When offseason whispers pointed to the Dodgers pursuing Byron Buxton as a big outfield upgrade, fans and analysts alike wondered whether L.A. was preparing to make a splash. Buxton — known for his rare combination of power, elite defense, and blazing speed — seemed like a perfect fit in Dodgers blue.
But late last week, Rosenthal reported what many suspected was possible all along: the Twins planned to hold onto Buxton. Despite offloading other pieces last season, Minnesota reportedly views Buxton as the centerpiece of a retooling effort — not a trade chip.
That news effectively kills the Buxton-to-Dodgers speculation for now. It would have taken a trade and likely a waiver of Buxton’s no-trade clause to make it happen, and given his ties to Minnesota — both personally and professionally — that always seemed like a stretch.
For Los Angeles, the implications are immediate. The team is still widely believed to be seeking an outfielder — either through trade or free agency — though the parameters have shifted. With Buxton off the table, the Dodgers’ front office will likely cast their net wider: names like Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, or Lars Nootbaar have been floated.
At the same time, the club must balance pressing needs elsewhere. The outfield vacancy left by Michael Conforto’s departure remains open, but so does the persistent demand for bullpen help. Sources suggest the Dodgers may prefer addressing reinforcements for both — but without giving up too much of their elite farm-system depth or overcommitting major long-term money.
Interestingly, the organization appears willing to shuffle its existing outfield configuration rather than rely solely on outside acquisitions. Imports like Teoscar Hernández are reportedly still in play for trades, especially given their defensive concerns in 2025. Doing so could pave the way for younger talent, such as Andy Pages, to step into larger roles.
In short: the door is no longer open for a Buxton trade — but the Dodgers’ offseason is far from over. With the trade-block list shrinking, front-office strategists must pivot. Whether they target versatile outfielders, prioritize bullpen arms, or roll the dice on internal options remains to be seen. Whatever happens, the next move could define whether L.A. stays locked in championship form, or begins a quieter, more conservative transition.
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