Outfielder Byron Buxton has long been rumored to be a target of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Arguably the figurehead of the Minnesota Twins franchise, Buxton has plenty of appeal as a power threat with good defense skills and the best speed in the Big Leagues. A veteran with strong leadership skills, he was seemingly viewed as a good fit within the Dodgers clubhouse.
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All of the Buxton-to-LA buzz has seemingly died with one report from Ken Rosenthal. The veteran reporter revealed that the Twins have no plans to trade Buxton despite selling most of their team last year. The apparent aim is to retool and rebuild with Buxton being the centerpiece of the project.
Buxton did have a no-trade clause, and it was no guarantee he’d accept a trade to the West Coast given his love for Minnesota and the fact he’s from the state of Georgia.
The fit on paper did make sense — though the hunt for outfield reinforcements will now continue whether it be via trade or free agency.
Cleveland Guardians OF Steven Kwan, St. Louis Cardinals OF Lars Nootbaar, and Boston Red Sox outfielders Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran have all been associated with the team over the offseason period.
Time and time again, the Dodgers pull off moves that no one really sees coming — with Alex Call being one at last year’s trade deadline.
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It will be interesting to see where the Dodgers opt to go given the lack of free agent options at the position. It would be mildly interesting if the team opts for some sort of platoon with Dalton Rushing and Ryan Ward in left field.
More than likely, the team would prefer Teoscar Hernandez to move over to left field with the goal of bringing on a plus-defender for one of the other two outfield spots. From there, that’ll determine where Andy Pages will play given his versatility and arm strength.
Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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