The New York Mets are searching for an upgrade in centerfield ahead of the trade deadline at the end of July.
Bob Nightengale reported just a few days ago that the Mets were inquiring about Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox. If that doesn’t work out, the Mets could pursue $100 million outfielder Byron Buxton from the Minnesota Twins.
To be clear, the Twins have not come out directly and stated they are looking to move on from Buxton. However, MLB insider Buster Olney isn’t writing it off just yet.
“They (the Twins) could dangle Byron Buxton, their dynamic and oft-injured center fielder, into the trade conversations,” wrote Olney. “Buxton is healthy and playing well, and he’s under contract for the next three seasons at $15.1 million per year.”
If the Mets were to pursue a deal, they would also have to pay Buxton the remaining of his $15.1 million this season as well. For owner Steve Cohen, that may seem like the equivalent of $100 to the average person.
Through 148 at-bats, Buxton is hitting .264 with nine home runs and 26 RBI; he’s also stolen eight bases so far this season.
As Olney mentioned, though, the key to acquiring Buxton is to keep him durable. To this point in his career, the 31-year-old center fielder has played 100-plus games just two seasons in his career (excluding 60-game season in 2020).
The Mets would certainly benefit from adding Buxton. He would be an immediate upgrade over Jose Siri and Tyrone Taylor. While the Twins would like to demand a large package with how much control Buxton has available, his inability to stay healthy raises some red flags.
