​Why Phillies trade rumors surrounding a $100 million All-Star outfielder are a waste of time originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Philadelphia Phillies could use a right-handed hitting outfielder in their lineup, and plenty of teams around MLB could as well. But to acquire an All-Star-caliber outfielder, the Phillies may have to look beyond the Minnesota Twins for a solution. ESPN’s Jeff Passan labeled Byron Buxton as a “dream” trade target for the Phillies, yet he has consistently made clear that he does not want to leave Minnesota. “There might not be a better fit between team need and player than the Phillies and Buxton, but with him controlling where he plays next and seemingly having no desire to go elsewhere, it’s moot enough that time spent on pursuing a deal is, at this point, a waste,” Passan wrote.
Buxton has a no-trade clause in his contract, a seven-year, $100 million deal with the Twins that runs through the 2028 season. He is known for Gold Glove defense in center field and rarely getting caught on the bases, although he previously attempted far more stolen bases before injuries accumulated. And then there’s his power, which helped him reach 25 home runs in 75 games in 2026. There are other options for the Phillies to consider, but likely none better than Buxton, should a path to acquire him open up. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski may need to get creative during trade talks.
A looming storyline involves how a potential deal for Byron Buxton would unfold, including what a Dodgers–Yankees battle for Tarik Skubal might indicate about the market. There is one thing standing between the Phillies and a Buxton pursuit. The club will need to navigate the realities of Buxton’s no-trade clause, contract terms, and Minnesota’s willingness to entertain an exchange, all while weighing how a move could impact the club’s long-term strategy. The situation also highlights how the Phillies’ front office, under Dombrowski, might approach negotiations with a blend of urgency and imagination as they seek to enhance their lineup. In the meantime, talk of a Babe Ruth-like milestone for Kyle Schwarber continues to trend as fans and analysts consider the broader implications for the club’s branding and search for an elite right-handed bat.