The Atlanta Braves are still working to complete their roster for the 2026 season. Things are expected to heat up once the Winter Meetings begin on December 8th. There should be a lot of movement being made with free agent signings and trades.
Atlanta hasn't made any big moves outside of bringing back Raisel Iglesias on a one-year, $16 million contract. That fills a big hole, but they've got plenty of question marks left to answer.
The Braves need to add another starting pitcher, bolster the bullpen, and find a bat to fill their DH role. A recent article from ESPN's Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel points to a potential trade that could provide a solution to their need for offense.
This trade talk surrounds Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. Buxton has been mentioned a lot as a fit for a few different teams. The only issue is that he has a no-trade clause in his contract. He has expressed his desire to remain with Minnesota. However, recent reporting states that Buxton would be willing to waive his no-trade clause. The main thing teams have to figure out is how much the cost will be for the Georgia native.
Free at ESPN: @kileymcd and I ranked the top 25 trade candidates this winter with their best potential fits and the likelihood they move. With the market percolating and the Winter Meetings starting Sunday, there will be deals. Get your foreknowledge here: https://t.co/mh8aX7nVLI
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 2, 2025
There is even more smoke around a potential Braves trade for Byron Buxton
Buxton is a speedy outfielder with great defense and range. There are some things to like about him offensively, but there are also some setbacks. Another issue for Atlanta to consider is how healthy he will be. Buxton has not played more than 140 games in a season since 2017.
Passan and McDaniel explain that Buxton has the "third-best isolated power in the league since 2020 (behind only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani), but Buxton has roughly half the number of homers as those two in that span because of various injuries that have limited his playing time." That is a massive risk for the Braves to take due to his lengthy injury history. However, the financial cost isn't too crazy, as he is owed $15 million per season through 2028. So, if the trade cost is astronomical, don't expect AA and company to entertain bringing him home.
However, let's say Atlanta makes the trade. What does this mean for the outfield? Buxton would have to consider moving to LF as Michael Harris II is excellent in center. This would put Jurickson Profar out of a spot in the field.
That could potentially help Atlanta solve their need for a designated hitter. Profar would be a nice fit in that spot assuming he can avoid being suspended again should Marcell Ozuna not return. Buxton could also be a DH, but one doubts Atlanta wants to waste his defense.
Buxton did have career highs in 2025 in plate appearances and WAR at 542 and 5.0, respectively. He slashed .264/.327/.551 last year with 21 doubles, 24 stolen bases, 35 homers, 84 RBI, and a 136 OPS+. The article suggests there is a 35% chance Buxton is traded. So, everything will have to fall into place for the Braves to land him. He is certainly a good fit for the team for the right price.