club has received very little production at the plate (a combined .614 OPS) from its center field spot.

There is not a more obvious offensive position for the team to upgrade, and Buxton definitely would qualify as an upgrade. 

The tremendously talented and finally healthy All-Star spoke at Monday’s availability before competing in the Home Run Derby.

He has crushed opposing pitching this season, with a slash line of .289/.351/.574 and 21 home runs in 78 first-half games.

Somehow, a player who has endured more injuries than just about anyone in the game ranks as second in all of the game in average sprint speed, a gifted athlete who plays a strong center field. 

There are reasons for the Twins — 11.5 games removed from the AL Central lead and four games back of a wild-card spot, owners of the sixth-worst record in the league — to cash in a valuable trade chip when he is arguably at his most valuable.

Buxton is 31, owed around $45 million from 2026-28 for a team that counts pennies, and has dealt with wrist, thumb, groin, head, toe, shoulder, hip, hand, and knee injuries, just to name a few, which too often have hindered one of the most-hyped prospects ever in an 11-year career. 

Wouldn’t the Twins, if they decide to sell by July 31, want to trade Buxton when he is healthy, hitting and perhaps at the height of his desirability? 

If so, it wouldn’t matter: Buxton said he would not waive his no-trade clause. 

“I’m going to be a Minnesota Twin for the rest of my life,” Buxton said. “It’s the best feeling in the world, knowing I can walk into a clubhouse that says ‘Minnesota Twins’ for the rest of my life.” 

Buxton has been with the organization since being drafted second overall in 2012 and was awarded with a seven-year, $100 million extension in December 2021. 

He is not from the area — he is a Georgia native — but is a fan favorite who loves where he has been and where he will be. 

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“I’m a Twin,” Buxton said. “That’s home.” 

David Stearns will have to look elsewhere if he wants to improve externally in center field.

The name linked most often is Jarren Duran, who is part of a crowded outfield group with the Red Sox — but would Boston move the 28-year-old while sitting in wild-card position? 

The fading-if-not-faded Orioles could trade Cedric Mullins (.713 OPS).

Or maybe the Mets could seek a reunion with Harrison Bader ( .767 OPS), although it is also possible they count on Siri returning at some point in the second half or Taylor’s bat showing more than it has.