Before the trade deadline at the end of July, the New York Mets are looking to improve their centerfield.
Only a few days ago, Bob Nightengale claimed that the Mets were interested in Chicago White Sox player Luis Robert Jr. If that doesn’t work out, the Mets may try to sign Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, who is valued at $100 million.
To be clear, the Twins haven’t explicitly said that they want to let go of Buxton. Buster Olney, an MLB insider, isn’t discounting it just yet, though.
“They (the Twins) could dangle Byron Buxton, their dynamic and oft-injured center fielder, into the trade conversations,” said Olney. “Buxton is healthy and playing well, and he’s under contract for the next three seasons at $15.1 million per year.”
The Mets would also be required to pay Buxton the full $15.1 million this season if they were to seek a deal. But to the typical individual, that may be the equal of $100, according to owner Steve Cohen.
Buxton has stolen eight bases this season and is hitting.264 with nine home runs and 26 RBI through 148 at-bats.
However, Olney pointed out that keeping Buxton durable is crucial to obtaining him. With the exception of his 60-game season in 2020, the 31-year-old center fielder has only played 100 or more games in two seasons thus far.
Adding Buxton would undoubtedly help the Mets. Compared to Tyrone Taylor and Jose Siri, he would be an instant improvement. Given how much control Buxton has, the Twins would like to demand a big deal, but his failure to maintain his health raises some concerns.
