Overview
- Buxton told reporters the club should have publicly said it would not trade him, arguing that would have halted months of offseason speculation.
- Team leaders later signaled in December that Buxton, Pablo López and Joe Ryan would be retained, and new manager Derek Shelton said Buxton is central to the Twins’ plans.
- Buxton has a full no-trade clause and has repeatedly stated he wants to remain in Minnesota.
- He will depart much of camp to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic from March 5–17.
- Coming off an All-Star and Silver Slugger 2025 season, Buxton’s strong year fueled outside trade talk and unconfirmed media chatter about a possible position shift to accommodate prospect Walker Jenkins.