Could the Los Angeles Dodgers go big game hunting via the trade market this offseason?
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According to Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation, one veteran outfielder makes considerable sense as an upgrade.
Byron Buxton, 31, is currently coming off the best year of his career. For the lowly Twins, the Georgia native slugged 35 homers to go along with 83 runs batted in. He hit .264, stole 24 bases, made the All-Star team, and registered a .878 OPS.
Buxton has been the face of Minnesota’s franchise dating back to when he broke into the league in 2015 as a 21-year-old. He was taken No. 2 overall in the 2012 MLB Draft, one spot behind Carlos Correa and two spots ahead of Kevin Gausman.
It’s no secret the Dodgers want to upgrade their outfield. Michael Conforto certainly did not pan out in left field. Teoscar Hernandez struggled defensively all year long, and there’s a world where he is moved to left field to better mitigate his challenges as a fielder.
Kyle Tucker has long been associated with the Dodgers as a possible free agent target. The same has been said for Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians. Tucker will likely command a megadeal — and the thought of bringing another contract on the books for 10-plus years might not be ideal for the franchise moving forward.
Kwan fits perfectly as a player with terrific defensive capabilities and elite bat-to-ball skills. Having said that, Cleveland is notoriously difficult to negotiate with, and the Dodgers may not want to part with some of their better prospects.
Enter Buxton — someone that is very well respected within the Twins organization. He’s a high-level athlete even into his 30s. This is illustrated by the fact that he ranks in the 100th percentile in sprint speed. Los Angeles could stand to get more athletic across the board with an older roster.
Buxton also fits as a centerfielder, and that would enable Andy Pages to kick to his more natural spot in right field. A possible acquisition of Buxton would make the Dodgers far better defensively in the outfield, and also a more athletic team. Tommy Edman could then move to second base permanently where he’s more suited to perform as well.
The hitting profile is also something that should excite Dodgers fans. This past year, Buxton ranked above the 88th percentile in xSLG, average exit velocity, barrel percentage, hard-hit percentage, bat speed, batting run value, and baserunning run value. He’s also an above-average performer in range (81th percentile) and arm strength (77th percentile).
The main element here worth noting is the fact that Buxton has a no-trade clause. He’s reportedly loved his time in Minnesota to the point that it’s unknown as to whether he’d ever want to leave.
Buxton is under contract until 2028 on a very favorable deal which initially was a seven-year agreement worth $100 million.
There’s world where Buxton, hailing from a small town, might not want to go and play for the star-studded Dodgers. On the other hand, there’s also a scenario where he could be further reenergized performing for the golden standard in the sport with a real shot at winning a World Series.
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Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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14 Responses
Eww. I do not want Byron Buxton. Dude does not have Dodger Blue vibes.
Buxton is NOT who the Dodgers need. He is too old and he has never been able to stay healthy for a full season.
That was the exact thought I had Dan, Jason Fray the writer of the article failed to mention his career of ACL and UCL and ankle and calf injuries, he’s gonna preform his best at this age and next year, after that, 33+ with tons of prior injuries make him a bad investment especially if the primary reason for signing him is to help Pages in the OF.
Getting off of Astro turf will help his knees and ankles for at least 50% of his games…
31 years old? He’s in the middle of his prime. If the Dodgers can do it, I say get him, Or Kwan, Or sign Bellinger. One way or the other they need to do something. Teo can not stay in RF no matter what and Edmund’s ankle may not be able to take the pounding in the outfield. One of these three would provide a long term solution. Kwan is the better bat ti ball hitter than can set up opportunities for the Big Bats and is an elite defender, as are Bellinger and Buxton. Buxton would be the answer defensively in CF, Bellinger could plug in as LF, RF or 1B as needed. All of them could help the team. THe dodgers just need to make a choice…
Funny how comments that Bryon Buxton would not be a good fit. The writer suggests rightfully so that he would be a good fit. I agree with the writer but with at least two great unknown parts to bringing Burton Buxton.
One is at what cost in trade value would the Dodgers have to give up? The part two of course would be could he stay healthy? Last of course thought but actually first on the list of hurdles to jump would be does Buxton want to give up his no trade clause and come to the Dodgers?
How about Sheehan or River Ryan, Wrobleski and Bobby Miller. There is no regular role for Sheehan, Wrobleski or Ryan in the rotation with Ohtani pitching more regularly and Yamamoto, Snell and Glasnow are locks. They keep saying Sasaki is going to be back into the rotation. And Gavin Stone is also about to return making 5 good experienced MLB starters. Three decent, young major league experience pitchers should be more than enough to get the Twins to to bite since they look like they are going to go the cheap route with all the players they dumped last year. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens…
A lot of upside if he can stay on the field. That is a big if. He would definitely make the Dodger outfield better and he hits lefties. Not sure what the Twins need or would ask for in a trade. Maybe they need a DH and would take Teo and some good prospects. Probably not as they are looking to cut payroll.
Get Jarren Duran instead!
Duran might cost a lot more than Buxton since he’s on the downside of 30… And the Res Sox may not want to trade him since the guys they thought would replace him haven’t worked out except for Roman Anthony… There is a stud…
4-6 year contracts w/2year option.and no bonus for for good behavior.
We should start Hyeseong Kim.
The Dodgers need to move Teoscar back to left, where he was passable, keep Pages in center, he had an awful start both with the bat and glove, but hopefully the second half is what is what he will continue to be, move Mookie back to right and find a SS.
I want to see Pages in right, Teo in left and the Dodgers find a center fielder. Mookie isn’t moving off shortstop at this point